Swords, Specters, & Stuff
Welcome to My World
I started this blog in January 2012 for one simple reason: I love to write. I named it “Swords, Specters, & Stuff” because I especially love to write about writing, about books and movies in my favorite genres, about authors that mean a great deal to me. But there’s more to it than that, which is why I included “Stuff” in the title. It is “Stuff” that gives me carte blanche to write about anything, which is why you’ll see stories about special trips to Cooperstown, Sedona, and other places; about getting older; about baseball; about the otherworldly way in which I met my soul mate; about the loss of good friends, and so much more. Enjoy! And feel free to leave a comment.
Throwback Thursday: More Dinosaurs? Yaay!!!
Well, the best thing I can say about JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION is that it merged the old crew with the new one. This post first ran in 2022.
Guilty Pleasures: VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED
If the underachieving 1995 sci-fi/horror flick, VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, is remembered for one thing, it is the final appearance in a theatrical film for its star, CHRISTOPHER REEVE. Later that year he would suffer the equestrian accident that would paralyze him and ultimately lead to his death in 2004.
Throwback Thursday: A Novelist’s Challenge—“What Book Should I Write Next?”
When the pandemic drove us indoors in early 2020 (and wiped out the NCAA basketball tournament; I’m still not over that one…), I found a number of ways to keep busy. At that point I hadn’t written a new book in years, but circumstances being what they were, I decided the time had come to do just that.
R.I.P. Bob Uecker: “Mr. Baseball”
We lost a national treasure last week. Bob Uecker, former major league catcher, baseball announcer, comedian, and all-around great guy, passed away at the age of 90. To me, what better way to honor him than to present some of his best lines? I draw from his comedy routines and from two films, MAJOR LEAGUE and MAJOR LEAGUE II.
Throwback Thursday: The Mystery Of The Ghost Blimp
I’ve written about ghost ships and ghost trains, but a Ghost Blimp? This true story about an incident that took place during World War II ranks way up there on the Weird-O-Meter, I kid you not.
I Don’t Know Where I’m Gonna Go…
I Don’ Know Where I’m-a Gonna Go…when the volcano blows! What volcano? It’s the one that is located—as the crow flies—about a mile from my California home. Seriously?
Throwback Thursday: Myths And Legends—The Ghosts Of The Dakota
Does John Lennon haunt the place where he was murdered? I first presented this post in 2022.
Chance Encounter With A Rock Legend
I’m not sure of the year; had to be late 1950s, early ’60s. I do know it was summertime when I had a chance encounter with ROY ORBISON.
Throwback Thursday: “I Ain’t Got Time To Bleed”—Memorable Lines From PREDATOR
One of my “most-viewed” films, PREDATOR has spawned many a sequel. This post first ran in 2022.
Good Riddance, 2024
In a few days, 2024 will fall into the rearview mirror, and I will be glad to see it pass. The reason is obvious. Earlier this year I lost Jacqueline—my amazing bride, my best friend and soulmate—to the demon cancer. Yes, 2024 will be gone, but it will hardly be forgotten.