The Complete Book Of Hot Wheels 4th Edition

A good friend of mine who is a Hot Wheels collector is sure to love Schiffer Publishing’s and author Bob Parker’s new The Complete Book Of Hot Wheels 4^th Edition book.

This oversize softbound book has everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) there is to know about Hot Wheels up until 1999.

From the miniature die cast cars debut the book lists each and every release including multi-pack, special editions and most important of all Red Lines!

Photos, full-spec information and prices are also included accompanied by a variation price guide and loads of historical information.

If you love Hot Wheels and especially if you love and crave vintage and classic Hot Wheels then this is the ‘must have’ book for you.

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

Superman Peace On Earth

If Superman is as powerful as people claim shouldn’t he be able to end hunger, poverty and crime all over the world?

That’s just what Superman sets out to do. Easier said than done and what do the nations and rulers of the world have to say about it?

This special release lets readers see the more compassionate human side of Superman.

After a short recap of the origin of Superman the oversize graphic novel by Paul Dini and Alex Ross shows Superman performing a few ‘super’ feats.

Standing with his father at their Smallville farm Superman comes to the conclusion he can do more for humanity.

The first thing to do is to feed the hungry people around the world and then on to more problems.

Try as he might he can only do so much.

He comes to realize as powerful as he is he is only one man.

Governments and people around the world must work together to solve its problems.

When one person takes it upon themselves to solve all the world’s problems it only causes more problems.  Nations rise against nations and nationalities against nationalities in a bid to gain more power and to deny others thier needs.

Until petty differences can be put aside, prejudices curtailed and power brought under control there will never be peace.

In the end Superman realizes his mistakes and although he did manage to save a number of people it takes an army of caring individuals to spread peace.

Superman Peace On Earth from DC Comics successfully tackles the premise that Superman, as powerful as he is, is no more responsible or capable than the next man to bring about peace.

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.

Drawing For Dummies

My entire career has been art based. I went to The University Of Miami and earned a Bachelor Of Arts degree in Graphic Design.

 

From there I held various jobs where I used my drawing and graphic design skills for 30 years.

After retiring as a Vice-President Of Marketing I taught drawing, graphic design and commercial art at a local high school for 11 years. For the last nine years I’ve been retired.

Just recently the drawing bug struck me again and I’ve been illustrating like crazy. It’s been fun and satisfying.

Over my long drawing career, either as an artist or teacher, I’ve never come across one book that delves into drawing from all angles. That is-until now.

Wiley Brand’s and author Jamie Platt’s Drawing For Dummies book has everything a budding or veteran artist could possibly want about the foundations of drawing.

Starting with basics the book discusses essential supplies, how to develop eye to hand coordination, line and shading, 3D rendering, drawing various subjects such as people, landscapes and animals, cartooning, how to develop your style, securing employment, perspective, various drawing techniques and a plethora of tips, tricks, and techniques and all of it is aided by art samples.

So what are you waiting for?! Grab a pencil, paper and start drawing!

Exodus 35:35 
He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.

Big Guy And Rusty The Boy Robot #1

Only writer Frank Miller and artist Geof Darrow could bring you the tale of a giant mechanical man and a little boy robot.

Japanese scientists have succeeded in creating the primal ooze that all life came from (if you believe that sort of thing).

Unfortunately for them the ooze gets out of control and continues to grow.

From the primal sludge an ancient evil has taken it over and is delighted that finally after so many millennia it has a host that is capable of holding its immense power.

Rusty The Boy Robot is activated to destroy the monster but finds himself inadequately prepared to handle it.  In one last desperate attempt the government activates Big Guy.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to see Geof Darrow’s artwork then you are missing a visual treat.

The man packs more detail into each page than most comic book artists put into an entire comic book issue.

Every tiny detail is included.  Your eyes will strain from taking in all the visual goodies.

Big Guy and Rusty team up and manage to hold the monster at bay as it kills then absorbs humans and transforms them into smaller monsters.

Battered, bruised and damaged the powerful mechanical team manages to take out the monster and his hoards with an atomic bomb and cows?

The illustrations are astounding-especially the monster carnage scenes.

What a great story!  The script is funny and fast-paced, the artwork is amazing packed with incredible vistas.  Combine the two and Big Guy And Rusty The Boy Robot #1 from Dark Horse Comics delivers a one-two punch!

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Boatlife

I can honestly say I am not a boat person.

Sure I’ve been out on the water in a rowboat, power boat, canoe, water skis and inner tubes but never on a cruise ship, yacht or sailboat.

I’m more of a swimming pool type of guy. Although I would like to go out on the ocean on a big ship or massive sailboat and voyage to another country. I think it would be exciting.

To man a sailboat, assist in sailing, learn nautical terms and how to navigate the seas is far beyond my capabilities.

In 1973 I moved to Homestead, Florida. While there I met my future wife and fell in love with her parents. Her father was an avid fisherman.

Sometimes on the weekend my wife, her parents and I would travel out to Bayfront (Metro) Park, unload my fahter-in-law's 17-foot boat and cruise on out to Whistling Buoy that was close 14 miles off the coast of Florida. There we would fish for the entire day and usually come back with huge catch.

Sometimes we would travel to the Keys and hang out at the various beaches. Ahhh! Maritime freedom!

Growing up in Michigan my friends and I would venture out in rowboat on the nearby lake and fish. It wasn’t the ocean but the outdoors vibe was the same.

I’m not a sailor, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the sailing life.

In author Katharine Charpian’s new book from Gestalten: Boatlife Exploring The Freedom Of Maritime Living, readers get a real feel for thrill of sailing, the vast oceans, various seaside cafes, vacation spots and hidden and little known small island or inlet escapes.

The hardbound, oversize book is jam-packed with photos of sailing life with explorations of land and sea hidden gems, accommodations, interior shots of various sailing craft, dining out, relaxing, fun and games and so much more salt-water sun and fun.

The author chronicles her maritime adventures in easy-to-read and very personal text. Her observations, suggestion, recommendations and knowledge make the book come alive. You can almost feel and smell the ocean surf .

If you have the hankering to get away from it all but can’t physical vacate then this book is the perfect visual, spiritual and verbal avenue of escape.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Breathtaker

From Titan Comics comes the groundbreaking graphic novel series that shook the comic book industry over 30 years ago.

Breathtaker Love, Death, Sex, Power is the story of ChaseDarrow  a young, beautiful woman who only wants to be loved. The only problem is that she have the uncanny ability to cause men to love her with devastating results.

She is a psychic vampire that feeds on sex and love.  She literally drains the lifeforce of anyone who has sex with her and kisses her.  Her power is so magnetic and powerful that once any man has a taste of her charms he instantly falls in love with her and eventually dies, unless she or they depart.

Chase is both repelled and drawn by her power-it's an addiction.  All she wants if to be left alone.  The government has other ideas. They want her captured as she is the perfect espionage agent granted her powers by the government.  They send their best superhero macho man agent The Man to go after her.

He does, only to almost succumb to her charms.  Fortunately she leaves and he only suffers minor aging.  Furious he pursues her.  Will he catch her or will she get the peace she so richly deserves?

Breathtaker creators Marc Hempel and Mark Wheatley along with Titan Comics presents the deluxe hardbound book collection of the 4-part miniseries.

It's still controversial, definitely for adults, extremely well written with fleshed defined characters and demonstrates how graphic novels are not just for kids. 

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

 

The Story Of Scottish Art

I am of Irish and Scottish stock. My ancestors came to the new world to make a better life for themselves.

My Scottish heritage is evident in my life. Ask my wife. I’m frugal (some people would say cheap), quick with a joke, jovial, imaginative, artistic and above all-proud of my heritage.

Author Lacklan Goudie and publisher Thames & Hudson explore and trace the impressive history of Scottish art dating back almost 5,000 years in The Story Of Scottish Art.

Inside this very comprehensive and fact-filled book, tinged with folk lore, is the story of how the Scottish people first put chisel to stone, brush to canvas, wove fabrics, crafted pottery, penned literature and crafted jewelry and other objects of art.

But, this book is more than a collection of photos of art. It  contains the history of a proud and headstrong people whose contributions to art, architecture, engineering, worship and more has helped shaped not just Scotland but the entire world.

As I read each page and looked over each photos I couldn’t help but be proud of my Scottish blood-much of which had been spilled by my ancestors in the past during wars and conflicts.

This book makes me determined more than ever to visit my ancestral homeland and walk the same hills, valleys and land my ancestors tread so long ago.

I want to search out my kin that still live in Scotland and perhaps connect with them. It would be interested to see if they are as ‘frugal’ and stubborn as I am.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Photo Betty Page

Back in the 1950s Betty Page was the ultimate ‘good girl’ pin-up queen adored by fans.

Her tantalizing photos shoots tempted and taunted men with her ‘almost can see it all’ lacivious poses.

When Dave Stevens released his Rocketeer stories there was a scene where the Rocketeer rushed into a room while Betty was in a photo shoot.  Let's just say she was not ‘dressed’ for the occasion.

The articulated figure set from Dark Horse consists of Betty posing for a rather seedy looking photographer.

The box the figures come in is colored in light blue and pink pastels reminiscent of many of the color palettes used in the 1950s.  Photos of Betty decorate all sides of the see-thru panel box.

Inside the box Betty is posed in a black brassiere, panties, silk stockings with garter belts and black stiletto shoes.

She pulls up the hose on her right leg with both hands.  Her lovely face is framed by black hair has a smile on heir red lips and a sparkle in her blue eyes. 

The overweight obese photographer has a leering look on his face.  His bald head is framed by gray hair around the sides.  His heavy jowls, pudgy face and slouched stature belie his age.

He wears a short long-sleeve white shirt with rolled up sleeves.  The shirt’s buttons strain to keep the shirt closed because of his massive belly and the collared shirt is open halfway down his chest.

He wears baggy black trousers, black suspenders and black shoes.

He holds a flash control in his right hand.

Around the figures are a silver lamp stand with shutters, a tripod camera stand with a large old-fashioned portrait camera on top, complete with a flip down front and accordion lens cover.  

Also included is a color photo of Betty and the photographer’s toupee

The figures and accessories stand on a wooden floor base.

Details are amazing especially on the stand and camera. Colors are crisp with no rough edges.  Sculpter work captures the scene as seen in the Rocketeer comic book perfectly.

The figure set up stands in front of a beach scene background. 

Isaiah 32:9

Rise up, ye  women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

American Naval History In 50 Ships

The United States has a long and legendary history of military Naval vessels.

From the dawn of the U.S. Naval history there have been notable and important events, crews, officers and battles that have helped to define the United States Navy.

In American Naval History In 50 Ships, by author James M. Caiella and publisher McFarland & Company Inc.,Publishers, delve into the history of unsung vessels from the Colonial Era to the Cold War.

Accompanied by photos and art the book examines some little known facts and clarifies some rumors and misconceptions. It's an excellent guide.

Arranged in chronological order the book provides in-depth looks at the designs of the ships, their crews, battles, notoriety and how each contributed to American seafaring history.

Military, Naval and history buffs will appreciate how detailed the book is right down to ts notes, bibliography, index providing an excellent breakdown of facts ans stats.

A huge amount of research went into the writing of this book and Admiral James Stavridis provides the foreword. I recommend it.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Ultraverse

 

In the early 1990s both Marvel and DC Comics had some serious competition on their hands. Other publishers entered the market and threatened to take away their readership.

One such company, Malibu Comics, had a huge plethora of characters and the creators and production expertise to take up the challenge.

When the comic book speculation glut hit and then collapsed many new comic book publishers were stuck with huge inventories and bills. Most went out of business.

Malibu Comics held on just long enough to be bought by Marvel Comics-not for its characters but for its color technology and location on the West Coast.

This happened in the early 1990s and none of the Malibu characters have been seen since. Skybox put out a 115 Card set of Malibu character Ultraverse Trading Cards that also included two Ultra Cards.

It came in its own little box colorfully decorated with Malibu characters on both sides.

It’s too bad Malibu folded because it had an impressive roster of characters, good stories, great art and superb coloring.

2 Corinthians 4:16 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

 

The Hunters

When the word predator is mentioned most people think of huge beasts like tigers, sharks, lions and the like. Humans are predators-we hunt animals for food, albeit we have made is somewhat sanitary. We get most our meat from the grocery store, fast food and canned meat.

While large cats, canines, etc. are excellent hunters and predators it might surprise you to know that many insects make their hunting and killing skills look like the work of amateurs.

Take for example the praying mantis, scorpions and other poisonous and predator insects and arachnids. Vicious!

In The Hunters Predators Of The Animal Kingdom, from the creative team of Octavio Pintos and Martin Iannuzzi and published by Little Gestalten, kids get a first-hand look at the predators of the world-both big and small.

Graphs, signs, symbols, geographic locations, predator statistics and more, accompanied by impressive full-color illustrations, provide kids will all the cool information they need to understand and appreciate nature’s predators.

The thin, large, hardbound book makes the perfect addition to any kid’s library and a great resource for school. Be sure and ‘hunt’ down a copy!

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine Series Premiere Trading Cards

When Star Trek Deep Space Nine came out it changed the face of Star Trek forever.

Previously in the earlier Trek TV series the future was always pictured as optimistic. 

Oh sure, there a few conflicts but all-in-all The Federation planets lived n peace and there was no poverty or want. 

Not so, with Deep Space Nine. There was always a crisis or danger from hostile aliens.

The station was run down and repairs had to be made almost on a daily basis. The constant threat of takeovers or troubles from the nearby region of space that opened to other quadrants were constant themes. 

Crew members didn’t always get along and neither did the command staff being it was comprised of different races.

Dirt and grime and poverty and crime painted a different picture of this Federation outpost.

In 1993 Skybox Trading Cards released 98 card Star Trek Deep Space Nine Series Premiere Trading Cards set featuring images from the series: characters, ships, locations, etc. 

All were printed on heavy-coated paper stock with gloss photos. 

On the back of the cards was information about the images on their fronts. 

Also a Certification Of Limited Edition, a Comment and Special Cards were included.

The cards came packaged in a small box with two pieces of Styrofoam inside to keep the cards protected.

It’s a nice set of cards of which I still have.

Proverbs 20:29 - The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

Cabinets of Curiosities

Centuries ago, long before museums containing art and artifacts became commonplace some wealthy patrons, explorers and the curious often created and housed what were called Cabinets Of Curiosities-vast collections of oddities, artifacts, strange and unusual objects and other bric-a-brac.

Some charged modest entry fees to the general public to view the displays.  Others kept thier displays private while others used them to impress guests.

The genesis of the Cabinets Of Curiosities is believed to have started during the Baroque Period. Although I’m sure collections and collectors existed before that time but in smaller numbers.

Part of the reason such collections flourished in the Baroque Period was probably due in part that nautical exploration of distant lands achieved via ship explorations.

Wealthy patrons during that time either traveled and collected themsleves or had others gather objects on their travels and bring back to the patrons.

Whatever the reason, Cabinets Of Curiosities proliferated.

In author Patrick Mauries’ new, deluxe hardbound book from Thames & Hudson: Cabinets Of Curiosities, delves into the history of the phenomenon accompanied by period drawings, paintings and photos of collections up until the present day.

Cabinets consist of themed exhibits such as insect collections, animals, small objects of art, human and animal skeletons, flora, fauna-almost anything or things imaginable.

The book looks at some the most famous or predominate collectors over the ages and how their collections came about, what they were and much more.

The book itself appears aged with its archaic looking cover and binding, selection of type, page layouts and carefully selected images.

Satisfy your curiosity with a literary examination of many of the cabinets of the bizarre.

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

All-New, All-Different Free Previews Marvel

Ok, hold on to your socks!  Are you ready for the true first appearances of some of the hottest Marvel Comics characters?

Here’s a glimpse of the first appearances of:

• Invincible Iron Man
• Sam Wilson, Captain America
• The Totally Awesome Hulk
• The Might Thor (Jane Foster)
• Ms. Marvel 
• A-Force

To make the deal even better the All-New, All-Different Free Previews Marvel magazine was free at local comic book shops. 

It featured The Invincible Iron Man on its cover.

Inside the various new Marvel Comic Book series included cover and interior art and production sketches.

A plethora of two-page posters was included along with the full-page color cover art. Also included were cover art of the Battleworld tie-ins. 

Some titles have come and gone but the ones that remain (including first appearances) still make for great reading.

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

Inspired Enterprise

When Gene Roddenberry pitched the original TV series Star Trek to the NBC Network executives in 1964 he described it as a ‘Wagon Train To The Stars.’

That may sound strange, yet it was a smart move on his part. When Gene presented the Star Trek premise to NBC Westerns were huge money-makers on network TV. 

Dozens of Westerns dominated the airways close onto 20 years. Gene himself wrote a number of scripts for Westerns like Have Gun, Will Travel.

Part of the reason he was able to pitch Star Trek was because of his track record of writing good scripts, meeting deadlines and his dependability. Science Fiction TV series were few and far between-many of them cliche filled and somewhat silly.

Gene got the go-ahead to develop a Star Trek pilot episode: The Menagerie. It was a well-written, cerebral script that put forth serious questions and concepts. NBC rejected it as being too slow and intellectual for TV audiences.

In an unprecedented move, NBC ordered a second pilot: Where No Man Has Gone Before. It too had an excellent script but was much more physical and action packed. This version also featured most of the cast we all know from the original series.

Gene didn’t just slap scripts together that were filled with cliches. He did his homework-part of which was researching technical publications, space science, consulting experts in science and technology but especially space.

The result was a TV show (though not without its liberties when it can to space travel) that adhered mostly to science fact, the future vision of technology and man’s advancement as a species.

In author Glenn E. Swanson’s and Schiffer Publication’s hardbound book (with a dust jacket): Inspired Enterprise, readers will discover how NASA, the Smithsonian and the Aerospace Community helped to not only launch Star Trek as TV series but aided in its popularity and relevance in the following decades since its premier.

In-depth analysis of the science community’s contributions, its popular culture explosion and the how, why, when, who, what behind its creation are included.

Archival and recent black and white and full-color photos of both behind-the scenes, in front of the cameras, at gatherings and Star Trek memorabilia are included culminating in a fascinating and engrossing examination of what many consider the most popular Science Fiction TV series ever created.

As a life-long fan of Star Trek, having watched it when it first aired I consider myself a ‘Trekker’ (not a Trekkie). I enjoyed each an every anecdote, analysis and photo showcasing the making of the classic TV series.

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Justice Hunters

There are certain laws-written and unwritten that every civilization sets in place that protect the innocent and punish the guilty.

Without them chaos and anarchy would rule.

In Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Justice Hunters, those that are guilty are sought out and held accountable for their misdeeds.

It takes a special type of person (uh, monster) to mete out justice. Best beware because Justice Hunters have a ‘dogged’ determination when it comes to doing what’s right and punishing those that do wrong.

Justice Hunters provides three brand-new themes focusing on a different type of Extra Deck monster!

• New Fusion Monsters and Fusion Spells.
• Dracotail monsters empower your Fusion Summons.
• The K9 team lets you pop out quick Level 5 monsters and Xyz Summon.

The Justice Hunters Set contains 60 Cards:

• 10 Ultra Rares
• 10 Super Rares
• 40 Rares (some also available as Super Rare upgrades)
• 15 Cards also available as Collector’s Rares
• Additional Cards also available as Starlight Rares

24 Cards come per Box

Each Pack contains 7 Cards:

• 1 Foil Card per Pack
• 6 Rare Cards per Pack

1 John 2:3-6 - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Life On The Road

Everyday I pull up YouTube on my computer and search for videos about people traveling around the country in their recreational vehicles.

I enjoy seeing the sites and locations they’ve visited, learning about the hometown and country folk they meet and the cultural norms in different areas of the United States.

But, what would it be like to travel in a recreational vehicle as a family and visit locations all over the world?

That’s what’s behind the premise of Life On The Road Around The World On Four Wheels, from Gestalten, that follows a family as they travel, explore and discover the world in their RV.

Leander, Maria and Lennox boarded their 50-year old Mercedes-Benz truck/RV and set out to explore the world.

Through snow, rain, storms, heat, cold and every other conceivable type of weather the determined trio traversed the globe experiencing an adventure few others have experienced.

From wetlands to desserts, mountains to deep valleys and every other terrain possible the intrepid explorers immersed themselves in foreign cultures, explored ancient sites, spent times alone with but nothing but he sounds of animals at night, swam in the oceans, tried exotic food, experienced some setbacks and small victories and most of all discovering what a wonderful world we live on filled with spectacular locations, fascinating people and more.

In-depth accounts/journals of their adventure are accompanied by beautiful full-color photos-many double page spreads. If you’ve ever had the urge to travel and explore this book is perfect primer for the daring and adventurous.

The deluxe hardbound book features high-gloss paper pages that makes the text crisp and clear and the photos intense and gorgeous.

After reading and looking at this book I have the urge to ditch civilization, buy an RV and set out on my own adventure. I wonder what my wife would say?

Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible.

McDonald’s Transforming Happy Meal Toys

America’s favorite fast food combined with the transforming power of robots?  It happened when McDonalds released a set of transforming food.

There was a time when McDonalds Happy Meal figures were all the rage and were highly collectible.  They are still popular but not quite as collectible as the older figures and toys.

While I only have the Cheeseburger, Big Mac, Soft Drink and Fries there was several more toys in the complete set.

All were simple for kids to transform and rugged enough to stand up to abuse.

The series was clever, smart enough to take advantage of trend and fun enough for kids and unique enough for collectors.

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.