I heard something interesting from the lady who stocks the books and magazines at Sam’s and Wal-Mart's.
It seems more and more people are starting to read--again. From what the lady told me she has talked to a number of people (many parents) who are fed up with the whole e-book thing and social media snippet phenomenon.
People want a book in their hands, to flip through its pages that are actually printed on paper books and periodicals. Coincidentally gamers are turning away from video games in droves and are starting to play more board and role-playing games.
From all appearances there is an electronic revolt going on. I see it with comic books also. Other than archive comic books that are too expensive for collectors to purchase comic book lovers are opting away from electronic versions.
Many comic book lovers are sticking with printed comic books (and abandoning the whole alternate cover fiasco) and trade paperback reprint collections.
I see a glimmer of hope.
I’ve also noticed that the proliferation of YouTube and other video reviews of toys, games, etc., has created a backlash of sorts.
While some of the sites deserve merit many of them are little more than fan boys who have terrible onscreen personalities, a lack of communication skills and know little about the books (especially older comic books) they ‘review’.
Many of the online sites are little more than ‘how much is it worth’ and ‘how to get rich off comic books, or other collectibles’.
Give me substance. Give me content that teaches me something and where I actually learn something new. Most sites do not offer anything of substance.
I’m encouraged. I noticed n the last month or so that my blog, Facebook and Twitter sites are picking up steam and garnering more readers-especially my blog.
I’ve seen the readership almost triple and not just domestically but internationally as well.
I am determined to hound, cajole, insist and persuade publishers and manufacturers to provide more review samples on a consistent basis.
I strive to write clear, to-the-point, concise and entertaining reviews.
I want my readers to learn something or at least spark in them the desire to do more research, read, voice their own opinion and communicate in writing or in person.
Ironically the whole social media phenomenon has had the opposite effect.
As smart phones, tablets and other electronic devices (along with the Internet) deluge consumers with trivia and an unending flow of worthless information, consumer social skills have suffered.
How many times have you gone to a restaurant or other gatherings of families and friends and noticed everyone is on their devices and are totally oblivious to those around them?
That’s outrageous, pitiful and most of all alarming! Does no one speak person-to-person anymore?
I encourage, you, the consumer, to read reviews, buy a book and spend a few enjoyable hours engulfed in its pages, buy a product and form your own opinion and not that of mass media and most of all to ponder-to take the time to slow down, relax and think.
You might be surprised at what you discover.
My wife, our kids and I have been out to California several times to visit my wife’s sister Linda who lives in the Sierra Nevada's.
It’s always a pleasant trip and we love spending time with her and the stay over in her yurt.
Despite the troubling news that major cities in California are experiencing a homeless crisis and rising property and merchandise taxes and costs, California is still worth the trip if for nothing else than to see its amazingly diverse terrain.
California has it all with beaches, mountains, plains, deserts, rain-forests and so much more.
Schiffer Books and author and photographer David Skernick present the best of the best of wild California in a set of two books called Back Roads Of Northern California and Back Roads Of Southern California.
What better way to see California's flora, fauna and landscape close-up than with these two absolutely gorgeous pictorial guides!?
Between my family and I we’ve seen every part of California from its southern border to its northern tip. We hope to go back again someday.
As much as I love guns and other civilian firearms and artillery there is something about knives that draws me to them.
Maybe it’s a primal urge to take on nature with only my wits, physical strength and the most primitive of weapons.
After all, man survived using knives long before firearms came around.
There is something beautiful about a well-crafted knife. From its handle to its single or double edge blade a knife is a perfectly balanced survival tool and weapon.
With a knife it is possible to survive almost anywhere.
In The Big Book Of Knives author Oliver Lang writes everything about mankind’s most important tool.
Every facet of knife-making is explained, how a blade is sharpened, how its blade is attacked to its handle, the different types of knives and their uses, their utilitarian use and how the modern knife has been transformed from a simple, sharp tool to a precision instrument.
Areas covered include sheaths, utility multi-tools, pocket knives, hunting knives, as weapons of war and protection, knives for the home and kitchen and there's even a section on the care and upkeep of a knife.
It comes as no surprise to me that most readers are not familiar with Marx Toys.
When I was young Marx Toys was one of the most popular and innovative toy manufacturers in the world. Sadly the company is out of business.
In Marx Toys Robots, Space, Comic, Disney & TV Characters, by Maxine A. Pinsky, not only is a full color-photo catalog but includes values too.
Tin toys of every type are present be they small stagnant toys or wind-up toys that delighted kids years ago and collectors today.
I only wish I had the Marx Toys from when I was a kid.
What a delightful visual treat accompanied by in-depth text about each toy including the dates each was in production.
“Marx Toys ~ Have You All of Them?”
Konami’s Dark Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Neostorm Special Edition thunders into stores so you better grab all you can as fast as lightning!
Get ready to play come rain or high water in a brand new YGO Special Edition that brings a whole ‘new’ meaning to the word ‘storm‘.
Thunderation! It’s time to play!
Each Dark Neostorm Special Edition contains:
3 Dark Neostorm Booster Packs
1 of 2 Super Rares
1 of 2 Super Rare preview Cards from the Rising Rampage Booster Set
What in the world!? What exactly am I seeing?
I’ve always considered myself a lover of conventional comic strips and comic books. Oh sure, some of them have odd and quirky characters and the art styles that range from ultra-realistic to minimalist.
But...the two new graphic novels I recently acquired, published by Quirk Books, have collectively boggled and befuddled my oh so traditional mind!
At first I was a little take back by the art and stories. I was unprepared for the unusual art styles and decidedly unconventional stories.
But, the more I looked at and read them the more intrigued and captivated I was by them.
I mean, what’s not to be drawn to?
Manfried Saves The Day completely reverses the roles of man and his pet theme.
In a strange world when humanoid felines have humans as pets Manfried is a lazy, pampered and spoiled human pet. Kind of a pink, hairless Garfield-only worse.
In Manfried Saves The Day, web comic creators Caitlin Major and Kelly Bastow continue their much-loved Manfried strip in a brand new graphic novel adventure.
In it Manfried must take first place in the Manflower Man Show if a local shelter can a have prayer of staying open. If not, stray men will be forced on the street. Any you know what that means!
Talk about a role reversal!
In Michelle Gish’s After You Are Gone We Are Here Forever graphic novel the Puramus are curious, emotional and complex, short, purple, blobby-body creatures that populate an Earth without people.
As they struggle to cope with their newfound emotions and tackle concepts like war, famine, hate and the like they begin to question their existence and to wonder where they came from.
Why is the human race gone? When did it happen? Where did the Puramus come from? What is their purpose? Are they doomed to follow the same destructive path as humans?
For a unique examination of the human condition using non-human creatures We Are Here Forever tackles the many strengths and weakness of the human species as experienced by a new race.
Will they make the same mistakes as humans or rise above their pettiness and prejudices to become worthy successor to the human race?
Only time will tell.
The end of the world! The Zombie Apocalypse! Global climate change!
It seems wherever you go nowadays that lots of people are in a panic about the possible end of the world.
Newsflash! End-time panic is nothing new. I remember when I was a kid it was the nuclear war threat, overpopulation, greenhouse gases, a shortage of food or a dozen other ways for the world (specifically people) to end.
Guess what? It ain’t happened yet. I’m not saying it won’t (as a Christian I know it will happen, but no one knows when).
In Apocalypse Then, written by Mike Bogue and published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, readers are invited to travel back to the years 1951 to 1967 to witness American and Japanese Atomic Cinema.
Back then everything bad was blamed on the Atomic Bomb or Atomic Energy gone wrong.
Giant monsters, irradiated humans who either grew to enormous size or shrunk to sub-atomic scale, mutated giant insects; space invaders and other threats dominated the Silver Screen.
It seemed that everyone was Atomic Bomb crazy and terrified and the movies echoed that fear with invader, horrific monsters, Atomic War or any of a dozen other ways that splitting the atom could destroy mankind.
Discover all of the films that foretold of doom in this exciting new book, complete with vintage movie photos and art that examines the Atomic Age anxiety of that time.
Just to set the record straight Environmentalism has been around for decades. It really got a push in the 1960s and has spread worldwide.
Some of it is disconcerting but much of it is pure panic quackery and hackery dreamed up by those that get anxiety attacks when a plant dies.
It’s more about politics than pollution.
Be that as it may environmental degradation was spotlighted in the movies long before most took notice.
Authors Sean Rhoads and Brooke McCorkle has investigated the early Japanese giant monster movies and discovered an interesting fact.
Most of them promoted a central theme-the wide-scale destruction of the environmental and ecological systems of the world.
That’s right! Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera and all those other giant beasties of Japanese Cinema were not just creatures of destructions; they were the guardians of the Earth!
Mind blown! Think about it, nuclear power, industrial pollution, man’s wide-scale destruction of the flora and fauna, water and air pollution, the destruction of the Ozone Layer-all of them were addressed in one form or another.
I can see it now, Godzilla as the new poster child of the environment. A kind of lizard Smokey the Bear with the catchphrase, “Only you can prevent worldwide destruction!”
Check out Japan’s Green Monsters Environmental Commentary In Kaiju Cinema.
Let’s get back to giant insect, lizards, animals, etc.
Back in the days when movies were filled with films about Nature Turned Nasty it seems animals of all sorts were determined to make people pay for their misuse of atomic energy, nasty chemicals and the like.
In Creature Features author William Schoell lovingly looks back at such classic films as The Birds, The Blob, Them! and other low budget and blockbuster films where man’s fellow creatures decided they had had enough and it was time to pay the piper-big time!
Dismember, devour, dissolve, mince-it really didn’t make a difference on how humans were eliminated-they all made great cinema!
Honestly, who doesn’t like a good old-fashioned nature gone crazy film?
It was these films that made such classic movies as Jaws, Alien, Jurassic Park and modern films of like genre so popular.
Get ready for some human entrees and snacks in a book that proves that humans are part of the food chain.
The year was was 1980. My wife and I had moved to Texas when I secured a job as an illustrator at a publishing firm.
My work consisted mainly of cartoons. I loved it!
I’d always been a big fan of comic books and this was (or so I thought at the tie) my chance to strut my stuff and eventually transition to comic books.
Things didn’t work out that way but, while employed, my wife and I happened to stop by a local used bookstore.
There, on the floor by the cashier’s counter, was a box of used comic books.
I had gotten rid of my comic books a few years before I got married and only occasionally looked at them when I happened to pass by a comic book stand.
With little or no money, I never bought any.
Now that was gainfully employed I decided to peruse the box and maybe pick up a few titles.
The first issue I picked up was an early Frank Miller Daredevil comic book-just after he started both writing and drawing the series.
I was dumbfounded. Who was this guy? What had he done to Daredevil?
Sure Daredevil looked the same (more or less) but he was a lot tougher!
Instead of his Stan Lee/Gene Colan quips, overly-acrobatic gymnastics and verbal and physical jabs, this Daredevil was as tough-as-nails, brutal at times and his adversaries were killers, hitmen and the scum of the earth with little regard for life or the law.
The pages were orchestrated battles with plenty of film noir sequences, brutal fisticuffs and violence.
I loved it! I immediately snatched up the dozen or so issues and bought them all.
Not long after that I persuaded my wife to visit a local comic book shop where I subscribed to Daredevil, The Uncanny X-Men (drawn by John Byrne) and George Perez’s The New Teen Titans. My comic book addiction reasserted itself.
In Frank Miller’s Daredevil And The Ends Of Heroism, written by Paul Young and published by Rutgers University Press, readers are invited to explore the Miller Daredevil phenomenon is full.
The author delves deeply into the life and work of Frank Miller, his influences, his vision of Daredevil and how he successfully re-engineered the Man Without Fear and his rogue’s gallery and supporting cast.
Full-color page and scene reproductions from Miller’s run on Daredevil are examined and the author fleshes out how Miller’s innovative layouts, story-telling techniques and unique take on the character changed the way superheroes were viewed.
Miller’s influence is felt even today as a whole new generation of artists and writers take what they’ve learned from Miller’s vision and transformed the comic book industry.
Superman: the granddaddy of comic book superheroes.
How is a character, created in the late 1930s, managed to stay so relevant and topical for going on 80 years?
Author Ian Gordon looks at Superman’s stellar career in his new book: The Persistence Of An American Icon Superman.
Like the Daredevil book the Superman Rutger’s book is part of its Comics Culture series that takes a serious look at the American comic book industry.
Aided by color photos of art spanning the decades the book delves into the enormous influence Superman has had on American society.
Films, comic books, toys, animation and practically every other form of merchandise tie-ins keep the character at the forefront of societal consciousness.
No other comic book character has the long, enduing and illustrious career as The Man Of Steel.
There have been some contentious times betwixt creators, publishers and other corporate types yet Superman has survived them all much as his character did from the destruction of his home planet Krypton in the comic books.
For a real insider look at what makes Superman tick be sure to pick up a copy of this book. It looks like superman will be around for a very long, long time.
I started reading comic books when I was five years old. My favorites included Harvey Comics’ Casper, Little Lotta, Baby Huey, Little Dot, Wendy The Good Little Witch, Casper, Spooky, Red Hot, Stumbo The Giant, Sad Sack and of course Richie Rich.
Other favorites included Little Archie, Sugar and Spike, Fox and Crow and a plethora of funny animal comic books including Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, Woody Woodpecker and various Warner Bros, Walter Lantz and Terry Toons cartoon characters.
As I grew older I gravitated toward superhero comic books. I loved the stories and paid little attention to the artists who drew them. That would come later.
Most of the titles were from DC Comics and included The Doom Patrol, Metamorpho, various war titles, Dial H for Hero, Superman, Batman, The Legion Of Superheroes, The Flash, Green Lantern, The Atom, Martian Manhunter, Elongated Man, Adam Strange and The Justice League Of America.
When Marvel Comics hit it big I picked up most its titles and it was at this point that my interest in art began to form. Marvel gave credit to each book’s artist and I took notice.
From that point on I made it my mission to study the art of various artists.
During the Silver, Bronze and Modern Ages I took note of particular titles that my favorite artists worked on.
Here’s a list:
Neal Adam: Deadman, Batman, Brave and The Bold, The Uncanny X-Men and The Avengers.
John Buscema: Namor The Submariner, The Avengers and The Silver Surfer.
Steve Ditko: The Amazing Spider-Man, The Creeper, Doctor Strange, Captain Atom, The Blue Beetle, The Question and Hawk and Dove.
Wally Wood: Thunder Agents, All of his EC Comics work and Daredevil.
Gene Colan: Daredevil, The Avengers, Doctor Strange and Dracula.
Jack Kirby: The Fantastic Four, Thor, Challengers Of The Unknown, The Uncanny X-Men, His DC Comics Fourth World Saga, Captain America and The Uncanny X-Men.
Jim Steranko: Nick Fury Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America and The Uncanny X-Men.
Bernie Wrightson: Swamp Thing and his Warren Magazine work.
Frank Brunner: Doctor Strange.
Mike Ploog: Werewolf By Night.
Jim Starlin: Warlock, Captain Marvel, various Thanos series and Dreadstar.
George Perez: The Avengers, The New Teen Titans, The Fantastic Four, Wonder Woman, The Infinity Gauntlet and The Justice League Of America.
John Byrne: The Uncanny X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Wonder Woman, The Demon, OMAC, The Demon, The Next Men, The Doom Patrol, Generations, Superman and She Hulk.
Frank Miller: Daredevil, Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns and Sin City.
Other artists whose work I enjoy and who have contributed to various titles over the years but seldom stayed on a regular monthly title are: Arthur Adams, Jerry Ordway, Ivan Reis, Dave Gibbons, Alan Davis, Dave Stevens, Jim Lee, Brian Bolland, Frank Frazetta, Joe Kubert, Michael Golden, Mort Drucker, Jack Davis, Alex Toth and various others whom, at the moment, I can’t remember their names.
I’m sure I’ve overlooked favorites of other comic book collectors. It’s all about personal taste.
Each artist I’ve listed helped me to develop my own style and inspired me to do my best. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a few in person.
I’ve loved comic books all of my life and I see no reason why that love will ever fade.
I’ve often had people kid with me and tell me, “They’re gong to bury you in a comic book long box when you die.”
You know, that may not be such a bad idea after all.
What one man is the most responsible for the electrical grid that supplies Alternating Current to every home, business and government around the world?
If you said Thomas Edison you would be wrong.
While Edison did promote the grid and was responsible for its growth, he did not originate Alternating Current.
In fact Edison envisioned a world powered by Direct Current.
When he realized that Tesla’s Alternating Current was much more efficient and innovative he effectively destroyed Tesla’s chances at success. It’s ugly, but true.
Nikola Tesla invented Alternating Current and it was only because of his bad business decisions and Edison’s intervention that he is not touted as the innovator, genius and visionary that he so richly deserves.
Tesla started out a poor Croatian immigrant who at a very early age exhibited his remarkable genius.
Tesla’s genius when it came to electricity and engineering was second to none.
His visionary insights into the future saw a world with free broadcast electricity using the Earth itself as a conductor, incredible strides in electrical vehicles and uses and much more.
Tesla; The Man, The Inventor, And The Age Of Electricity, written by Dr. Richard Gunderman and published by Carlton Books looks into the life of Tesla, his victories, his failures and his life so full of potential relegated to the backseat and eventual destitution.
Who better to tackle a puzzle than Lewis Carroll’s Alice?
After all she did tumble down a rabbit hole, solve all sorts of unusual puzzles and riddles and managed to escape the Wonderland madness.
In Alice In Puzzleland, authors R. W. Galland and Jason Ward put Alice through her paces in a wonderful new book of mind-bending puzzles and riddles that will make the Mad Hatter even madder than he already is.
Fall down, down through the die-cut keyhole where a Wonderland of puzzles and riddles await.
Beautifully illustrated, using vintage clipart and original Alice drawing, the book is a real brainteaser that would make the Cheshire Cat proud.
The world of espionage and spying is glamorized in novels, movies and TV.
But the real world of espionage is anything but glamorous and filled with gorgeous women, elegant social affair, fast cars and clever gimmicks.
While elements of each exist to a small degree in espionage the real world of spies, international intrigue and counter intelligent is filled with danger, blood, guts and sweat.
Few hours are spent at casinos or sipping expensive wine and eating gourmet food.
In The History Of Espionage: The Secret World of Spycraft, Sabotage And Post-Truth Propaganda, author Ernest Volkman blows the lid off the myth of the super-spy and the exotic world of espionage.
Readers are given a front row seat to the long and dangerous theater that is espionage, starting in ancient times.
Learn all about the grim, dingy and dangerous world of espionage with all its pitfalls, characters and the specter of death that pervades every moment.
Weapons, techniques, codes and more are examined up until the modern digital age.
What is it about Cults that so captivate human curiosity?
Why are so many people caught up in their lies, misconceptions and often-fatal conclusions?
In The History Of Cults From Satanic Sects To The Manson Family, author Robert Schroeder examines what makes cults click.
Learn how cults form, the charismatic leaders who enthrall and often entrap followers, their rituals, rules, punishments and extreme rhetoric.
It is no surprise many cults glean their members of cash and possessions, make promises they cannot keep and deceive countless thousands.
The book identifies past and current cults, their modes of operation and how they entrap people, deceive many and ultimately destroy the lives of those foolish enough to believe their lies.
The book focuses in on cult leaders, cult practices and is supplemented with photos and art.
I am a big fan of the Stranger Things TV series. Puzzles From The Nether offers a frightening addictive puzzle adventure inspired by the world of Stranger Things by author Jason Ward.
Readers must decipher messages from the other side and by solve puzzles in order to escape.
Filled with colorful illustrations, photos and quirky facts and insights the book brings the world of Stranger Things up close and personal.
Americans (and many around the world) are fascinated by the United States highways-especially the older ones.
In Greetings From The Lincoln Highway, author Brian Butko and Globe Pequot Press, invite readers on a road trip celebration of America’s First coast-to-coast highway.
I absolutely love learning about the history of America's highways and byways.
For the first time in American history the Lincoln Highway allowed motorists to make a complete trip across the U.S.
Better yet it offered scenic wonders. Accommodations, quirky and unusual rest stops, stores, attractions and historical sites.
From start to finish the book is jam-packed with current photographs, maps and vintage art and photos that illustrate the history of the Lincoln Highway.
Facts and fun-filled anecdotes recall the early years of the highway, its many stopover points and the people and times that make up the long history of the highway.
Nostalgia reigns as readers travel down Memory Lane, indulge in some good old-fashioned Americana and relive the past.
What a joy to read and imagine traveling down the highway past farms, villages, cities, historical sites and nature’s wonders and meeting the people, visiting the places and remembering the good old days.
The book also offers a modern day take on the many sites still in existence, great places to visit and of course the great people who you’ll meet along the way.
Secrets-everyone has secrets.
But when is secret is revealed that involves a horrible truth and is hidden by a fabricated identity and lies--trouble is sure to follow
That‘s the situation used bookstore owner Robin Windsor finds herself in.
Over the years she assumed different identities, kept to herself and preferred the company of books to people.
What friends she does have are few and far between.
She lives a quiet, reclusive life surrounded by her literary gallery of fictional characters, her parrot The Professor and two loyal friends who share her secret.
Running from her past, despite the fact that she had nothing to do with her parents’ crimes, Robin is haunted by their actions and hides from those who want to expose her.
One day a package arrives at her door.
Within it is a copy of The Catcher On The Rye: the very first book Peter Flynt: a boy she met in high school, gave her. He also betrayed her trust-a betrayal she has never got over.
But why and what has the book to do with her past? Some other books they shared begin to arrive.
Does their arrival foretell impending doom? Will her long held secret be revealed?
That’s just a few of the questions she needs answered in the brand new thriller: The Words Between Us, by author Erin Bartels and published by Baker Publishing Group/Revell.
The Words Between Us is a taught thriller that strings the reader along in a sequence of slow and methodical moments that culminate in a rush to an unexpected revelation.
The characters are well fleshed out and totally unique. The author does an excellent job of defining each person’s individual personality, none more so than Robin’s.
You feel as if you know the people. There is an air of familiarity about them.
From the quiet, secretive, yet compassionate Robin to her more boisterous, sometimes outrageous friends and associates, each is unique.
You really feel the turmoil Robin is caught up in and the torment she has endured over the years.
I especially like the references to God and faith. I was pleased to read that the author hails from my home state of Michigan and resides not too far from my hometown of Milford.
The book is a great read and fans of mysteries and thrillers are sure to enjoy every page.
I like YouTube-at least the videos that actually teach something. To me YouTube (the sites I watch) is like watching PBS online. I actually learn something.
However...many of the ‘so-called’ informational sites are exercises in self-gratification and promotion.
Too often when I watch YouTube channels that purport to review comic books, toys, etc., they are little more than ‘look what I have’ or ‘I got this and you don’t’ exercises in ego-stroking.
For example-comic book collector sites. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched individuals ‘report’ on ‘hot’ vintage comic books and never delve into the past or significance of said books.
Often the reviews cover recent releases that are reportedly hot and worth money.
Here’s a tip: if the book states on its cover or is promoted by its publishers as collectible and valuable-it’s not.
Truthfully, most variant cover and recently published comic books (there are a few exceptions) will wind up not being worth the money they originally sold for.
Think about it. Why would a comic book be worth more simply because it has a different cover? Shouldn’t the value of the book be because of its scarcity (the ENTIRE book’s scarcity), significant event in the book or a first appearance?
As an example: the first appearances of Deadpool and Cable. When these books initially came out they were printed in the hundreds of thousands. The same goes for the first appearance of Venom.
There is no way these books should be worth the money demanded by sellers. Talk about a rip off!
Have you ever listened to some of these so-called ‘comic book experts’?
Do they not do their research! Honestly, some of the stuff they say. I absolutely cringe.
The same goes for many of the toy review sites. Sure they show off the toys but very few (and I mean VERY few) sites actually take the time to really examine a toy. I’m talking about commenting on the packaging, construction of the toy, details, color, articulation and the like.
Most are ‘Gosh, golly, this toy is cool!’
I want some meat and bones when it comes to reviews-not fluff and filler.
Some YouTube sites are little more than men acting likes boys exploring rides, attractions and travel locations-again with little content.
Many offer the opportunity for ‘travel reviewers’ to talk to the camera and feed their own egos.
Frankly I’m getting sick of the whole mess.
There are some legitimate and informative sites on YouTube. Especially when they pertain to home, auto or other repairs or product quality or history, science or educational subjects.
Unfortunately YouTube, like so many social media sites, is being hijacked by individuals who have nothing better to do than post stupid, egocentric or absolutely worthless videos.
Is it any wonder that people’s attention spans are minimal, reading has all but disappeared and self-gratification is at an all-time high?
YouTube is lauded as a great communication vehicle. The trouble is there are a bunch of idiots behind the wheel!
Do you have what it takes to outrace something that attacks from the depths?
Speed is one thing, being prepared for something that comes up from the Stygian realm of darkness is another.
Can you kick it into high gear and come face-to-face with that which lies below?
That’s what you can expect in Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh Speed Duel: Attack From The Deep Four-Card Booster Packs.
Just look at what you get:
Each Pack contains 4 Cards.
The Set contains 45 Cards and 5 Skill Cards (1 for Kaiba, 1 for Joey and 3 for Mako Tsunami)
8 Ultra Rares
8 Super Rares
34 Commons
I’m a Christian-I make no bones about it or apology for it.
I believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross and paid the price for my sins. I accepted his free gift on February 1, 1978.
No amount of good works or self-improvement on my part had anything to do with my salvation. God did it all and that’s the way it should be.
I encourage anyone seeking God to consider my words and accept God’s free gift of salvation. All it takes is a realization that you are a sinner, no amount of ‘works’ on your part will save you, accept and believe Christ died on the cross for you sins, accept his free gift and you will be saved. It’s that simple.
In this article when I refer to a blessing I’ve narrowed it down to a specific subject: my reviews
As many of you know I’ve been writing reviews for almost 28 years.
Collectors’ Corner started out as a single-page printed newsletter and has blossomed into a blog, Facebook page, Twitter account and a Linked-in account.
Collectors’ Corner’s readership has grown over the years. It’s not incredibly big, but respectable. The majority of those who choose to read my reviews are collectors.
Over the past several years review samples provided by publishers and manufacturers have dwindled. It is not uncommon for me to receive one to two samples a week.
At one point I could expect to get samples everyday.
But, times have changed. With the advent of the web more and more companies are cutting back on sending samples as the web allows them to promote their merchandise practically for free.
The proliferation of YouTube and other ‘review’ outlets has stretched promotional material out so that only a select few outlets (most with huge audience numbers) receive samples.
That’s OK, that’s business.
I could whine and complain about the unfairness of it all-but why bother?
It is what it is. I hold no malice or bad feelings toward any individuals or companies.
What I do have...is hope. I’ve discovered over the years of my Christian life that when God takes something away he always replaces it with something better.
In my case I may have lost a lot of review possibilities but I’ve gained so much more.
I was taking what God has given me for granted: my wife, my kids, my family, my friends, my health, my finances, my church and so much more.
God has given me the time to reflect on my life and to reprioritize my wants and needs. I’m grateful.
I would be a liar if I said it has been easy-growth never is. But it was necessary.
I don’t believe in ‘name it and claim it‘. It simply isn’t scriptural. God never promised our lives would be without pain and struggles. What he does promise is that he will be with us through it all.
While I was visiting my brother in Michigan last week it suddenly struck me. It was almost kike God whispered in my ear and assured me that something remarkable was about to happen.
I’m excited (and a little afraid) to see what’s next.
I’ve learned to trust God (it took me long enough). I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. If I did, I may not to go there.
What I do know is that God promised to be by my side, to carry me if necessary and to trust him--completely. That’s not easy to do.
God knows all about my personality quirks, fears, likes, dislikes, my strengths and weaknesses and how I think, feel and perceive the world and yet he still loves me-unconditionally.
I’m no super-Christian. I have my moments of doubt, anger, frustration, fear and anxiety. I also have hope and the promise that God is the God of second and infinite chances.
And that’s a good thing. God knows, I’ve messed up enough.
As far as the reviews go I would like to continue doing them. I enjoy writing them. I also enjoy collecting.
God willing, both will continue. If God so chooses to bless both the sky’s the limit!
This past week I visited my older brother in Michigan. The nearly 1,000 mile trip took just over four hours-including a one hour stop over in Atlanta, Georgia.
When I arrived at the Flint, Michigan airport and exited my Delta air flight, I spotted my brother just outside the check-in area in the lobby.
We hugged, teased each other as brothers do and headed back to his home in Highland.
On the way back we stopped at my mother’s grave, ate a late lunch and within an hour arrived at his home.
Now living alone, my brother’s wife passed away a year ago, my brother (Rich) has comfortably set into his solitary life and seems quite content. His loss rears its head occasionally but he copes with it well.
His children, friends and fellow church members check in on him periodically. Mostly he stays at home, ventures out for an occasional meal, shops for groceries and supplies, goes to church and is satisfied living a quite life.
The next few days we talked a lot, caught up on old times, shared memories of past family and friends, remembered places we grew up around and that no longer exist and visited a few other relatives, ate out and enjoyed the quiet times two old men appreciate.
One day I was able to visit with an old high-school buddy.
We walked around our hometown, stopped by our old high school, commented on how things had changed, stirred up a few memories and marveled at how time had passed so quickly.
I brought my old high school yearbook and we mourned the loss of so many of our classmates. Before we knew it, the time was gone. He returned to his home and work and I to my brother’s home.
The day before I left to come home Rich and I visited my late brother (Dallas’s) family and his surviving widow.
His two grandchildren had grown up, his son was his spitting image and Dallas's widow was living with them in her own little apartment in the basement.
She spends her days watching TV, reliving her life with my brother, watching the birds outside her window feed and the deer and other wild animals make their frequent visits in the field outside her back door.
Barely three hours later Rich and I returned to his home, spent our last night together as siblings and wished we had more time.
The next afternoon, Rich and I ate brunch and all too soon he dropped me off at the airport.
As he drove away I felt the tears well up in my eyes, my heart ached and it struck me that I may never see him again-in this life.
I remembered growing up together, how we went our separate ways, the all-too-brief visits and the memories we shared.
It struck me how much I loved him and my faraway family and how I missed my wife back home and my kids and grandchild.
I swallowed hard as the memories rushed in and how God has blessed my life. I am so grateful for my family-both past and present.
I cherish the times, both in Michigan and Florida.
Looking forward I am content in the fact that I will grow older and like my brother and sister-in-law content myself with puttering around at home, relishing my kids and grandkid(s) and eventually passing on where I will be reunited with my lost loved ones.
Life has its moments, both good and bad. Dreams come true and sometimes they don’t. The only thing that does not change is change and that’s OK.
The past is both dead and alive. While I can never go back (nor would I want to), I still have my memories.
To quote Robin Williams as Peter Pan in the movie Hook, “To live… to live would be an awfully big adventure.”
