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.
It’s 60 Degrees Outside? Brr, Frigid!
On one of my daily walks last week—sun shining, 70° here in Southern California—I got to thinking about why I relocated to the San Diego area in the first place over fifty years ago. For sure, to be able to walk along the beach on a balmy mid-winter day had to be one of those reasons. So why was I bundled up like an off-season tourist in Barrow, Alaska?
Throwback Thursday: Manilow Wasn’t Singing About THIS Mandy
I could have written about the 2018 “psychedelic drama action horror” film, MANDY, as a Guilty Pleasure, given its almost non-existent box office. But “pleasure” is not a word I would use after watching it, though I did find it fascinating in an oddly disturbing sort of way.
The Dark Throne: Quotes From THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
As I’ve noted before with episodes VII and VIII in the Star Wars universe, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER—episode IX—does not nearly approach the plethora of memorable quotes from the original trilogy, aka episodes IV, V, and VI. I mean, some of them have become part of the vernacular, ones that we’ve all used.
Throwback Thursday: Chewie, We’re Home: Lines From The Star Wars Universe—Part Three
Unlike its predecessors—especially Episodes IV, V, and VI—the more recent Episodes VII and VIII in the STAR WARS universe did not provide us with a plethora of memorable quotes. Still, if you look hard enough, you’ll find quite a few fun/entertaining/poignant lines in these long-awaited sequels.
Has Halloween Really Ended?
Don’t stress, I’m not talking about the merchandising-fueled holiday on October 31st. This is about the thirteen-film slasher series, now spanning over four decades, and more specifically, last year’s entry, HALLOWEEN ENDS. But does it end?
Throwback Thursday: There Is No Try—Lines From The STAR WARS Universe, Part Two
This includes quotes from the best of the best, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. I first presented this post in 2019.
Murder And Mayhem In Quebec
Award-winning Canadian writer Louise Penny is the author of the popular mystery series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec police force, which services the sprawling province of Quebec from its headquarters in Montreal. The primary (fictional) setting, located in the rural Eastern Townships, is the seemingly idyllic village of Three Pines…a place where a whole lot of secrets are buried.
Throwback Thursday: A Disturbance In The Force: Lines From The Star Wars Universe—Part One
The STAR WARS universe is a gold mine of memorable lines. This post first ran in 2019.
The Driveway From Hell
Well, that’s what I call it, and it may seem rather extreme for a driveway, but you’ll understand once I explain. It’s also an ironic appellation, considering that this driveway leads up to the “back forty” parking lot of…a church.
Throwback Thursday: One More Inspirational Sports Movie That You Probably Missed
Inspired by a true story, CHASING 3000 (2010) is, of course, a baseball movie, one that highlights the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder, Roberto Clemente. But transcending that, it is a moving testimonial to the powerful bond that exists between brothers…
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