Open Thread: It’s My Birthday! 2025 Yes, that time of year has circled back once again. Had my birthday party this last weekend, with as many of the family as could come. Got a Tobie’s Restaurant cinnamon rolls t-shirt. This may be the last party at the old homestead as Mom’s thinking of moving into… Continue reading Open Thread: It’s My Birthday! 2025
Tag: retirement
Movie Review: The Raven (1935)
Movie Review: The Raven (1935) directed by Lew Landers Dr. Richard Vollin (Bela Lugosi) was a brilliant neurological surgeon until his recent retirement to pursue research on the nature of pain. He did very well for himself during his career, allowing him to pursue his hobby of collecting memorabilia of his favorite author Edgar Allen Poe.… Continue reading Movie Review: The Raven (1935)
Comic Book Review: The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr
Comic Book Review: The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr by Nicolas Debon Louis Cyr (1863-1912) was undefeated in feats of strength during his lifetime, and was billed as “The Strongest Man in the World” when he performed for audiences, including as the main attraction of his own circus. This children’s book is a… Continue reading Comic Book Review: The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr
Movie Review: Samurai Rebellion (1967)
Movie Review: Samurai Rebellion (1967) directed by Masaki Kobayashi (Japanese title: Joiuchi–Hairyo Tsuma Shimatsu, “Rebellion–Receive the Wife”) The time: 1723-1727 C.E. during the Shogunate period. The place: The Aizu province ruled by Lord Matsudaira, a bit north of Edo. The person: Ichi (Yoko Tsukasa), daughter of a minor vassal. Ichi has been arranged to marry another vassal’s… Continue reading Movie Review: Samurai Rebellion (1967)
Comic Book Review: Astro City Metrobook 4
Comic Book Review: Astro City Metrobook 4 written by Kurt Busiek, art by Brent Anderson, covers by Alex Ross Astro City is filled with superheroes and supervillains. But it’s also filled with ordinary people trying to live their ordinary lives in an extraordinary world. Both these groups have stories to tell. This independent “universe” was… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Astro City Metrobook 4
Book Review: Whatever Became of…? Vol. III
Book Review: Whatever Became of…? Vol. III by Richard Lamparski The vast majority of my readers will have at some point encountered one of those clickbait articles titled something like “8 CW stars of the 1990s, what they’re doing now, #3 will shock you.” Nostalgia is a powerful force, and most humans have at least… Continue reading Book Review: Whatever Became of…? Vol. III
Comic Book Review: The Hypernaturals Volume One
Comic Book Review: The Hypernaturals Volume One written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning In the far future, humans have spread across the galaxy thanks to the Trip System that allows near-instantaneous teleportation across galactic distances. Artificial intelligence has also reached a singularity point where it essentially runs civilization, so the dating system has reset,… Continue reading Comic Book Review: The Hypernaturals Volume One
Book Review: Nova 2
Book Review: Nova 2 edited by Harry Harrison In the introduction to this 1972 anthology, Mr. Harrison talks some about the internationalization of science fiction beyond North America and Western Europe. In recognition of this growing trend, he’s included a Brazilian author’s story. “Oh, and we have one story by a woman.” In reality, there… Continue reading Book Review: Nova 2
Book Review: Secondhand Origin Stories
Book Review: Secondhand Origin Stories by Lee Blauersouth Opal’s father should have been a superhero, but he used his powers to protect a neighbor illegally and wound up in jail. Ever since, Opal has kept her nose clean, excelling in school and decorum, in the hope of being licensed and redeeming the family name. Now… Continue reading Book Review: Secondhand Origin Stories
Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955
Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955 edited by Leo Margulies Fantastic Universe was a digest-sized science fiction and fantasy magazine that ran from 1953 to 1960, originally coming out from King-Size Publications. Its quality is considered to have fallen off after 1956, with lesser stories and more emphasis on pseudo-science articles, but this particular issue… Continue reading Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955