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.
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.
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.
THE MOD SQUAD: Together Again
A memorable tagline: “One Black, one white, one blonde.” Michael Cole, the “White Guy” from the popular 1960s-70s crime drama, THE MOD SQUAD, passed away last week at the age of 84. In death he joins co-stars Peggy Lipton (2019) and Clarence Williams III (2021).
Myths And Legends: Excelsior House
Located in rural Jefferson, Texas, the Excelsior House Hotel is considered a focal point for paranormal activity. You don’t believe it? Just ask Steven Spielberg.
Myths And Legends: Clinton Road
You’re driving down the long (10 miles), lonely, poorly paved Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey. It is late at night, but you’ve heard about the Ghost Boy, and you want to check it out for yourself.
The Strange Case Of The Dead Fish
Sounds like the title of a Sherlock Holmes story, doesn’t it? But this incident was real, and I happened to have a role in it, so let me tell the tale.
“Roll In Ze Hay”—RIP Teri Garr
We lost another gem last week. Comedic actress Teri Garr, 79, passed away from complications of multiple sclerosis, a disease she was first diagnosed with over two decades ago.
My 2024 Halloween Playlist
These days I spend Halloween enjoying a horror movie marathon…three or four shockers, at least. I may scare the crap out of myself well into the night, assuming I can stay awake. Here is the likely playlist.
Myths And Legends: The Emily Morgan Hotel
“Across the alley from the Alamo.” That’s the first line of an old Mills Brothers song. Actually, across the STREET from the Alamo in downtown San Antonio stands the Emily Morgan Hotel, renowned in paranormal circles as one of the most haunted places in America.
Thank You, Padres
To be clear, 2024 has been the worst year of my (long) life. It had to be after losing Jacqueline, my wonderful bride, life partner, and passionate San Diego Padres fan, to insidious cancer in April.
Latest Release
