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.
A Study In Black And White
The popular Canadian detective series, MURDOCH MYSTERIES, is now in its sixteenth season. By the time the final episode of this season airs later this summer, the count will have reached in excess of 260 episodes! (My bride and I love this show, and we’ve seen them all.) You would think it quite a challenge to keep each episode fresh. Which brings me to an episode titled, “Dead On Arrival.”
Guilty Pleasures: THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Seeing that title, most folks would immediately think of the animated segment in the 1940 classic, FANTASIA, starring Mickey Mouse, which was remastered in the 1999 sequel, FANTASIA 2000. But no, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE was also a 2010 live-action fantasy/comedy film starring Nicolas Cage…
“I’m Da Boss”—More Memorable Final Movie Lines
As I pointed out last time, there have been a gazillion motion pictures made since a two-second garden scene was filmed in Leeds, England in 1888. Here are a few more notable last lines.
Myths And Legends: Haunted Bathrooms Around The World
You may recall Moaning Myrtle, a rather whiny ghost, who haunted one of the bathrooms at Hogwarts. But Myrtle was a fictional character, not one of the real ghosts that haunt toilets, loos, and lavatories all around the globe, effectively scaring the shit out of unsuspecting users. (Okay, you had to know THAT was coming.) 😊 Let’s take a peek inside a few of them.
Guilty Pleasures: THE RITE
I suppose you could say that any movie, including the 2011 supernatural horror film, THE RITE, will benefit from having the great Anthony Hopkins as its star. While the critics praised his performance as a dedicated exorcist, they hated just about everything else about the flick.
Mr. Spock Had To Start Somewhere
The late, ultra-great Leonard Nimoy (a distant relative of mine) began his acting career in 1951, fifteen years before he achieved well-deserved fame as Mr. Spock, the Vulcan science officer in the original series of STAR TREK. Among his early (and mostly uncredited) roles was that of a Martian invader…
“I’ll Be Right Here”—Memorable Final Movie Lines
The last lines of dialogue in any film should leave viewers with something to remember. Here are a few notable ones.
Guilty Pleasures: DEATH SHIP
“Those who survive the ghost ship are better off dead.” Such is the tagline for the 1980 nautical horror film—and cult classic—DEATH SHIP. I have to admit to teetering on the fence about calling it a guilty pleasure or a guilty displeasure. But ultimately its many laughs—totally unintentional—won me over.
Myths And Legends: Alaska’s Ghost Ship
Given its vastness and minimal population, “America’s Last Frontier” has spawned many a strange tale. But none may be any weirder than the story of the SS BAYCHIMO—Alaska’s ghost ship.
What? It’s Monday Already?
So where’s my usual post? Sorry, but I’ve been so wrapped up with the NCAA Basketball Tournaments (men’s and women’s), and the opening of the baseball season, that the next REAL article won’t appear till the following Monday.
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