Mike Sirota's Blog – 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 so much more than that, hence the all-inclusive “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: 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…
Is It Still The Victorian Era For Women?
My bride and I just finished viewing the three seasons (with a fourth on the way) of the PBS Masterpiece mystery series, MISS SCARLET AND THE DUKE, which we enjoyed. The stories are set in 1882 London, not the era in which you’d expect to find a strong-willed, independent woman like its main character, Eliza Scarlet.
Throwback Thursday: Blimey, Those Wacky Brits—They Sure Love Their Murders!
There are not many TV series that survive for two decades. But England’s detective drama, MIDSOMER MURDERS, has been aired on ITV for even longer, with the twenty-third installment currently airing. Wow, that’s impressive!
Revisited: The New Year Coming—Do Things Ever Change?
I first ran this post eight years ago, and a few times since. Does life change much? You be the judge.
Throwback Thursday: MORTAL ENGINES—A Guilty Pleasure? No, A Genuine One!
I’m usually not fond of dystopian movies, but MORTAL ENGINES rocked! This post first ran in 2019.
Short And Sweet Again: Happy Holidays!
High hopes for a much better New Year from Jacqueline, Mike, and our little buddies!
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