Steven Helmer Publications

After using it for several years and many, many photos, I finally pulled the trigger on a replacement for my Kodak AZ425. It was a gift from my wife, and I debated long and hard about the replacement decision as a result. However, the camera is starting to show signs of wear, the autofocus doesn't always want to work and the photos just aren't as crisp as they once were.  So, I decided to stick with the same DSLR design but go with a camera that is both new and has a few more functions, including Wi-Fi capability, while also remembering this is just a hobby and not something I can afford to spend thousands of dollars on.  That camera will arrive sometime in the next few days but in the meantime, I am still using my existing camera as much as possible, including a walk today. Here are some of the photos: _______________________________________________________________________ Here are some other nature photos: Lunchtime Walk Photos (6/2/2025) You Can't See Me, I'm Hiding ...

Synopsis : Investor broker Lloyd Wilson's reputation is tarnished when $200,000 in bonds are stolen from his office, rumors circulate about it being an inside job and two private detectives are hired to follow him. His dog, Tarzan, knows who the real thief is, however, and does his part to bring that man and his gang to justice. Who's in it? The movie stars Rex Lease, Marion Shilling, Tarzan, Philo McCullough and Henry Hull . Review: I started watching Inside Information this morning believing (because of an inaccurate description) it was the 1939 film starring June Lang and Dick Foran. Several minutes into the movie, I realized that wasn't the case but, intrigued, I watched it anyway. Overall, I thought it was an entertaining choice. As far as the main plot goes, it was expectedly simple. There's zero doubt who is behind the theft of the bonds or about Lloyd's (Lease) innocence and there aren't many twists and turns. Instead, it was a basic film that focused...

I always feel bad when I wake Stormcloud up and move her so I can sit down. Then I remember she is getting free room and board in exchange for keeping mice and other unwanted intruders out of the house. And yet here she is, sleeping on the job. __________________________________________________________________________ Here is a story I wrote about a cat we used to have:  Apollo Gets Adopted (A Short Story)

Synopsis: Tommel Castle is set to host an elaborate Valentine's Day wedding between Alannah Hamilton and Darius Palmerston, with Alannah's wealthy and influential father, Charles, saving no expense and Police Sergeant Hamish MacBeth's ex-fiancée Elspeth Grant traveling with the wedding party to provide exclusive coverage of the event for her television station. However, as seemingly forewarned by Elspeth's gift for premonition, the happy event is met with tragedy and Hamish, along with his constable, Davey Forbes, are soon investigating a murder after Palmerston is found slashed to death by a sword hours after the wedding and another wedding guest is later found killed.  Review: While I had my early doubts (and dislikes) about the direction Hamish Macbeth's story was taking following M. C. Beaton's death and the decision to continue the series with R. W. Green's assist, I have admittedly begun to enjoy some of the later books more than expected. In fact, wh...

Synopsis: Falling in love with acting when she first saw Jimmy Stewart in a movie, Carol Burnett go on to pursue her dream, starting on Broadway and eventually becoming one of the most recognizable people on television. This memoir talks about her decades-long career, the people she met and the memories she made along the way. Review: Even though I am pretty sure they were all re-runs by that point, I remember watching quite a few episodes of The Carol Burnett Show when I was a child. While I don't know if I could necessarily say it was my favorite show growing up (it might have been a little too adult) I do remember enough of the skits to understand why it was a popular series and, now that I'm older, how it was just one of the reasons she is an icon today. As a result, when I came across her memoir This Time Togethe r, at the library, I decided to check it out and read it. After finishing the book last night, I can say I both enjoyed it and have gained even more of an appre...

Synopsis: The East Side Kids, minus Muggs, accept a job at an aviation factory run by Algy's father, Mr. Reynolds. The factory has been under attack from spies, who nearly kill test pilot Tom Larson by sabotaging his plane. Muggs, who spends his day wandering around the airfield while waiting to drive his gang home, begins to suspect Dr. Richard Nagel, the owner of a new air ambulance, of being the mastermind. However, Nagel's stellar reputation and Muggs' not-so-stellar reputation result in his theory immediately being dismissed, forcing him to find proof. Who's in it? The movie stars Leo Gorcey , Bobby Jordan , Dave O'Brien , Joan Barclay , George Pembroke and Ernest Morrison . Review: I forgot to pick out a movie for this morning so, since it had been a while since I last watched an East Side Kids/Bowery Boys film, I figured I'd just do a quick search for one. Flying Wild was one of the first I came across and it looked interesting, so I gave it a try. A...