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: “I Can’t Wait Till”…Oh Yes I Can
Why wish TIME away? It moves pretty damn fast on its own. This post first ran in 2015.
“B” Movies: Burial Grounds For Old Actors?
The 2008 made-for-TV (SyFy Channel) horror/sci-fi film, BONE EATER, which appears on many “Worst” lists, is notable for one thing. Its cast consists of a bunch of long-in-tooth actors that we knew from long-ago television shows. I guess it’s good to know that they’re still picking up a paycheck.
Throwback Thursday: Why Remake A Scary Classic?
I’ve watched the POLTERGEIST remake a couple of times since this post last appeared in 2015. My opinion of it has not changed. But the original? Oh, classic!
“The Obsolete Man”—A Warning
I recently got the chills—not in a good way, either—watching a nearly six decades-old episode of the original “Twilight Zone” titled, “The Obsolete Man.” Given the current disturbing state of politics in this country, if not the world, I think you’ll understand why.
Throwback Thursday: Renowned Artists’ Colony Has Hosted Many Writing Luminaries
For well over a century the artists’ community called Yaddo, located in Saratoga Springs, NY, has nurtured creativity by giving talented people the chance to pursue their work uninterrupted within a supportive environment. The “Who’s Who” of its residents is staggering.
Slowing Down: Must Be An Age Thing
In recent years I took on the persona of the Walking Dude. I kept track of my daily miles, reported it monthly on social media, and set a yearly goal that I always surpassed with plenty to spare, consistently logging about 900 miles.
Throwback Thursday: A Memorable Return
This post is about a special day I spent during one of my best weeks ever. It first ran in 2015.
Revisited: EVIL Never Dies
I’ve chosen this time to re-run a post from a few years back. Why? Given the horrors of the past few days, I think that’s obvious. EVIL is running rampant, and if anything it is getting worse.
Throwback Thursday: The Fog—“A Minor Horror Classic”
To be clear, I’m talking about John Carpenter’s 1980 version of THE FOG, not the reboot in 2005, which—despite Carpenter’s involvement as a producer—did not nearly measure up to the original. Fresh off his success with HALLOWEEN in 1978, Carpenter brought its star, Jamie Lee Curtis, to perform as part of an ensemble cast in this eerie, atmospheric film.
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. And critics loved it, as indicated by its 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, especially the compelling performance of its star, Nicolas Cage.
Latest Release
