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.
SUPER 8 Is A Super Film
The 2011 science fiction/thriller/coming of age film, SUPER 8, has a great pedigree. It was written and directed by J.J. Abrams, and produced by Steven Spielberg. The winner of numerous awards, it did well at the box office and won the praise of many critics. Not bad for a movie starring a bunch of kids.
R.I.P. Bob Uecker: “Mr. Baseball”
We lost a national treasure last week. Bob Uecker, former major league catcher, baseball announcer, comedian, and all-around great guy, passed away at the age of 90. To me, what better way to honor him than to present some of his best lines? I draw from his comedy routines and from two films, MAJOR LEAGUE and MAJOR LEAGUE II.
I Don’t Know Where I’m Gonna Go…
I Don’ Know Where I’m-a Gonna Go…when the volcano blows! What volcano? It’s the one that is located—as the crow flies—about a mile from my California home. Seriously?
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.
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