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: Curious Possessions
With seven-plus decades in the rearview mirror, I’ve had plenty of time to collect my share of “stuff.” I thought it might be fun to have a look at some of the more interesting things…
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.
Throwback Thursday: Guilty Pleasures—47 RONIN
By my own checklist the 2003 historical adventure-fantasy film, 47 RONIN, is the perfect Guilty Pleasure. It bombed at the box office: check. Critics hated it: check. Yours truly loved it: double check.
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.
Throwback Thursday: They Built It…We Came
Today—thank the Great Spirit—is Opening Day for my San Diego Padres, and pretty much every other team! A baseball-themed post seems appropriate, so here is one from a couple of years back.
Final Four Times Two? Awesome!!!
I can’t let this week go by without a giant WOW for our two basketball teams.
Pitch Clocks And Baseball? One Word: NO!
What are they doing to my game? Since you already know how I feel about the pitch clock, let me start this post with a story. I live and die with the San Diego Padres and have since their inception in 1969. I’m either watching a game, listening to a game, or at a game.
Throwback Thursday: A March Miracle—The Texas Western Basketball Team
In keeping with the season—that’s the Madness of March season—this post, which I first presented in 2020, is about a remarkable team—and its coach—that changed the face of college basketball forever.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen!
When Neil Sedaka sang this song back in the day, I was a mere juvenile (but not a delinquent). Now, I’m pretty sure Neil wasn’t referring to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, but I am, because—wonder of wonders—two of our teams are still dancing!
Throwback Thursday: “Suppose You Were An Idiot…”—Quotes From Mark Twain
You would have to be quite wise in order to be quoted as often as this literary giant. I first presented this post in 2019.
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