The CinemaScope Years

As modern movie-goers we are spoiled. 3D, surround sound, wide screens, incredible visual effects,-movies on the big screen almost seem real in their clarity, sound quality, colors, visual depth and clarity

In my younger days movies were usually shown on small screens, sometimes with questionable visual clarity, soundtracks usually weren’t in stereo and special effects questionable.

Then came CinemaScope and everything changed. Suddenly movie screens with wide to accommodate the sweeping vistas and everything seemed bigger, more realistic and detailed.

The proportions of a CinemaScope film allowed huge vistas and much more room for images on the horizontal.

I remember seeing my first CinemaScope film and was blown away by how much there was to see. Unlike conventional movie screens and later TV screens, CinemaScope films delivered with huge sweeping landscapes and immense horizontal canvases where actors and actors could move around taking a while room or rooms, train stations, theaters or whatever setting they were in.

Larger gatherings of people were able to be seen in their full scope. Just think of such films as Ben Hur, The King and I and other classics.

Dramas took on a more foreboding scope where shadow and light played out in full display, Westerns showcased the wide open spaces of out west, Horror films delivered even more horrific scares when so much of the danger could be seen by the audience and yet hidden to the actors in the films, Science Fiction movies used CinemaScope to portray vast and lonely outer space, Comedies provided more visual pratfalls and hi-jinks and Musicals had wide open stages delivered incredible music and dance numbers.

In author Aubrey Solomon’s new book: The CinemaScope Years Films That Revolutionized Moviegoing, 1953-1967, published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, the history of CinemaScope is examined along with dozens of films with full cast, crew, storylines and behind-the-scenes information provided for each. A glossary is included as well an addendum and chapter notes.

Discover how CinemaScope revolutionized the entire movie industry and how its introduction still influences movie today.

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

Star Wars Reflections II

Decipher Games at one point was producing an incredible amount of Star Wars Collectible Card Games: Star Wars Reflections II was one such expansion.

As the popularity of Star Wars has escalated over the years the discontinued star wars CCG from Decipher Games have shot up in value.

One set exceeds over $8,000 for a Box.

Refeolction II included previously released Cards.

It was the first reflective-style Set to include new Cards.

The Set contains a total of 105 Foil Cards: 

• 4 Ultra Rare
• 62 Super Rare
• 34 Very Rare
• 5 Premium Foil Cards 
• Boba Fett with Blaster Rifle
• Darth Vader (Japanese)
• Han with Heavy Blaster Pistol
• Leia with Blaster Rifle
• Obi-Wan with Lightsaber

Reflections II was known as "Expanding the Galaxy" as it included 54 New Premium Cards based on the Expanded Universe, and was the first to introduce such Cards. 

As the popularity of Star Wars grows due to new movies and Disney+ streaming series older Star Wars merchandise (including games) have become hot collectibles.

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

World Of Art Color In Art

Color and art-you can’t separate the two. Even though a piece of art may consist of only black on white it still incorporates color.

Color can signify a mood, represent an object, signify motion-you get the idea. Color is everywhere, not just in art. Fabrics, visual communication, home and office décor, signage, products-you name it-color is there.

World Of Art Color In Art, written by John Gage and published by Thames & Hudson, examines the ‘history’ of color by examining past works by many of the great artists.

Careful examination on how each artist utilized color to set a mood, make a statement or depict familiar and abstract objects brings the subject of color into sharp focus.

The oversize, softbound book is filled (you guessed it) with color reproductions of art through the ages along with commentaries on the how, why, where, what and who of each individual piece of art.

How color was used, its representation and the emotions it stimulates are examined. Color permeates our lives. Artists, craftsmen, architects and designers use color to send a message, whether it is to evoke an emotion or even sell a product, color is a universal language uninhibited by borders, languages and varying social norms.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in how to use color to convey a message and especially artists and art teachers as a helpful guide and teaching tool.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Astonishing X-Men #1

Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator/writer Joss Whedon and fan favorite artist John Cassaday combine their considerable talents to reimagine the X-Men.

After too long a period Kitty Pryde decides to go back to the X-Mansion to attend the opening day of a new class of young mutants.  She is to be part of the teaching staff at the mansion run by Scott Summers and Emma Frost.

Arriving at the mansion Kitty can’t help but reminisce about her time as an X-Men.

Unfortunately her trip down Memory Lane makes her late for the ceremony. A fact that Emma Peel is none too happy about.

After a brief apology the commencement begins.  Emma begins her speech and out of no where a group of Sentinels crash the event.

Only they were not real but a hologram projection intended to startle the students and make them realize mutants are feared and sometimes the victims of violence.

Later Wolverine interrupts Scott and Emma's in their bedroom resulting in Scott and Wolverine causing a ruckus for all the students to see.

After things settle down Scott realizes it is this sort of action that humans fear.

So he proposes that the X-Men (and mutants as a whole) present themselves as heroes much like The Avengers and The Fantastic Four.

Donning new costumes (sans the black) the group heads out to promote their new appearance.

Good intensions aside the new strategy may not work as about that same time a new mutant terrorist group strikes.

Things do not look rosy In Marvel Comics Astonishing X-Men #1. 

Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

How To Be A Manga Artist

What better way to demonstrate how to be a successful Manga artist than by studying a book that is drawn as a Manga?

In How To Be A Manga artist Silvia Vanni and writers Balthazar Pagani and Asuku Ozumi (with pro tips from Fumio Obata), along with publisher Thames & Hudson, delve into the long history of Manga and the many styles of Manga, drawing tips, story-telling techniques and so forth.

Everything you need to know on how to produce a Manga is included. Learn about the industry, story-telling, publishing, printing, themes, story ideas, visual effects, the different types of Manga, promoting your Manga and much, much more.

The book is a treasure trove of information presented in an easy-to-understand format allowing would-be Manga artists to learn and apply valuable information.

Manga is hugely popular not only in Japan but the United States, In fact, Manga consistently sells especially to young readers. Pick up a copy of the book today and before you know it you’ll be on the road to Manga success.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Quarter Century Stampede

Imagine! Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game has been around for 25 years-a quarter century-a long time!

I wish I was 25 years old!

Celebrate the big 25! It’s official, Quarter Century Stampede delivers the best-of-the-best Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards and fans had I lot to say about what would be in this commemorative Set.

Just look what you get!

• More than 10 Cards with new variant artwork.
• Two different Card Pools:
• A 200-Card Nostalgia pool.
• A main pool of 80 tournament-level Cards.
• 7 different varieties:
• Super Rare
• Ultra Rare
• Secret Rare
• Quarter Century Secret Rare
• Platinum Secret Rare
• Collector's Rare (Japanese version)
• Ultimate Rare (Japanese version)
• Variant art versions of existing Cards are only available as Quarter Century Secret Rare.
• Each pack contains 5 Cards with 24 Pack per Box (the guaranteed Platinum or Quarter Century Secret Rare is from the nostalgia pool and the remaining 4 are from the main pool):
• 1 Platinum Secret Rare or Quarter Century Secret Rare
• 1 Super Rare
• 1 Secret Rare (1-in-4 chance of being a Platinum Secret Rare or Quarter Century Secret Rare)
• 2 Ultra Rares (1-in-6 chance each of being a Collector's Rare or Ultimate Rare)

So get ready to celebrate! Hurry just like any stampede it only lasts for a short time!

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

I Am C-3PO

Actor Anthony Daniels recalls his many years as portraying the lovable golden robot C-3PO in the Star Wars films.

Who could ever imagined that playing a supporting role as a robot in a science fiction movies would blossom into a lifelong career, worldwide fame and a hefty paycheck?

Imagine playing the same character for over 40 years.

Rather than resent being relegated in everyone’s mind as a golden robot, Daniels embraced it, loved his fans and relished the opportunity to share his stories.

Daniels recalls first walking on the Star Wars set back in 1975 and continuing to play the character though nine Star Wars films.

The author proceeds to recount his experiences on the films, the trials and tribulations, working wit other actor (and creatures) and the various ins and outs of movie production.

From water-soaked sets to dry, desert wasteland Daniels donned the golden robot costume and endeared C-3PO to millions of moviegoers.

Despite the discomfort of the costume, limited mobility and field of vision Daniels soldiered on as he continually defined the character.

Included in the book are two color photo sections of behind-the-scenes shots.  I Am C-3PO The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels (with a foreword by director J.J. Abrams) is published by DK.

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

Young Frankenstein The Monster

Of all the actors to play Frankenstein's monster Peter Boyle seemed like an unlikely choice.

You may remember him as Frank, the father of Ray Romano in the TV series Everyone Loves Ray.

And yet, he pulled it off with panache.

Sideshow Toy (Collectibles) created a tree figure set of Young Frankenstein featuring Doctor Frankenstein, Igor and The Monster.

All three figures came in special clear front panel boxes with the Young Frankenstein logo prominent on their fronts.

The Monster fully-articulated figure is dressed in a gray and fuzzy (mole hair) jacket with not pockets or buttons, gray pants with no cuffs and a slid black shirt.  He also wears large black, platform boots with no 

The figure's features look exactly like Peter Boyle’s albeit with a heavy brow, a partially bald head, stitches and two heavy metal bolts protruding out of his neck.

The figure’s skin color is a pallid gray with heavy shadows.  His hands are large, as are his feet.

The figure’s articulation is well hidden beneath its cloth and posing the figure in various stances is easy with or without its custom made cobblestone base.

Included with the figure it and extra forearm and hand clutching a rat, two flower petals, a handle from a broken but, chained shackles and a large earthenware bowl. 

Paint application is clean and crisp.  Clothing is stitched and fitted to perfectly fit the figure with no unsightly bunching or wrinkles when the figure is posed.

Only 7,500 of the figures were created and as collectors clamor for earlier Sideshow figures the price continues to escalate.

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.

USS Arizona (BB-39)

It was a day that will live 

in infamy.
On December 7^th 1941 the Japanese attacked the United States Naval Station in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Thousands of lives were loss and many ships sank.

The most famous of these ships-the USS Arizona (BB-39) battle ship, was sunk and suffered the loss of most its crew.

Today the Arizona lays where it sank with its crew members still aboard.

In author David Doyle’s book, USS Arizona (BB-39), published by Schiffer Books under its Legends Of Warfare Naval indicia, readers can learn about the ill-fated ship from keel laying to Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Inside the author provides photos and text explaining and exploring in detail every deck, room and compartment of the ship including the armory, mess, command center and more.

See the ship as it was being built to its final days as a memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Photos recreate the deadly conflict of December 7^th with eye-witness photos and how the ship and its crew were honored and remembered.

It’s more than a book about a ship. It is a recounting of the deadly years of the war and the toll it took on the United States. Never forget.

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol. 1

I never thought I would get so excited about a collection of new black and white, magazine size Conan The Barbarian tales reprinted in a trade paperback!!

But, we’re talking about The Savage Sword Of Conan for crying out loud!

I was a big fan of the original The Savage Sword Of Conan magazine from Marvel Comics published in the 1970s. For its time is it was revolutionary in its depiction of the Cimmerian, savage warrior barbarian: Conan. There was lots of blood, gore and more.

In Titan Comics/Heroics Signatures’ The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol. 1 trade paperback book, the first three issues of the the new black and white magazine filled with new stories is collected. The square-bound, softback, magazine-sized book has beautiful full-color paintings of Conan on its front and back covers.

Inside Conan fans are treated to the most savage, bloody, sexy and action-packed Conan adventures ever seen in print.  

Magic and mysticism, monsters, a werewolf, savage warriors, a dinosaur, beautiful women warriors, bloody swordplay and more-who could ask for more?

Roy Thomas provides the foreword and the Conan and Solomon Kane tales are written and drawn by the best in the business. Just look at the creator roster: writers John Arcudi, Jim Zub, Patch Zincher-also artist, Frank Tieri and Alan Quah -also artist, along with artists Max von Fafner, Joe Jusko, Richard Pace and Cary Nord.

Also look for written a short story, an essay, a character bio and cover reproductions. Writing and art styles differ but all are top-tier and perfectly capture the savagery of Conan and the deep emotional and spiritual conflict of Solomon Kane.

Pick up a copy today!

Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The Harry O Viewing Companion

One of my mom’s favorite crime shows of the 1960s was The Fugitive starring actor David Janssen as physician Richard Kimble whose wife is murdered.

Although an innocent man Kimble was convicted of her murder. On the way to his permanent incarceration the vehicle he was being transferred in was in an accident and he escaped.

He used his freedom to track down his wife’s true killer while being pursued by the police.

After the series ended Janssen kept busy as a guest star on many TV series and in a few movies.

In the early 1970s he returned to network TV starring in the series Harry O as a retired cop now a private investigator: Harry Orwell.

The series lasted four years, won numerous awards and once more brought Janssen into the spotlight.

The series was known for is intricate plots, outstanding performances and especially Janssen’s portrayal as a cop turned P.I. who was world-weary and methodical in his investigation.

Authors Steve Aldous and Gary Gillies, along with McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, present the oversize softbound book: The Harry O Viewing Companion which includes the history and episode of the classic detective series.

Along with full episode guides, archival photos and fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes and information the book also includes actor, writer and creator film and TV credits, favorite episodes and much more.

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.

Richard Kiel As Jaws Moonraker

The lovable giant with the metal teeth (Jaws) made his second appearance in the James Bond film Moonraker starring Roger Moore as James Bond.

The Jaws figure comes in a Sideshow Collectibles flip-lid box (slightly larger than conventional boxes because of the character's size) with information about the movie on the inside of the flap.

The cover of the box is a recreation of the movie’s poster.

Inside the 14-inch figure is snug (along with its accessories) inside a form-fitted, clear plastic cocoon with plastic straps seen through a clear plastic viewing panel.

The massive figure captures the likeness of the actor perfectly with his huge, square head, large brow and deep-set eyes.  Jaws smiles and his metal teeth shine in the light.

The figure comes dressed in a long sleeve white shirt with a collar and cuffs, a green/gray tie and trousers and large brown shoes with heavy soles.

The articulation is smooth and even with no catching or looseness and the preset hands easily hold the various accessories that come with the figure.

They include an altitude watch that fits snuggly over the figure’s wrist, goggles that slid over the figure’s face and rests on the bridge of his nose and a cloth black parachute with straps, hooks and latches that fits over the figure’s shoulders.

The figure and accessories look very authentic like those in the film.  Cloths fit loosely on the figure so there is no bunching or unnatural folds in the cloth when the figure poses on or off its circular Moonraker base and wire support.

Stitching and tailor work on the clothing and parachute are to size and nicely done, clothing is of real fabric, the goggles and ‘watch’ look like the real things and coloration of the figure is lifelike with subtle variations in skin tone.

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.

Chevrolet Corvette The Owners And The Cars

A good friend of mine from church is a huge Chevy Corvette fan. It is his dream car.

That’s why I have to be extra cautious when I show him author/photographer Mario Brunner’s new Schiffer Books publication: Chevrolet Corvette The Owners And The Cars.

He may want to borrow the oversize hardbound book to read and never return it!

To show you how old I am I was born the same year (1953) the first Corvette hit the showrooms. It was a huge success. The Corvette was America’s answer to to Europe’s sport cars. And boy, did Corvette knock it out of the park!

Inside this beautiful designed book is a complete text and photo gallery of the Corvette starting in 1953 to 2023. And what a gallery it is!

Not only does the book provide a fascinating short history of the vehicle, how it was made, who designed it and so forth. But, most importantly, it introduces many of the people, from all over the world, who own Corvettes.

You get to learn how and when they acquired their cars. They share their love of the Corvette and why the car means so much to them.

It might surprise you just how much effort it took to find their Corvettes and how the hard work it took to bring many of the classic cars back to pristine shape.

My closest brother to my age dreamed of having a Corvette. He never owned one but that did not stop him from loving the style, horsepower, performance and mystique of the Corvette.

Proverbs 23:18 - For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Maze Of The Master

Are you ready to be A’maze’d? Konami presents the ultimate YGO Deck exploration with its new Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Maze Of The Master.

Isn’t it time that you ‘master’ your own fate? But, can you navigate your way through the ‘maze’ of battle strategies and ideas from past Duelists?

It won’t be easy, but with a little determination, new Cards and imaginative thinking and strategizing you can come out on top.

Just look at what you get with Maze Of The Master:

• 10 new Egyptian and Trap Monster-themed Cards
• 7 new Cards inspired by Mizar’s Galaxy/Tachyon” Deck
• 7 new Cards inspired by Kaiba’s X-Y-Z monsters from Battle City
• 7 new Trickstar Cards inspired by Blue Angel’s Deck
• 7 new Performage monsters from Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V!
• Plus so many more
• 60 new Cards in all

The Maze of the Master Set contains 112 cards

• 6 Secret Rares
• 13 Ultra Rares
• 21 Super Rares
• 70 Rares
• 2 Quarter Century Secret Rares
• (16 of these Cards are also available as
  Collector’s Rares)

Each Booster Pack contains 7 Cards:

• 1 Foil Card
• 6 Rare Cards

24 Cards come per Box

Isn’t it time to take a chance, learn from the past and dominate the future!?

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.

ERMA Erfurter Maschinenfabrik 1924-2003, Vol. 3 Submachine Guns, Flare Guns, Civilian Products

Previously I reviewed two volumes about ERMA’s rifles and handguns. To say I was impressed with both does not give proper justice to the ERMA firearms.

In ERMA Erfurter Maschinenfabrik 1924-2003, Vol. 3 Submachine Guns, Flare Guns, Civilian Products by writer Holger Schlemeir and published by Schiffer Books, the author expands on the coverage of ERMA firearms.

Like the previous two volumes this oversize hardbound book features a stunning, high-gloss cover with full-color photos of the weapons spotlighted on its front and back covers.

Inside is a lengthy, comprehensive and highly-detailed examination of said weapons from 1924 to 2003.

Diagrams, exploded views, close-ups of parts, schematics, weapon machinery and accessories and more are explained in full detail accompanied by full-color photos.

Appendix, references and more give dates of production, variations, military and civilian versions and much more tech info for weapon’s enthusiasts.

It is remarkable that so much information is provided. A friend of mine who is a huge gun enthusiast looked at the previous two volumes and was blown away by the amount of attention to detail and information enclosed. I’m sure he'll be equally impressed by Vol. 3.

Mark 9:23 - Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Victrola Eastwood II

It’s time to break out the classic vinyl LPs and give them a spin!

There’s nothing like listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Seals and Croft, Carol King, Cat Stevens and other singer/songwriters from the 1970s to lift up my spirits and bring back some great memories. Yeah, I’m dating myself.

And what better way to do that than by playing them on Victrola’s Eastwood II portable record player that combines a classic look with state-of-the art technology?

What is it about listening to music on LPs? It seems more genuine with all the pops and crackles. Albums (classic and current) are more than just vinyl, most include lyrics, photos and even inserts.

Listening to them on Victrola’s Eastwood II brings out every little string stroke, vocal fluctuation and genuine sound as if the LPs were recorded in the studio yesterday. Vinyl-you can’t beat it. Keep your streaming and CDs. Give me good old fashion vinyl any day!

You held them in your hands, they were real, substantial and ‘felt’ like music unlike CDs, streaming, etc. OK, enough music nostalgia-on to the Victrola Eastwood II record player.

I really got excited when I saw the Victrola box sitting on my front porch after Fed-Ex delivered it. I could hardly wait to get it inside and unpack it!

The record player came in a heavy, cardboard shipping box securely sealed with tape. Once opened the actual Victrola Eastwood II box was inside.

Although made of a slightly lighter paper stock the box was sealed shut with tape with hinged lids decorated with photos of the unit on all sides.

Inside the record player was snug between two formed-fitted, heavy cardboard stock end cap pieces. Inside one of the insert’s cavities was the power cord, also secured with a plastic coated wire, inside a sealed clear plastic bag.

The record player came in a clear plastic bag and the transparent and removable lid was protected by clear plastic sheet. Easy-to-follow instructions came in its own clear plastic bag.

Taking the record player out of the bag I sat it on my man-cave table.

The unit sits upon four rubberized feet that allows the record player to move slightly thus eliminating record skips.

I plugged the unit in, selected the vinyl function on the light up power knob (which turns on and off by holding it down for 2 to 3 seconds.)

The vinyl mode ring light on the power knob is white, vinyl stream is flashing white then solid white and the Bluetooth function is flashing blue when it’s ready to pair and solid blue then white when connected.

Bluetooth devices connect automatically when the Bluetooth function is activated. However some Bluetooth devices require you to put in a code number via an app. Be sure to check the Bluetooth connectivity of your devices.

The turn table can be set for 72, 45 (an adapter is set into the turntable itself) or 33 1/3 speeds. You can also set the auto-stop if you prefer.

Lay your selected LP on the platter with the clear lid open. The lid has two cutouts, one on the back and one on the side, that allow you to set the LP on the platter and close the lid. I found these cut-out slots to my advantage as it helped me set my LP down in the correct spot on the first try.

When the lid is closed it protects your LP from dust and damage.

Take the protective needle cap off the stylus. Be careful not to dislodge the needle cartridge itself. It is easily replaced with a light pull and clip in and out.

Lift the tune arm off its rest using the lift lever and position the Audio-Technica AT-3600LA cartridge needle over the desired selection on the LP.

Position the needle into place and the lower the lift lever to play the LP.

WOW! What awesome audio! The built-in speakers (behind the soft cloth front) really deliver clear and clean sound. Pair it up with a Bluetooth device and you are ready to rock and roll!

I have mine set-up with two external speakers for wraparound stereo sound-awesome!

A really like the wood detail on the record player’s sides and back and the charcoal gray/black cloth on the front really gives the unit a vintage/modern look-just like when I was playing LPs on my first record player all those years (decades) ago.

The Vinyl Stream Technology makes playing through an external Bluetooth speaker(s) easy.

On the back of the Eastwood II record player is a RCA Line Out Jack for any amplifier/stereo device, a Headphone Jack and a DC Power Input Jack.

I love it! What an awesome portable record player. Set up is easy, fast and the unit itself is designed to be rugged enough to take a few bumps and slides and still come out playing clear, music. The clear lid also has small rubber bumpers on its front edge for lid protection. Who could ask for more?

So, excuse me while I break out my bell-bottom jeans, love beads, pull back my hair (what’s left of it) with a head band, put on my Earth shoes, kick back and relive my youth--at least for a little while. Groovy and far out!

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

Captain America For Dummies

He is known as the First Avenger, The Star-Spangled Sentinel and Marvel Comics’ Shield-Slinger.

He’s Captain America and he has a long and illustrious history in comic books starting way back in the 1940s when he was first introduced in Captain America #1 with a cover of Cap slugging Hitler! Wow!

Wiley Brand and author Stuart Moore present the full history of Marvel Comic’s patriotic hero in Captain America For Dummies.

If you're a novice comic book reader or you have just starting reading comic books, this book offers a great way to catch up on the history and storylines of Marvel Comics' premiere patriotic hero: Captain America!

Starting with his WWII comics then his short rebirth in the 1950s and his spectacular rebirth in the pages of The Avengers comic book this book covers it all.

Learn all about his greatest adventures, his origin, his allies and enemies, group affiliations and the incredible creative teams behind his many issues, this is the ultimate book about everyone’s favorite red, white and blue crime-fighter.

Discover how frail and sickly Steve Rogers was a fearless and brave individual long before he took the secret serum that changed him into Captain America.

Full of full-color artwork it’s a real eye-pleaser. Face front, true believers! Excelsior!

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

Between Two Castles Essential Edition

Growing up I was (and still am) fascinated by castles. Medieval, Middle Ages, Renaissance, European, British Isles, Middle East, Far East-it really didn’t make a difference.

There’s just something about castles that fascinates me. Perhaps it is their massive size, maze of rooms, defenses, décor and the people who populated them-a little of each.

I could just imagine exploring each room, hidden passageways, dungeons, throne rooms, living quarters and armory and so much more. Each turn of the corner reveals new and surprising discoveries.

My castle fetish has been appeased with Stonemaier Games/Atoma Factory’s Between Two Castles Essential Edition that combines the best of a board game and a trading card game.

What makes it a great game is you don't have to be an expert gamer in order to play.  Whether you're a novice or game veteran this game is fun, fast, full of surprises and best of all-easy to learn!

Made for one to eight players, ages 14 years old and plus and averaging 45 to 60 minutes of game time, Between Two Castles Essential Edition offers plenty of excitement, quick game movement and lots of cool surprises and more.

My review sample arrived via Fed-Ex and came in an oversize cardboard box, securely sealed shut. The game came snug in bubble wrap. Nicely done.

The game box itself is constructed of heavy box paper. The top of the game box features a beautiful full-color painting of a castle complex in a stunning castles in a mountain/valley landscape. The painting extends down to all sides of the top lid.

Inside the box are three game trays: purple, red and yellow. Each tray holds game components for one Multi-Player Mode and Two Solitaire modes.

The Multi-Plyer Mode includes 194 regular game room tiles, 16 secret room tiles, 64 specialty room tiles, 8 throne room tiles, 48 regular room type tokens, 8 player aids, 28 royal attendants, 28 bonus cards, 8 castle tokens and 1 scorecard.

The two Solitaire Modes (Automa and Introvert Variant) includes 24 Automa cards, 4 room type cards, 1 double-sided turn order card and 3-double-sided player aid cards.

Game play for each version of the game is easy to understand and provides fast set up.

The Automa version pits you against two artificial opponents and the Introvert Version pits your single castle against an artificial opponent's one castle.

The multi-player version uses 3 to 8 players where players team with one player to their right and left to construct a castle.

How the castles are built are determined by the cards. Some cards attach from below, right, left and above.

Where cards are placed is determined by the symbols on the cards. For example only certain cards can be placed in the lower levels, some on upper floors as determined by the cards below them and so on. It’s very challenging.

At the conclusion of the game castles are scored. Personal final scores is the lower of the two castles you helped design and the player with the highest final score wins.

Instructions make game play easy, fun and challenging. You never know what to expect.

The game is well designed with easy-to-follow instructions using illustrations and symbols. Game pieces are small but solid and are easy to distinguish as to the type of object they represent.

Game cards feature beautiful miniature paintings accompanied by easy to decipher location and type symbols. Game pieces (tiles) and token tiles come on full heavy card stock sheets. Pieces pop out of the sheets.

Game components store in the game trays and are easily seen through the game trays' clear plastic covers.

As a graphic designer and artist I really appreciate and marvel at the amount of detail the game has. Selection of paper stocks, materials for the trays, game tokens and pieces, instructions and other components were well thought out and selected.

The art is first-rate and the overall design of all the game contents complement each other from the game box to the game components.

Stonemaier Games also provides a how-to-play video online, downloadable rules, Q & A on Stonemaier’s Facebook and even an online way to calculate and save your score.

Replacement parts are available as well as monthly updates on Stonemaier’s e-newsletter.

Isn't it time to build your own castle?

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

Adventures In Backyard Gardening

When I spotted this book on Schiffer Kids/Book’s website I just had to review it.

My daughter just started a small greenhouse garden in her backyard and my grandson, who is eight years old, Is helping her with the vegetables she is growing.

I thought this book would make an excellent reference and guide to their effort and I was right!

It's the perfect publication for any wanna-be gardener.

In Adventures In Backyard Gardening by author Ron Smith, with art by Lily Smith, young gardeners are inspired to grow their own food.

Photos, art and charts guide young people though the process of gardening beginning with when a garden sleeps then awakens, diversity, raising chickens and other livestock to help the garden grow, composting, collecting seeds, beekeeping and so much more garden goodness.

Look for lots of helpful tips, information on soils and seedbeds, mushrooms, classroom and community gardens and just about anything else you need to know for growing healthy and productive plants and sharing them with family and friends.

So what are you waiting for? Buy some seeds, prep your soil, plant, grow, harvest and best of all-eat your vegetables and enjoy your flowers.

Romans 8:24 - For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

DPx Heft 12 Chop OD

The intrepid explorer slowly and methodically hacks his way through the thick underbrush, vines and small trees.

He uses his trusty DPx Gear’s HEFT 12 CHOP, DPx Gear’s bush knife designed by its founder, Robert Young Pelton. 

Part machete and knife the HEFT 12 CHOP is rugged, tough and perfect for camping, exploring and face-offs with the perils and obstacles of jungle exploration.

For some strange and and unknown reason it reminds me of the WWII bayonet my father left me. As a kid I loved hacking down bushes, chipping away at tree trunks and showing it off to my friends and family.

DPX Gear is serious when it comes to safety when shipping HEFT 12 CHOP.

It arrived in an oversize, sealed Fed-Box. Inside the cushioned hipping peanuts was a long white flip-lid box sealed with a DPx Survival Tools sticker.

Inside the white box black paper wrapped around a bubble pack sheet. The knife was protected in a sealed clear plastic bag . The blade of the knife was secure in a strip of blue Styrofoam. No way the HEFT 12 CHOP was able to shuffle around in the various containers and packing and cut or damage anyone or thing. Nicely done!

The CHOP’s design is patented, using the same exotic steel using in meat packing business. The unique ergonomic handle blends perfectly into front-heavy, axe-like grip.

It’s a hefty and solid knife, with good balance and grip with its sword-like Niolox, 12.55 inch blade. A relief area offers balance, a thick spine for pounding or hammering with a 2-inch tip for heavier wood chopping or ground work.  Also look for a long blood groove/fuller indentation.

Easily baton through timber with the knife’s two depressions at the front and back.

I love the feel of the HEFT 12 CHOP. It fits snugly in my hand and its no-slip grip gives me a sense of security and safety when using it. It has a good weight and balance allowing me to swing it vertically, horizontally or any direction.

The blade is incredibly sharp and makes short work of brush, wood and forest underbrush. It’s perfect for camping, outdoors and even around the yard for trimming back bushes.

A scabbard can be specially ordered. Fortunately I have an old machete scabbard I am able to use.

Made in Italy, the HEFT 12 CHOP is made by LionSTEEL and features a coated D2 blade, OD Green G10 scales. The handle is secured with three allen wrench screws, four holes in the pommel can be used to secure the knife with cord or leather and one of the holes is a small hexagon wrench opening.

Features include:

• Overall length 18.62 inches
• Blade length 12.52 inches
• Handle length 6.10 inches
• Blade thickness 0.22 inches
• Blade material D2
• Blade hardness 58-60 HRC
• Blade Matte black Milspec Phosphate coated
• Handle material G-10
• Weight 25.30

Important safety tip:  Remember a knife is a tool, not a toy and like any tool you need to familiarize yourself with its use.  Handle it with care, maintain it and most all respect it.

Stay safe!

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.