Pearls Get Plastered

If I had to cope with the characters of Pearls Before Swine like writer/artist Stephen Pastis does I’d get wasted too.

Pearls Get Plastered is ‘bar’ none the weirdness collection of Pearls Before Swine strips in the latest Treasury Collection released by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

What can you expect from a crazy cast of animals as they mirror the absurdity of humanity?

Join a mouse, pig, duck, alligators, a goat and other critters along with their clueless human friend as they set about tackling norms, perverting traditions, questioning authority and generally causing a mess.

Stephen Pastic offers a unique look at his creative process by commenting on many of his strips, adding some art and photos and providing an ‘interesting’ Bonus Section.

By the look of some of the photos it’s easy to see why his humor is off-beat, cutting-edge and a little weird.

Get ready for jabs at social media, the purpose of life, superheroes, democracy and other subjects that a crazy bunch of critters manage to obliterate.

I need a drink.

John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Vario RGB 700 EDC Flashlight

Everybody needs a little light in their life. Even better, everyone needs to carry a light with them wherever they go.

With Scoutlite’s Vario RGB 700 EDC Flashlight you can carry all the light you need in the palm of your hand with13 versatile lighting modes.

Whether it’s taking a stroll at night or early in the morning, a camping trip, bicycling, a little extra light you need when working in a tight spot or dozens of other lighting necessities the Vario RGB 700 EDC Flashlight does it all.

It’s the ultimate small, portable and easy to use flashlight that you can take with you wherever you go.

The light, instructions, USB cable, magnetic stand and EDC Flashlight all come in a small mostly black and green rectangular box with a snap front lid and an interior cavity that the Vario RGB sits in. The box is taped at both ends and the reinforced interior keeps the light and contents secure and damage proof.

With the few clicks of the side button and/or front circular light you can change the light to 13 different modes including long-range white, ambient RGB, and UV.

Other features include:

• 700 Lumens Max Output
• 95 RGB Hours Max Runtime
• 108 minutes white
• 64g Palm-Sized
• IPX6 Waterproof
• Charge in 2 hours USB-C
• UV + RGB Dual LED System
• Lock/unlock
• Hands free/magnetically
• 16mm clamping capacity
• Lightweight 2.26 oz.
• 5 Year Warranty
• Money-Back Guarantee

I am excited! I plan on keeping it with me on walks, while riding a bike or other tasks. Its handy magnetic clip and lanyard make it easy to transport and position. The USB (cord and port) charges the Vario RGB 700 in no time. The instructions are easy to follow to switch light modes and product facts and figures provide valuable and useful information.

Suggestion: Keep the instructions nearby until you learn the button/mode sequences.

2 Corinthians 6:4

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Celebrating George

It’s ironic that one the world’s most iconic, talented and celebrated performers in the world didn’t like having his picture taken.

Even at an early George Michael (his stage name) wanted to be a pop star, performer and singer.

Surprisingly he didn’t start out as a solo act. He and his co-performer hit the pop charts as Wham!-a new age singing and performing duo that took the world by storm.

For nearly a decade they turned out hit and after hit, primarily because of George’s incredible range and charisma as a singer.

Before long George struck out on his own and sadly after three decades of a duo and solo career he passed away.

George’s photographer, who became a good friend: Brian Aris (the author), has compiled a huge selection of photographs of George as both as a performer and as a quiet, humble man.

The new book: Celebrating George Three Decades Of George Michael Through The Lens celebrates the life of the singer and performer whose popularity has never wavered or faded.

This beautiful, oversize hardbound book published by Rizzoli Universe is packed with full-color and black and white photos, behind-the-scenes shots, proof sheets, concert photos and quiet moments of George.

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

Journey II Suitcase Record Player

Back in the 1950s and 1960s while I was growing up in Michigan there used to be large delivery trucks from different companies that would go from door-to-door bringing product samples to homeowners.

Since my mom couldn’t drive, she would order different household items from one of the companies.

She would select her products, pay the driver, and within a week or two the products would be delivered.

On one occasion mom ordered me a small, pink and white suitcase/portable record player. It was cheap and plastic but I loved it.

I would play my 45 records on it. I was about 13 or 14 years old.

Later when I attended high school (1969 to 1971) my study hall teacher would let me bring the suitcase/portable record player to class and play classic rock and roll LPs popular at the time.

I had that record player until 1973 until I moved from Michigan to Florida. I believe I gave it to one of my nephews or nieces.

Victrola has a new portable suitcase record player that reminds me of my old one. Of course the material is much better, along with the sound quality and there are few extras my old record player didn’t have.

The Victrola Journey II Suitcase Record Player comes in a hard and sturdy cardboard box with an flip-open and tabbed lid. The lid is held in place by a piece of tape.

The box is decorated with photos of the record player on all sides-my version is aqua color. On the back are additional photos with specs and one of the photos is an exploded view of the record players’ speakers.

Inside the box the record player is held in place by two form-fitted cardboard sleeves. The record player is covered and protected by a plastic bag.

Included with the record player are a power cord (also in a bag), an extra needle cartridge (in a bag) and instructions.

Carefully remove the record player and components from the box and follow the instructions as to how to ready the record player for use. Plug in the power source, take the protective slip-on plastic cap of the needle assembly, loosen the needle arm, raise the arm, select the record speed (33, 45 or 78), place your album or 45 on the turntable, put the auto stop switch on, press the power button being sure to select the correct playback mode: BT. Line-In, Phono or BT Out, make sure the power indicator red light is on, lower the arm and get ready to rock!

Small and light enough to carry wherever you want the portable suitcase record player has built-in speakers, Bluetooth streaming and Vinyl Stream technology.

Also included are a 45 RPM Adapter, a headphone jack and RCA Line Out for red and white connectors.

I’ve test all the modes and the sound quality is great. Headphones bring the sound up close and personal, Bluetooth allows me to connect to my remote Bluetooth speakers placed in an area I choose and for a more stationary selection I can hook up standard speakers. I used some small computer speakers.

I love it! It has that vintage look with easy controls. It sits solidly on any flat surface and for such a inexpensive record player it turns out quality sound-much, much better than my player from my younger years.

Listen to music via the built-in speakers, Bluetooth speakers or through a set of headphones. It’s easy to carry using its handle and suitcase design. Take it anywhere.

The case is of heavy (metal?) construction with protective, reinforced metal, wraparound corners, the handle is secure and heavy, the locking mechanism is a simple clip lock that securely keeps the lid shut while transporting and twin speakers in the front turn out some incredible sound.

On the back are two heavy-duty hinges, a power plug-in and red and white outlets plug-ins for external speakers.

Just look at these features:

• 3-speeds (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM)
• Stream music from your smart device, no messy wires.
• Play your favorite records through any Bluetooth speaker.
• With its he 3.5mm aux-in you can connect any non-Bluetooth enabled device.
• The RCA outlet connects to existing sound systems.
• A headphone jack.
• Measures 14 x 10 x 5.28 inches.

It is has an extremely rugged and well-made suitcase that also includes four rubber legs. It’s an very attractive and looks both vintage and high-tech.

I can hardly wait to use it when I go to a family gathering, on vacation or when or wherever I want to go.

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

U.S. Military History For Dummies

Like any typical American young boy growing up in the 1950s and 1960s I loved to play war. I’d grab a stick, a baseball and a pot and viola! I had a makeshift rifle, grenade and helmet.

Most of my friends cobbled together common household items and made their own fantasy weapons. Some were fortunate enough to actually have realistic looking military toy guns, helmets, grenades and other ‘war’ accessories.

Little did we realize that our make believe battles echoed the far too familiar real tragedy of war.

Throughout its history the United States has engaged in war. The Revolutionary, Civil War, WWI and WWII, Korea, Vietnam and so on and so on and so on.

It’s not like we enjoy war. We prefer peace. Killing people and blowing up things are things rationale people do not like to do. Sometimes it’s necessary-unfortunately. We value our freedom of not only ourselves but of other nations.

We fight to protect people and right wrongs. Sure, we’ve been side-tracked sometimes-but our intentions were honorable.

In Wiley Brands’ and author John C. McManus, PhD’s new book: U.S. Military History For Dummies, the long list of wars and skirmishes the United States Military has taken part in are examined.

Readers learn what caused the skirmishes, who the bad guys were, how the military conflicts shaped America’s society and how the Armed Forces operate and are organized.

Learn all about key battles, strategies, weapons and leadership. It’s a complete compendium of the United States military and its action both during peace and at war.

Nothing is candy-coated. It contains cold, hard facts and delves into the politics, conflicts and personalities that escalated military action.

Military history buffs are sure to love this book.

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Sweet Dream Bedroom

There is nothing like laying down on a soft comfortable bed. Sinking into the fluffy mattress and snug in the warm blankets is the best therapy of all. Now that I’m an old man it feels so good to my back and body overall.

A soft pillow, a dark room filled with familiar objects and the comfortable and warm feel of both the bed and room are divine. It doesn’t take long to fall asleep.

My bedroom is my sanctuary. It is the room that I can get away from the grind of the day. I get to lay there safe and warm and think things over. I ponder and let my mind wander as I soak in the ambiance of the room.

My bedroom is more than a place to sleep. It is where I choose my daily wardrobe, sit back on the bed and read, check myself out in the mirror and primp and at the end of the day get to snuggle with my wife.

Rolife’s Sweet Dream Bedroom kit is what dreams are made of.

The Sweet Dream Bedroom comes in a lidded box with photos of the Sweet Dream Bedroom on all sides. The back also has photos, lighting suggestions, display extras, switch box game play, piece count (95), specifications, materials used, age recommendations (8+) and other helpful hints and suggestions.

Inside the box kit components consist of wall, floor and window, frame and base slats, stickers and paper sheets, electrical components and part bags that include room decor, the bed, small furniture, bric-a-brac and various room decorations. A set of tweezers is also provided.

Look over the instructions (part numbers match the components), gather some tools such as strong lighting, a Flathead screwdriver for poking out tabbed parts, a pointed tool, an X-Acto blade and handle, liquid glue and a brush, a magnifying device and any other tools you may need for small precise work.

The Sweet Dream Bedroom walls are stripped in a soft pastel and the wide wooden slat floor is partially covered by an oval rug of yellow and white.

On one wall is a six-pane window with white lace curtains. Rolife cleverly inserted an screen outside the window showing a small neighborhood. Nice touch!

The metal and wood frame single mattress bed looks so comfy with its fluffy mattress, twin pillows in yellow (one stripped, one not), a large yellow and white checked blanket along with a lower solid white blanket. On the wall at the head of the bed are two wood framed pictures of a cactus and a Teddy Bear..

To the right of the bed is small, single drawer nightstand with books on its open lower shelf and a brass lamp with a translucent blue shade sitting on a large book.

Fluffy white slippers are on the floor to the right of the bed.

On the left of the bed parallel to the wall is a large wooden set of drawers with a small metal basket holding bottles and paperwork. Next to it is a small box of white and blue.

Above the dresser on the walls is a framed piece of art. To the left of the chest of drawers is a small table with two drawers and a chair. Below the table is a large pink box. On the table are night creams, a small swivel silver circular mirror, a mat and several books.

The room is open on two sides and features a clear glass roof consisting of six panels held in place by pink wooden beams. A small gold and white light fixture (it lights up!) hangs from the ceiling.

Such a cozy room-I can practically feel the soft mattress and cozy covers!

Kids and parents are sure to have fun assembling this kit. It teaches patience, cooperation, critical thinking and provides a sense of accomplishment. Take your time, never remove parts until you need them, look over the incredible details and appreciate the skill and expertise it took to create such a charming kit.

Visit this link for photos and a video of the Sweet Dream Bedroom. Check out Rolife’s other products by clicking here and visit Rolife’s sister site Robotime here.

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.

Enchanting Book Nooks

Have you ever had something happen that seems much more than coincidence? I have and it involves author Raphaele Vidaling’s and Rizzoli Universe’s new book Enchanting Book Nooks Miniature Worlds And Setting To Craft and Decorate.

OK, I’m hooked-what’s the strange coincidence?

If you have been following my reviews the last four to six months you’ll notice that I have been reviewing a lot of pre-made miniature book nooks.

Book nooks originated with the Japanese and now have become a world-wide phenomenon. People cannot get enough of the miniature room and house miniatures that fit on book shelves, between books or on their own. I have one in my man-cave and several more I need to make.

I gave a small bookstore book nook to my niece who is a book nook nut and I gave my daughter a small greenhouse book nook because she loves gardening.

In Enchanting Book Nooks readers are given instructions with step-by-step photographic sequences on how to build book nooks from scratch of all types of rooms of small dwellings.

Household, fantasy, outdoor scenes-you name-this book has it.  There's also a section on what tools to use.

It is fascinating how with a little sweat equity, imagination and determination you can make your own book nook. Look for lots of advice on how to construct 20 small scale projects.

Challenge yourself and make your own original book nook. Make them from everyday objects such as wallpaper, fabrics, cardboard, trinkets, wood, stones, moss to already made object like miniature dollhouse furniture and even model parts you can cobble together for your very own book nook.

Pick up a copy of this delightful and informative small hardbound book, look through its colorful pages, follow the instructions and viola!, you’re a book nook builder!

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

King-Size Special Here Comes Daredevil The Man Without Fear! #1

Back when Gene Colan was drawing Marvel Comics Daredevil, The Man Without Fear it was one of my favorite titles.  Gene’s art really captured the acrobatic, devil-may-care attitude of Matt Murdock as a lawyer turned crime fighter.

The comic book under Colan’s pencils oozed action and boasted some pretty impressive bad guys.

What happens when Daredevil’s most dangerous foes band together to take out old Horn Head?  King-Size Special Here Comes Daredevil The Man Without Fear! issue #1 answers that question.

Look for plenty of action, fisticuffs and wisecracks in a story that nearly marks the end of Daredevil.

I remember when I bought this Annual I was blown away.   It was, and still is, my favorite early Daredevil adventure.

The Annual typifies what Daredevil was all about before the grim and gritty Frank Miller dark days.

Gene Colan was at the top of his game as far as his art was concerned.

His swashbuckling, free-for-all, acrobatic and wise-cracking Daredevil was all action and loads of fun to look at and read.

To me, at that time, Daredevil was much more interesting and exciting than Spider-Man and DD’s rogue’s gallery ranked right up there with Batman’s.

There was something light and airy about the Daredevil comic book and his first Annual delivered not only with the art but the story as well.

The Annual nailed the character of Daredevil and is by far one of the best DD stories ever illustrated by Gene Colan.

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.

Here Comes The Cousins

Summertime! What a magical time of the year, especially when you’re a kid.

Swimming, going to the park, hanging out with your friends, fairs, carnivals, exploring or just laying around in the warm weather.

Summertime is also a time when you go on vacation to visit family or when family comes to visit you.

I loved it when my mom and I would travel to Ohio and Kentucky to visit relatives: aunts and uncles and especially my cousins.

It was exciting and I looked forward to it each year.

In Here Come The Cousins by Maggie Hutchings and Sarah Zweck and published by Thames & Hudson, a bunch of cousins come to visit and boy do they have fun.

From going to the beach, visiting grandma and grandpa, swimming, snorkeling, jumping in the ocean from a big rock, relaxing in a hammock, sleep-overs, playing games and sadly-having to say goodbye until next summer.

The author and artist capture perfectly the wild, wonderful and wacky time cousins have when they get together.

The prose is simple, the illustrations childlike and the story goes straight to the heart.

Seeing cousins is fun when you’re young and if you’re lucky-very lucky, even as an adult getting together with family is just as much fun as it was when you were a kid.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

The Comics Journal Library Jack Kirby

There can only be one king and Jack Kirby is the undisputed king of comic books.

Jack began his comic book career in his late teens.  He held steady work from the 1940s until his death in the 1990s.

Jack, along with his one-time partners Joe Simon and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Stan Lee created some of the most iconic and famous figures in comic books.

Jack’s influence can be seen throughout comic book history.  He is responsible for the birth of the Marvel Universe, The Fourth World for DC Comics, the creation of literally hundreds of characters and their costumes, romance comics, as a pioneer in horror and science fiction comic books and even as a storyboard artist on various animated series.

What makes the Fantagraphic's The Comics Journal Library Jack Kirby so interesting is the chronology and an interview with Kirby.

What started out as a conversation with the creative mind who loved working in the comic book field slowly degraded into an interview with a bitter man who felt the comic book industry was against him-particularly Marvel Comics.

In his last interview Kirby takes credit for entire creation of Marvel Comics-stories, characters and all.  He bad-mouthed Stan Lee calling basically him a no talent crybaby who never created one thing for Marvel Comics.

Sadly Kirby’s wife Roz supported his allegations. It’s sad to see a man slowly succumbing to his bitterness and rage and justifying his behavior by ‘facts’ that can easily be verified as  errors by other comic book creators and staff.

Still, Kirby deserves accolades.  He changed the face of comic books and influenced generations of young artists.  His talent for creating characters, costumes, equipment, settings and the like were second to none.

The publication showcases his work over the decades and also includes a full-color gallery and some World War II sketches he drew on the battlefield.

Despite his decline and eventually irrelevancy Kirby was and is The King of Comics!

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

Death Without fear

Death-the great unknown. Everyone fears death-at least a little. After all the living have never experienced it before.

Even as a Christian and with the assurance that after I die I’ll spend eternity with my savior I still catch myself a little afraid. It’s only natural.

I know it is inevitable. It’s not so much death itself that troubles me it is the thought of the pain I might suffer before I die. I also can’t imagine not being with my wife and kids. I worry about my wife and how she’ll fare after I’m gone.

I also don’t want my wife to die-I know I’ll be devastated-but, I’ll survive. Everyone does when a loved one dies.

What’s after death? Where will I be? Will I be anywhere? Do I simply cease to exist?

That’s some of the questions people ask when they ponder their own death or of someone they love.

In Death Without Fear, author L. Saxon Elliott, PSY. D. and Toplight/McFarland & Company Inc., Publishers, readers have at their fingertips the collective wisdom for making peace with mortality.

Western culture typically denies and avoids the subject of death.

Containing over four decades of experiences and a collection of answers as provided by religions, professionals, individuals and philosophies the author seeks to provide emotional tools to deal with death.

I am now in my early 70s. I know that statistics for males is that most men die in their 70s and 80s. I don’t have a lot of time left. But, why worry about it?

There is nothing I can do to prevent my death so I figure that I might as well make the best of the life I have left.

Death? It’s just another part of life.

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

 

 

 

JLA Liberty And Justice

Writer/artist extraordinaire Alex Ross takes DC Comics’ first Silver Age super team: The Justice League of America, on a fantastic journey. 

Talk about a timely story!

The Justice League faces a threat like none they’ve ever faced before.

A worldwide epidemic threatens to destroy mankind and the JLA must combine their considerable skills and powers to squelch the epidemic.

But, were they the ones responsible for bringing it to earth from outer space?  Some people seem to think so and this sets off a panic, mistrust of the JLA and finger pointing.

It also escalates into a worldwide paranoia with nation threatening nation.

Can the JLA stop the spread of the disease and set things right?

In JLA Liberty And Justice it’s a different type of JLA story where the heroes are treated like villains.

Alex Ross is primarily known as a cover artist when it comes to comic books.  The majority of his cover work has been for DC Comics, followed by Marvel Comics, Independents and finally to magazine and special projects.

When he has the opportunity to draw an entire comic book issue it demonstrates just how multi-talented Alex is.

The page layout, illustrations and color application in this JLA special is astounding.  Is there nothing Mr. Ross can’t draw and draw it well?

Alex did a series of DC oversize specials in the early 2000s.  I recommend buying them all.

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.