Shelf of Fame 2016 Books I found particularly moving, thoughtful, or useful this year. Fiction Dracula: Bram Stoker I love Gothic novels. I’ve read this maybe four or five times. The more I read it, the more I enjoy it and all its strengths and weaknesses. Gulliver’s Travels: Jonathan Swift I had read a children’s … Continue reading The Year in Reading 2016
I never get as much material out in the world as I intend to, but I don’t necessarily consider that a bad thing. I’ve been publishing since the ‘90s, and manage a few things every year while teaching. Since the birth of my first daughter, instead of keeping up with music and other hobbies, I’ve … Continue reading The Year in Writing 2016
I celebrate Day of the Dead by writing “calaveras literarias.” Some people write poems for loved ones, but another tradition is to write humorous “tombstones.” I write the latter–-or try to. I mostly try to make fun of myself for my students. Here Lies McClurg (2016) All day he read in a nook. I yelled … Continue reading Seven Calaveras
I Sell the Dead (2008) Well-acted and fun horror comedy about grave robbers that weighs in heavier as comedy than horror. It’s not bad, but these are often not my thing. I wanted to see Angus Scrimm in one of his last roles, especially since he was excited about playing violin in this. In the … Continue reading Halloween Horror Binge: Week Four, Part II
Winding down this one-man festival and excited about watching something other than horror movies. I don’t think I’ve ever said that before. Tormented (1960) Perfect late-night B-horror classic, like a Vault of Horror or Vampirella story. I remember watching these kinds of films in elementary school late at night on the weekends. I love the … Continue reading Halloween Horror Binge: Week Four, Part I
The Black Sleep (1956) If you’re a fan of classic horror, then this is a must-see. By the end, you’ve got a dungeon full of various weirdos and and monsters and, of course, they get loose. Can Dr. Gordon Ramsay(!) fight them all off and clear his name or will he join them in their … Continue reading Halloween Horror Binge: Week Three
Robot Monster (1953) This movie has one of the silliest monster/alien designs I have ever seen. The poster creature looks pretty cool, but trust me, the one on the film doesn’t equal the menace of the two-dimensional version. Still, if I had extra cash and could collect models, sculptures, action figures, etc., I would love … Continue reading Halloween Horror Binge: Week Two
Two years ago, I watched a cycle of horror films throughout October and I wanted to do that again this year. My first week’s viewing ended up surprisingly good. I enjoyed each film for what it was, and I didn’t feel like there was a clunker in the bunch. Atomic Brain (aka Monstrosity) (1963) This … Continue reading Halloween Horror Binge: Week One
Last night, I was thinking about the blog and how I’ve ignored the blog. I sketched out something like the old monthly updates that Quinn and I used to do. He updated today after a long silence, so I took it as some synchronicity not to ignore. Reading I ordered The Horror Hall of Fame … Continue reading Just like the ones I used to know…
Stephen McClurg 