Pearls Seeks Enlightenment

Cartoonist Stephen Pastis was bored. The pandemic was in full swing and he decided to go on a road trip. So he did. A lot of places.

But when he found himself in the middle of wasteland and in desperate need of the bathroom he somehow managed to find a small cluster of buildings-that were closed.

Frantically he knocked on one building's door. A man answered. The building was an art gallery in the middle of nowhere.

The man allowed him to use the a bathroom.

In gratitude Stephen attempted to give him one his softbound book collection of his comic strip as payment.

The man refused, he didn’t read comic strips. Eventually Stephen persuaded him to take the book.

Pearls Seeks Enlightenment: A Pearls Before Swine Treasury, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, reflects Stephen’s bizarre life as chronicled above.  Trust me, the man seems to be a magnet for the unusual. 

You have to admit a comic strip mainly focusing on a rodent and pig and their companions is a bit of a stretch.

And yet it works.

Off the wall, irreverent and weird the comic strip uses animals to mock, make fun of, provides commentaries and generally looks at life from a totally different perspective.

Both black and white and full color strips are included in the book along with the occasional commentary from the author/cartoonist.

Where else are you going to find a prophet ass on a hill, a genie that practices social distancing, the dangers of printer ink and so many more wonderfully offbeat takes on life.

Pearls Seeks Enlightenment (collecting 18-months of strips form 2020 to 2021) is a wonderful, wacky, way-out, what the? collection of comic strips that are sure to make you laugh and ponder, “What did I just read?”

"I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13

Maze Of Millennia

Feeling a little confused? Are you stumbling around trying to finding your way out of a gamers’ maze? Does it seem like it’s taking forever-a millennium!

If you don’t feel like waiting around forever and you’re tired of running around in circles looking for a way out then Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Maze Of Millennia Trading Card Game is the solution.

It’s time to reconnoiter, set your sites and get ready to play Maze Of Millennia.

At 24 Packs per Box and seven Cards per Pack you’re sure to ‘find’ your way through the maze and not take too long to do so. Just look at what your get:

• New long-thought-lost cards seen in the TV series.
• Some of today’s hottest tournament-level Cards.
• The mesmerizing power of Pegasus’ Eye of Illusion. 
• The unseen evil of Clorless, Chaos King of Dark World,
• A brand-new Card, Bonfire that adds any Level 4 or lower Pyro-Type Monster from your Deck to your hand.
• The Harmonic Synchro Fusion spell lets you Tribute 2 monsters to Special Summon a Fusion Monster and a Synchro Monster.
• Summon Garura and get a free Synchro Monster to clear the way for Garura.
• Number 1: Infection Buzzking lets you peer into your opponent’s Extra Deck and eliminate a dangerous Card before it can even be played.
• Transaction Rollback can duplicate any Normal Trap Card in either Graveyard.
• And more surprises!

The Maze of Millennia Set contains 85 Cards:

• 11 Ultra Rares
• 16 Super Rares
• 57 Rares
• 1 Quarter-Century Secret Rare (16 Cards also available as Collector’s Rares)

Booster Packs contain 7 Cards:

• 1 Foil
• 6 Rare

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." — 1 Chronicles 16:34

007 Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5

I am a child of the 1950 and 1960s.

As a preteen the very first James Bond movie I saw was Goldfinger starring Sean Connery as James Bond.

While I enjoyed the whole movie the part I loved the most was when James Bond’s car is introduced: the Aston Martin DB5,

With its many gadgets, among them an ejector seat, twin machine guns, a tracking device, bullet proof rear shied, rotating license plate, smoke and oil emitters and other amazing augmentations I was totally blown away.

Revell’s 1:24 Scale 007 Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 model kit is recommended for those 10 years old and older. No painting or gluing is required. The new Easy-Click System makes putting together the 122 part model kit fast, easy and fun.

Follow the directions and before you know it you’re finished and ready to display James Bond's iconic automobile-one of the most recognizable and famous cars in the world.

The body chassis comes in one piece with additional parts  contained within clear plastic bags. They include tires, clear pieces such as a windshield. windows, etc.), chrome parts-including bumpers, several interior and exterior bags and a decal sheet.

Assembly is a breeze. No fuss, no muss!

Just look at the details-from the custom interior with its special gadgets to the weapons, deterrents and other goodies (including the tire slashing extenders) and much much more. 

In no time at all you’ll be done and then you can proudly display your super spy car with gadgets deployed or hidden.

Modelers and James Bond fans are sure to love this kit. Display the model with your other James Bond memorabilia or just for fun pretend you're Bond and let your imagination run wild.

Parts are easily detached from the part trees with a snipper or Xacto and need minimal trimming or cleanup. The model fits snugly together with no unsightly mismatched parts or rough edges.

James Bond would be proud!

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." — Romans 10:9

Werecats Emergent

What would you do if, as a teenager, one Halloween night you are suddenly transformed into a feral Werecat?

Teenager Pawly and her twin brother are about to find out as they begin their strange, mysterious, dangerous and frightening journey in the Werecats Emergent Book 1 Of The Forest Exiles Saga, by author Mark J. Engels and publisher Fazed Angle Media.

It’s tough enough to be a teenager, but when you turn into a Werecat there’s a whole new set of problems.

Having tasted human blood Pawly must learn to control her animal instincts before they control her.

It‘s up to her family to find a way to control her and brother’s baser animal instincts.

When a Werecat elder representing a rogue state offers to be a benefactor and protect the twins Pawly’s uncle has a difficult decision to make.

There’s a catch, the rogue nation wants to use their powers for its own purposes.

Meanwhile certain government types also have an interest in the Werecat family. They are not the only ones.

Suddenly several powerful entities become unwilling players in a deadly game of winner take all.

To complicate matters even more a cartel enforcer is savagely mauled on the twin’s first mission making the twins suspects.

What I find especially interesting about Werecats Emergent is how the author explores what it means to be a Werecat. He delves into what it means to have the human and feline personas vie against each other for control.

He also fleshes out each character giving them distinct personalities. He does this by delving into their history, family life, friends, family, work and personal associations.

I felt as if I knew each character and liked them despite their faults and choices. Even the ‘bad’ guys were real humans, albeit with wrong motivation and flaws.

Can the transformations truly be controlled? What happens when the red blood-lust becomes too strong and human reason vanishes? 

Even when certain base instincts can be tamed and channeled, what are the risks? What’s it like to live on the edge all the time not knowing what you might do if you lose control?

A human/feline hybrid is unstable and lives under the constant threat of burning out in a horrific manner. It must satiate its killer instinct someway.

This book has it all: international intrigue, spies, government covert operations, hints of horror and the supernatural, secret labs and hideouts, a drug and criminal cartel, a storm at sea, action, adventure and plot twists and turns-the list goes on and on. Phew! I’m tired keeping up on it all.

Find this book and read it, now!

Be sure to check out and read the two follow-up titles to The Forest Exiles Saga: Werecats Convergent and Werecats Resurgent. I plan to.

"Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream." — Amos 5:23-24

Top Trumps Quiz With A Twist 007

So you think you knew everything there is to know about James Bond 007? Guess again!

Two full decks of rounded corner cards with film photos on both sides along with five questions on one side and five answers on the other come in a silver metallic oversize Top Trumps flip open plastic container.

A James Bond logo is on top of the Top Trumps Quiz With A Twist 007 container with debossed Top Trumps Quiz text on each side.

Two or multiple players may play.  Each person (or team) answers the questions on the back of each card (there are 500 questions).  But, beware the 'twist'!

Whichever person or team that has the highest number of correct answers wins!  However, just like any James Bond film there is always an unexpected surprise!

The semi-gloss, coated cards are printed on card stock. With the cards' round corners and heavier paper stock gamers get lots of playtime without damaging the cards.

Images are taken from all of the James Bond films and include characters, locations, vehicles and more.

Can you correctly identify Bond’s adversaries and where a particular mission took place and in what film? It’s not as easy as it may seem.

I’m a big James Bond fan and I found myself struggling with some of the questions. I also learned a lot from the answers.

Who has the best Quiz cards around? Bond...James Bond!

"Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream." — Amos 5:23-24

Republic Thunderstreak “Thunderbirds” F-84F

Back in the 1950s jet aircraft were still relatively new. Barely a decade had passed since World War II and jet technology was in its infancy.

Most commercial flights were still using prop aircraft. The military was the chief user of jet aircraft. Early jet fighters and transports seem clumsy and clunky as compared to modern jet aircraft. And yet there is something fascinating about their design, shape, and capabilities.

As a kid growing up in the early Jet Age I was fascinated by the new military aircraft. That was a time when the sound barrier was broken, radical new air-frame designs were tested-along with new engines, cockpit designs and instrumentation and the early stages of the space program.

Pioneering engineering and endless possibilities abound. The sky was the limit!

Monogram’s 1:48 Scale Republic Thunderstreak “Thunderbirds” F-84F  U.S. Air Force jet is a marvel of a miniature and highly detailed recreation of the aircraft.

Designed for modelers over the age of 12 years old it requires a Level 4 expertise in model making. Paint, glue and decal application is needed.

The model box cover spotlights the F-84F with the jet front and center with three other aircraft flying in formation behind it. Side panels include photo and specs.

I happen to live close to an airbase and jets of all sorts fly overhead on missions and training flights. They never cease to amaze me.

Like all model kits time is important. Don’t waste it. Take your time, carefully follow the instructions and never (NEVER!) detach more parts from the part trees than you need to complete one assemble stage.

Instructions, decals and five plastic wrapped part trees are included. Assembly is easy if you follow the instructions and match part numbers on the pages with the part numbers on the part trees.

The F-84F model kit has a huge decal sheet with lots of decals. Any painting should be done before the aircraft model is complete and decals added when the plane is assembled. Again, take it easy, slow and meticulous.

Pay particular attention to the landing gear, extra tanks, weapons and cockpit. A pilot is even included.

Put it all together and take flight as you add this stunning new aircraft model to your collection.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

2-Player Starter Deck

“U-Gi-O!? What’s that?”

“The proper spelling is Yu-Gi-Oh!” It’s a Trading Card Game from Konami.”

“A what? a Trading Card Game?”

“Have you never heard of Magic or Pokemon?”

“Oh, you mean the card games?”

“Yes, Yu-Gi-Oh! is similar.

“Sounds interesting. How do I play it?”

“I’m glad you asked. It just so happens that Konami has released its Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! 2-Player Starter Deck for 6 years old and older. It’s the perfect way to learn how to play.”

“Sounds great! What comes with the 2-Player Start Deck?”

“It just so happens I have that information. Check it out below.”

• It’s the perfect way for any new to learn the game along with friends, family, or by yourself.
• The Starter Set’s 64-page comic book walks you through a scripted Duel to teach from the beginning.
• Learn all about first Card draw, through Summons and battles, to the Extra Deck’s Synchro and Xyz Monsters.
• Complete the teaching Duel and the Decks can be re-assembled to go to launch your journey into the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG universe!

The 2-Player Starter Set includes:

• 2 44-Card decks (2 x 40-card Main Decks and 2 x 4-card Extra Decks) (a total of 80 Commons and 8 Ultra Rares).
• 1 64-page teaching comic book.

“So what are you waiting for? Start playing!”

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'" — Mark 10:27

Diamond Previews, February 2024

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

71 Mach 1 Mustang 007 Diamonds Are Forever

Back in 1971 the producers of the James Bond films found themselves in a dilemma. Their last Bond film: On Her Majesty’s’ Secret Service, had not performed as well as they had liked, mainly because the actor they chose to replace Sean Connery did not work out.

Producers practically begged Sean Connery to reprise his role as Bond. He agreed, at a hefty price.

Diamonds Are Forever saw Connery back as Bond and the movie was huge success.

Bond’s new car in the film was a 71 Mach 1 Mustang. It captivated audiences and served to modernize and Americanize the new Bond film.

The one scene I remember in the movie with the Mach 1 is when Bond maneuvered it down a narrow alley on two wheels. 

 But due to an editorial mix-up when the car emerged on the other end of the alley was on the opposite two wheels-going from left to right.

The 1:25 Scale Revell 71 Mach 1 Mustang 007 Diamonds Are Forever model kit box features a scene from the movie where Bond was being chased through the streets of Los Vegas by the police at night. Box side panels feature additional Mach 1 photos, complete specs and a short description of the scene from the movie.

The model kit is rated for 12-year-olds and up and at a Level 4 modeling skill. Paint, glue and decal application are necessary.

The plastic kit box contains the body chassis (with tires) in a clear plastic bag. Other plastic bags contain various car parts in solid white, chrome and clear plastic.

Parts can be removed from the trees using a model snip or Xacto blade. Minimal flashing and attachment point cleanup is needed.

Parts are engineered to fit snugly together with no gaps, mismatches or rough edges. Tooling is top notch with clean contact surfaces and insertion points.

Once completed the model kits measures almost 7 1/2 inches. One hundred and twenty-one parts are in the box.

All toll there are 11-part trees, the chassis and tires, instructions and decals.

The model is easily assembled if you follow the numbered parts in the instructions. Snip out only the parts necessary for each step of assembly.

Although not as recognizable as the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 the Mach 1 Mustang is still a formidable car well suited to accommodate James Bond and his lovely ladies.

Marvel at the engine via the car’s opening hood, light and bumper assemblies, interior details and the fully detailed undercarriage with exhaust, suspension, engine underside, wheels and tires.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7

The Amazing Toys Of Marvin Glass 1950s To 1974

Call me weird, but when I was a kid the crazier the toy the more I liked it. And nobody designed crazier toys than Marvin Glass.

Just a few examples of his designs were Operation, Great Garloo, Kissy Doll, Time Bomb and dozens of other for kids of all ages.

Knock about, chase, spring loaded-you name it and Marvin Glass designed and manufactured via toy companies such as Hasbro, Mattel, Marx and many others.

If it was colorful, wacky, loony, action-packed and oddball Glass had them.

Author Joyce Grant and Schiffer Publishing proudly present the full-color, hardbound book featuring the wildest and most wonderful Marvin Glass toys created in the 1950s to 1974.

Pages are packed with color photographs and informational text about every way-out creation from dolls to games, robots and every other conceivable toy imaginable.

Also included and prices and chapters broken down by type of toy or game and which company produced what.

Relive the magic with The Amazing Toys Of Marvin Glass 1950s To 1974.

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" — 1 Corinthians 4:7

Top Trumps Quiz With A Twist Marvel

OK, I got this! After all, I’ve been reading Marvel Comics since they first premiered back in 1961 with The Fantastic Four.

I’m about to find out if I’m as clever as I think.

This oversize Quiz With A Twist Marvel double, flip-lid, plastic container holds two full-decks of cards with movie photos from various Marvel Cinematic films, along with five questions. 

One side of each card has the questions and the answers are on the reverse side. Both sides have a color photo. 

The main body of the container is a metallic, shiny red with a large marvel logo on its top with debossed Top Trumps Quiz text on each side. Very classy!

The cards are made of semi-gloss, paper stock with rounded corners (prevents bumped and damaged corners and for easier handling). Full color photos spotlight characters, locations, etc. seen in the many Marvel Cinematic Universe of movies.

Have as many players as you like. Each player gets five cards. Let the questions fly and after 10 minutes see who got the most correct answers!

I surprised myself with how many answers I knew. There were some tough questions. It was a mighty Marvel mind twister!

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1

PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat Commanded By LTJG John F. Kennedy

I attended public school during the 1950s and 1960s.

I remember when John Kennedy was elected President in 1961. During his tenure it was termed “The Age Of Camelot”.

As our youngest President he was adored both by the young and the old. In school we were taught how Kennedy commanded the PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat during World War II. The exploits of Kennedy and his crew were legendary.

Their exploits aboard the PT-109 was chronicled in the book “Profiles In Courage”, written by Kennedy, and later adapted to film.

It’s been a long time since I’ve built a ship model kit. It was way back in the late 1960s when I used to purchase them at The Shutter Shop hobby store in Michigan. Time to dust off my model making skills.

The 1:72 Scale PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat Commanded By LTJG John F. Kennedy model kit from Revell is graded for ages 13 years old and up, Level 5. Glue and paint are required. See the easy-to-follow instructions as to the model making tools needed to complete the kit.

As always take your time, detach parts off the part trees as needed to avoid losing parts or accidentally gluing them. Paint application is best done before assembling the model kit. Decals should be applied last.

The new PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat kit comes packaged in a long rectangular box complete with a full-color naval action scene on the front. Specs and additional photos are on the sides of the box.

Inside five clear plastic, sealed bags hold a total of eleven-part trees (10 gray, one clear) and two parts to the ship's hull and deck.

Parts detach easily from the part trees. I suggest you use an Xacto knife or model snips to remove the parts. Very little flashing is needed to be cleaned up along with the detach points on the pieces.

Parts fit snugly together and are easily assembled by following the instructions and referring to the numbered parts.

It’s best to use specified military naval color paints. Once assembled and painted aging and weathering can be done giving the boat a battle worn look.

I am impressed by the accuracy of the parts right down to the torpedo tubes, deck details, armament and overall look of the boat. Military model kit enthusiasts are sure to love the look and historical accuracy of the kit, especially when displayed.

Relive the turbulent years of the war with the authenticity of the PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat Commanded By LTJG John F. Kennedy model kit.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." — 1 Corinthians 15:58

The Golden Dragon

What happens when Bitmax the robot (along with his friends) come face-to face with a dragon?

I gotta say I really love the writer/artist team of Copons & Fortuny. They provides hilariousness stories complemented by one of the most original art/cartooning style I have ever witnessed. What talent!

Discover what happen when the forest denizens and Bitmax discover hunters in the woods looking for a golden dragon?

The same dragon the woodland creatures encounter.

What happens next is a rumble tumble of mistaken identity, faux dragons and hunters who think twice about hunting dragons.

The Golden Dragon is an imaginative, fantasy and fun-filled adventure filled with shenanigans, slight of hand and silliness.  

Kids will love it, courtesy of Schiffer Kids!

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts." — Proverbs 21:2

Top Trumps Limited Editions 007 Every Assignment

Get ready to “flip” over James Bond-literally!

Top Trumps Limited Editions 007 Every Assignment game cards come in a flip lid plastic box with a stunning silver casing and clear plastic viewing panel.

Simply remove the cellophane, pull up on the clear plastic card holder and viola!, you’re ready to play!

The 007 card game is fast, fun and full of trills with some unexpected twists and turns.

Learn some fascinating facts of Bond's friends and foes.

Here’s a short description of how to play the game:

• Any number of people can play. Shuffle the 30 cards and deal face down.
• Holds your cards face up so you can see the top card only.
• The player left of the dealer starts.
• Read the top card’s stat. The other players do likewise.
• Whoever has the highest stat wins the round. They take the top cards and place them at the bottom of their deck.
• They choose the next stat.
• If no stat matches, two players have the same stats or the data is unavailable. All cards are placed in the middle.
• Try again and read the same stat from the next card. Whoever’s stat is higher wins all the cards, including the middle.
• Whoever has all the cards at game’s end-wins!

Back to the cards themselves.

Cards features one particular character on each seen in the various sanctioned Bond films.

Stats include Power and influence, Technology and Gadgets, Brute Force, Allure and Charm, Treachery and Top Trumps Rating.

The cards have rounded corners, are printed on semi-gloss, medium weight card stock and feature beautiful full colors photos of Bond film characters.

Gamers will love this set of stunning cards and 007 fans will want them for their collection.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." — Psalm 19:14

1956 Ford Thunderbird

As a young man the one car I wished I had owned was the 1956 Ford Thunderbird. I loved its two side circular windows, two-seat design and enclosed spare tire exterior carrier.

One of my older brothers 

owned one and I got to ride in it several times. I was in heaven!

I have to hand it to Revell. Its 1:24 Scale 1956 Ford Thunderbird model kit is one nicely designed package.

The full color photo on the box spotlights a pink Thunderbird with a white convertible roof parked in front of a vintage Route 66 motel complete with neon lights and other 1950s autos and objects surrounding it. It brings back lots of fond memories.

On one side of the model kit box several photos of the completed model are shown including left and right profiles, the undercarriage, the interior and the engine compartment. Full specs and a brief history of the vehicle is on the other side panel.

The model kit is best assembled by model makers over the age of 12 years old with a Level 4 experience. Paint, glue, decal application and model kit assembly tools are required.

While the image on the box is pink and white I may change the color of my particular kit body, but leave the convertible top white.

Included inside is a set of very comprehensive and easy to follow assembly instructions. Even a crusty old man of 71, like myself, can understand them. I recommend you pre-paint the parts, use tweezers, snips and other precision modeling tools to assemble the model. It makes for a much nicer finished product for display.

A word of advice-take your time, carefully follow the instructions and keep your work area clean and organized.

Inside the model kit comes with a complete body. Four white part trees come in a single clear plastic bag. Four tires and rims are in another bag. The hood and convertible top come in another. Chrome pieces and clear parts come in two more.  A decal sheet is also included.

All the numbered pieces are easily identifiable using the instructions. Use an Xacto blade to detach the pieces from their respective trees. Very little trimming is necessary as the parts are nicely and neatly molded. For the larger pieces use a model kit snipper.

Don’t remove parts from trees until your are ready to use them. If you remove too many parts it’s easy to lose them or (gasp!) have them get stuck to other parts that are glued. Trust me-I’ve made that mistake before on other model kits.

I can’t wait to see what my 1956 Ford Thunderbird will look like once it is finished.

Checkout the cool chrome accents, side mirrors, rear spare tire cover, white wall tires, sleek design, impressive and clean interior and especially the opening front hood that displays the chromed out engine.

And don’t forget to look at the undercarriage that is a work of art unto itself. Roof off or on the 1956 Ford Thunderbird model kit from Revell is a real eye-pleaser!

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life." — Psalm 143:8