Thoughts on Living the Life Creative
Peeking At A Rural Wonder I can not explain my "thing" for barns. But they fascinate me. On a trip last summer into wine country in northern Virginia, I spotted this one on my first day. My wife graciously agreed to stop at the side of the road so I could take eighteen different shots.... Continue Reading →
The Demise of the Iconic Red Netflix EnvelopeI'm taking a quick break from movie reviews to mourn the demise of the little red mailing envelope. After 25 years, Netflix is closing out their DVD service in late September this year.That is some serious bad news here on the Phlipside.As I close in on 700 reviews... Continue Reading →
Save the Grumpy Old Man, Save the WorldA Man Called Otto (2022) - The story of a man who stopped living until the world around him forced him back into life. New neighbors move in across the street and into his life, offering possibilities he thought would never be part of his life again.Directed by... Continue Reading →
Two Favorites in One Crunch Treat! Smoke and Mirrors – Short Fictions and Illusions by Neil Gaiman (1998) I love short stories, and over the last several years I have developed a deep appreciation of Neil Gaiman. So this was a wonderful surprise when I found it on the library shelf. In today’s literary world,... Continue Reading →
Here's another addition to some of the work I've been doing. The weather is getting warm enough again to get out and explore on a regular basis. I will go out when the weather is less pleasant but it's not my favorite. To each their own. This striking heron was from last summer along a... Continue Reading →
A Starting Nine For A New SeasonI have been a baseball fan since I was a kid. One of my earliest memories of sports is carefully putting a “Smiling Bucco” sticker on the back fender of my bike. I’ve lived with the highs (World Series champs in 1971 and 1979) and the lows (a 20... Continue Reading →
It Ain’t ChinatownThe Two Jakes (1990) - In this sequel to the iconic “Chinatown”, Jake Gittes is back. This time it’s oil at the center of his investigation. Even though it looks more like murder.Directed by Jack NicholsonStarring Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Meg TillyWhy I Liked It - A noble concept with a great cast... Continue Reading →
Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events by Brent Spiner (2021) Brent Spiner (Data on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) wrote a book that is part memoir, part noir mystery, part novel, and part behind-the-scenes look at the beloved, long-running science fiction franchise. The problem is that it’s not enough of any of them... Continue Reading →
Did Too Many "Cooks' Spoil This Dish?OddThomas (2013) – Odd (that’s his actual name) can see dead people. They can’t speak, but they can communicate with him that something terrible is about to happen. One day, he realizes the message is that something huge and terrible is about to happen to his town. But he... Continue Reading →
I'm getting into the groove by sharing some photos. I started being "serious" with the camera back in the '70s. This photo, which appears on the cover of my first book, is from 8 years ago. I have a fondness for it. This falls into the "Where do you find your ideas?" discussion. Literally, everywhere.... Continue Reading →
Stories Are My Life 