Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Founded in 1894 by botanist Nikolai Vavilov, the Bureau of Applied Botany and Plant Breeding had become the world's largest seed bank by the 1940s, housing about a quarter million plant species from different parts of the world Vavilov hoped could be used to prevent famine. However, in 1941, with Vavilov imprisoned by his own government as an accused dissident and the city of Leningrad cut off from the rest of the Soviet Union by the German Army and its residents starving to death, the team of researchers Vavilov assembled are given the nearly impossible task of protecting the seeds from the Nazis, looters, rats and the cold even as they themselves struggled to survive. This non-fiction book tells their story. Review: I saw The Forbidden Garden advertised by the author on social media and, thinking it sounded interesting, I requested a copy through my local library. As it turns out, it ended up being a book I finished in just a couple days because I couldn't put it...

Synopsis: By the year 2500, the sea has risen to cover all of Earth's continents, creating a society of primitive floating communities dependent on trade and always under threat of being attacked by "Smokers," a group of pirates on gas-powered vehicles. While stopping at one of these communities, a lone mariner saves a woman and child from the Smokers and finds himself stalked by the pirates because the child is rumored to have a map to dry land tattooed on her back. Who's in it? The movie stars Kevin Costner , Dennis Hopper , Jeanne Tripplehorn ,  Tina Majorino and Gerard Murphy . Review: It had been quite a few years since I had last seen Waterworld in its entirety and while I know it was a box office bomb that has received a lot of criticism, I honestly didn't remember it being all that bad. That's why I decided to watch it again when I came across it on one of our movie channels.  After seeing it again, my opinion about it has changed. The movie's...

Here are my thoughts from last night's 30-17 Green Bay Packers ' win at home over the Miami Dolphins . That was arguably the most complete game the Packers have played this year. There were a few mistakes, but Green Bay's offense moved the ball while the defense kept the Dolphins' explosive offense in check for the most part. Miami tried to make it a game at times but were always a minimum of two scores behind. Green Bay is finally becoming a physical team. For quite a few years, it felt as though the Packers struggled to impose their will. That's no longer the case, especially when Josh Jacobs is carrying the ball and moving defenders backwards. Speaking of running backs, this is easily the most depth the team has had at the position in years. Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks can all pick up yards out of the backfield. Plus, they still have promising rookie Marshawn Lloyd once he's healthy enough to play. I love watching tight end Tucker Kraft play. ...

Synopsis: Author Ben Mears returns to his hometown to write a book about a house from his childhood he believes to be haunted and evil. While there, a mysterious plague begins to infect residents, and he soon realizes everyone is being turned into vampires. Who's in it? The movie stars David Soul , James Mason , Bonnie Bedelia , Julie Cobb and Elisha Cook, Jr. Review: I remember seeing Salem's Lot when I was just four years old, and it was a television mini-series (we had four channels to choose from back then) and didn't remember much about it. I noticed they remade it recently and decided to re-watch the original before seeing the newer version. After doing so, my opinion of the film was mixed. Movies based on Stephen King books tend to be hit-or-miss for me. Some of them are decent while others were probably better in print. This movie, or at least this version of it, probably falls in the latter category. I'll start out by saying the vampire part of the movie wa...

Synopsis: With the nuclear arms race in full swing and the world on the brink of World War III, Superman is inspired by a boy's letter to rid the world of all nuclear weapons by throwing them into the sun. His arch nemesis, Lex Luthor, decides to take advantage of the situation by attaching Superman's DNA to one of the missiles and using the sun's power to create another superhuman, Nuclear Man, to kill his heroic rival. Who's in it? The movie stars Christopher Reeve , Margot Kidder , Gene Hackman , Jon Cryer and Mark Pillow. Review: I was a teenager the first/last time I watched Superman IV and while it isn't a movie that has often been panned by critics, I honestly didn't remember it being that bad. So, when I finally had an opportunity to re-watch it, I wondered if it would end up being disappointing the second time around. As it turns out, I still don't know why people hate it. Look, I'm not saying this movie is as good as the original . In fact...

Synopsis: After losing her husband to cancer, Kathy Barrett is struggling to keep her life together, letting her house fall apart while she barely takes care of herself. When she sees a barely dressed man, Jack, standing out of the cold, she invites him into her diner, so he doesn't freeze to death. What she doesn't know is Jack is a snowman she accidentally brought to life by giving him a scarf. Who's in it? The movie stars Lacey Chabert , Dustin Milligan , Lauren Holly , Katy Mixon Greer and Craig Robinson . Review: It's just not the holiday season in our house unless my wife and I watch a Lacey Chabert Christmas movie. Those are normally produced by Hallmark but in this case, we were interested in seeing Hot Frosty on Netflix. As it turns out, it was a good choice. There were a lot of things to like about this movie. For one, I thought Jack (Milligan) was a great character. He had a good mix of humor and innocence that helped create quite a few funny scenes invol...

Synopsis: Successful author Janet Frobisher has been separated from her criminal husband for years and lives alone in an English estate while having an affair with her secretary's fiancé. When her husband returns unexpectedly, Janet poisons him and intends to dispose of his body in the lake. However, she has another surprise visitor, George Bates, her husband's accomplice in a recent bank robbery who, upon learning her husband is dead, begins pretending to be the late Mr. Frobisher against Janet's will. Who's in it? The movie stars Bette Davis , Gary Merrill , Emlyn Williams , Anthony Steel and Barbara Murray. Review: I added Another Man's Poison to my movie library several weeks ago but every time I planned to watch it; I ended up picking another film instead. I finally got around to seeing it this morning and it turned out to be a great choice. I think the thing I enjoyed best about this psychological film was how neither of the main characters was all that l...

Here are my thoughts from today's 38-10 Green Bay Packers ' victory over the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. There are no apologies for winning in the NFL. However, the Packers got a lot of help from the 49ers in this one, both because of San Francisco's injury woes, including starting quarterback Brock Purdy, and the various mistakes the 49ers made during the game. Still, it was better than seeing the Packers once again beating themselves. I am starting to have some concerns about Jordan Love. He escaped the game without turning the ball over but not without seeming to try to do just that. Two dropped interceptions and two near fumbles could have single handedly changed the outcome had they gone another way. I'm not saying the Packers made a mistake making him the franchise quarterback, but he sure does seem to be going through a bit of a sophomore jinx as their starter. I wasn't crazy about how the Packers closed out the first half. I won't fault the...

I have some free time until the Green Bay Packers' game today and rather than pace the floor, I went outside with my camera to try to get some photos of the birds hanging out around the bird feeders and my brush pile. I had some success and here are some of those photos. Camera: Kodak PixPro AZ425

  Image courtesy of Pixabay She has a few miles on her And on cold mornings, it's difficult to get her to start. But she's dependable And has all her original parts. There's some wear and tear And the songs she plays on the radio aren't always my favorites. However, she also comes with a lot of memories And I always find time to savor it. She can be a bit expensive to maintain. Plus, some days, she can be a bit unpredictable and moody. But even when she isn't all shined up, She turns heads because remains a real beauty. Perhaps you've figured out by now, I'm not talking about a car. Just a gorgeous woman I wouldn't mind be stuck with in traffic. That's because while she might not be the newest model, She is a classic. ___________________________________________________________________________________ If you liked this poem, check out these: The Man Behind the Curtain (A Poem) If Stress Equaled Money (A Poem) The Guy You Settled For (A Poem)

Synopsis: Perry Mason doesn't make a lot of mistakes but when Diana Douglas comes into his office with $300 to retain his services but refusing to give him any information about why or even her name, just her inaccurate measurements, he realizes he should have been a bit more insistent about getting the details, especially since Diana had a travel bag full of money. Originally believing he will need to defend his young client against embezzlement charges, he soon learns he will need to defend her against murder charges when a blackmailer is found dead, and Diana's card is found at the crime scene. Review: I am still waiting for some books I have on hold at the library and, while waiting for those, continued with the Perry Mason series by checking out The Case of the Fabulous Fake . At first, I wasn't sure what to expect but it turned out to be a good choice. I think the thing I liked best about this book is the mystery surrounding Mason's client. Diana had a problem w...

Memorable television sitcoms make full use of their comic relief characters. In the case of The Andy Griffith Show , there wasn't anyone more comical than Barney Fife, a character that the show struggled and ultimately failed to replace when actor Don Knotts left the series following the fifth season. While most Barney episodes featured the sheriff, Andy Taylor ( Andy Griffith ), trying to overcome Barney's bumbling, there were times when the deputy proved to be the smarter of the pair. Here are five that stand out: 1. He saw right through David Browne's likeable personality. When Opie ( Ron Howard ) befriended the hobo (played by Buddy Ebsen ) in season 2's Opie's Hobo Friend , Barney was the one person who didn't think Andy should trust him. As it turned out, Browne was a bad influence on Opie, encouraging him to steal gumballs, skip school and put off doing chores. 2. He saw the importance of having two police vehicles. While he was ridiculed in season 4...

  Image courtesy of Pixabay I spend a good chunk of my evening Washing silverware, plates and bowls. By the next morning, The sink is once again full. What do those dishes do When we're asleep at night? Were they waiting for us to go to bed? Did they stay out of sight? Did they decide to have a party, A rave in our sink? Or are they able to multiply like rabbits? I just don't know what to think. Maybe it's a simpler explanation Perhaps it's someone just trying to be funny.  Whatever the truth is, I just wish the same thing would happen inside my wallet with my money. _________________________________________________________________________ Did you like this poem? Check out these: Hard Road (A Poem) Swear Word Kind of Day (A Poem) Grumpy Old Man (A Poem)

  Image courtesy of Pixabay Our bullies remained at school. They weren’t blowing up our phones late at night. The 24/7 news cycle didn’t yet exist Giving us a chance to process and reflect Instead of being in a constant state of media-inflicted fright. We didn’t have information at our fingertips And library card catalogs were far from convenient. However, we could trust our sources Knowing the fact checking wasn’t so lenient. We could take chances and make mistakes Without embarrassments being uploaded and immortalized. Kids could be kids Without total strangers from halfway across the globe finding a reason to criticize. Our celebrities were famous because of their accomplishments. Not just because of a goofy stunt or lack of clothes. Our heroes could remain our heroes Because not every minor indiscretion was exposed. Schools remained unlocked but were still safe And teachers could teach without worrying about politics. If someone had somethi...

  Image courtesy of Pixabay Do you really need to stand there? I don’t mean to sound so rude. It’s just there’s something I need to get And you’re in the way, dude. Grocery aisles are for shopping. Not for long conversations on your phone. Plus, why is your grocery cart turned sideways? I could get around if you weren’t out of your zone. Do you even need to be here? It doesn’t seem like you even have a list. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were just standing around the store to make people pissed. Don’t take this personally. I’m probably just grumpy after being at work all day. However, I do need to ask, Don’t you have something better to do than to be in the way? You don't need to go home. By all means, feel free to stay. Just, for the love of God, Stop being in the way! ___________________________________________________________________________________ If you liked this poem, you might like these too:   When Did I Turn into My Dad (A Poem) The Day Dad Made the House D...

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and, as I consider the things I should be thankful for, I am going to include movies on that last (albeit toward the bottom underneath things like family, health, etc.) for the momentary escape they give me from the realities of life. While admittedly not as many as Christmas-themed films or even some other holidays, there are quite a few movies that do take place during the Thanksgiving season. Some make it a focal point while others only mention it in passing. However, there are still some decent ones all the same. Here is my list of three favorites: Trains, Planes and Automobiles (1987):   Yeah, I know, picking this movie is cliche. However, the only reason it is cliche is because it is a great film. Steve Martin and John Candy are at their best and are a memorable dual. Plus, mixed in with the numerous comedy gags throughout, there is still a twist at the end that is both sad but also heartwarming. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009):   An...

I switched to rechargeable batteries in my trail camera this week because it's been burning through them a little too fast. Last night was my first time using them and as it turns out, it wasn't overly busy. I had a couple opossum visits but nothing after 9. Here are some of the videos:

Synopsis: Still recovering from the mental breakdown caused by her pilot boyfriend's death, Nell is given a second chance when her uncle, an elevator operator, lands her a babysitting job at the hotel he works for. However, things quickly begin to unravel when one of the hotel's guests, also a pilot, mistakes her for a wealthy patron and takes a romantic interest in her. As Nell begins to blend her past with her present, she becomes confused and violent. Who's in it?  The movie stars Marilyn Monroe , Richard Widmark , Anne Bancroft , Jim Backus and Elisha Cook, Jr. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Don't Bother to Knock (1952)

Synopsis: When Olaf Jensen is convicted of murdering his employer, Mrs. Blake, the whole town of Brownsville believes he is guilty. The lone exception is Jimmie, the office boy at the local newspaper, who has dreams of being a reporter and is Olaf's best friend. When his boss's niece, Millie, comes to town, she convinces Jimmie he should investigate and catch the real killer. They narrow in on a suspect but have a hard time getting anyone to believe them. Who's in it? The movie stars Jackie Moran , Marcia Mae Jones , George Cleveland , Christian Rub and Henry Hall . Review: After flipping through a bunch of movies on Amazon Prime last night I settled on Haunted House , both because it had an intriguing plot and because it fit the hour-long runtime I prefer for early movie films. It wasn't quite what I was expecting but still ended up being a good choice. The title of the movie is a bit misleading. There's a creepy house that had a murder inside of it and proves ...

Synopsis: John Gant has a reputation as a heartless mercenary. Where he goes, death follows. When he rides into the small town of Lordsburg and rents a room at the hotel, the residents, not knowing who he has been sent there to kill, become paranoid. However, since all Gant's previous victims drew their guns first, the law is powerless to stop him. Meanwhile, the town doctor, Luke Canfield, is doing his best to keep the peace and stop the townspeople from going too far. Who's in it? The movie stars Audie Murphy , Charles Drake , Joan Evans , Virginia Grey and Warren Stevens. Review: I've had No Name on the Bullet in my library for a couple weeks now and decided to watch it this morning, mostly because I have enjoyed most Audey Murphy films I've seen. This movie turned out not to be an exception to that. I think the thing I liked most about this film is how Gant's (Murphy) appearance in town brought out multiple skeletons, whether it was the banker ( Whit Bissel...

 My thoughts from today's 20-19 Green Bay Packers ' win at the Chicago Bears : The Packers' special teams won a game! After seeing so many games over the past few years lost as the result of a missed field goal, missed extra point or blocked punt, seeing what looked to be a Bears' victory ended with a blocked field goal was big. I'm still catching my breath from that. Eleven victories in a row against Chicago for the Packers. Jordan Love's interceptions are becoming a real problem. The ugly throw in the first half changed the tone of this game. In addition to taking at least three points off the board, it was the last time they possessed the ball in the first half, not counting the kneel down at the end. You just can't waste opportunities like that. It was, however, great seeing Love healthy enough to use his legs. I don't think Green Bay will ever let him be a rushing quarterback (for good reason) but the man can make some plays on scrambles when nee...

Synopsis: A year after a street drug started a zombie apocalypse that killed his wife and daughter, Hunter travels alone, driven by hate for the "eaters." He is shot and ends up recuperating with a group of sheltered survivors. In addition to being desired by the two females in the group, he soon finds himself tasked with trying to keep the group alive as they attempt to get to an airfield and fly somewhere safe. Who's in it? The movie stars Martin Copping , Claire Niederpruem , Jade Regier , Danny Trejo and Jason K. Wixom. Review: My wife, a teacher assistant, picked up something at school and spent the weekend on the couch trying to get some rest. Since that meant our Saturday plans were cancelled, I joined her, and we had a zombie movie marathon that included Zombie Hunter . While I didn't completely hate it, the film did leave a little to be desired. The premise of the movie wasn't terrible. Zombie movies don't need to be anything overly complicated, a...

I need to replace the batteries in my trail camera again (probably with rechargeable batteries this time around) because the night-time photos lack any real quality. However, I did manage to get some early morning photos of some of the squirrels in the backyard. Here is a selection:

As far as my monthly budget is concerned, Netflix was already barely hanging on. I watch other streaming services a lot more and, at times, almost completely forget I even have it. Last night's livestream of Mike Tyson facing Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul isn't the final nail in that coffin, but it certainly closed the lid. I'm not even sure where to start. Perhaps it should be the pixilated feed that made me check my internet connection multiple times before learning I wasn't the only one experiencing it. Or maybe it should be the hour or so of buffering we endured as Netflix tried to keep up with demand. I could even spend some time on the various technical gaffes throughout the show, including a microphone malfunction that interrupted an Evander Holyfield interview. Oh, I know. I'll just talk about the main event that made none of the above worth it. Look, it wasn't as though I had high expectations for the match. Tyson is just a couple years shy of 60 and ...

Synopsis: A spoiled and snobbish heiress, Maggie Richards, gets into an argument with her parents and storms out of the house. While driving, she discovers the car is almost out of gas and fills it up at a service station. When she is unable to pay and tries to drive away, the manager, Bill Davis, forces her to work off the money she owed. Angry and embarrassed, Maggie vows to get back at Davis and when she learns of a business venture Davis is working on, tricks him into seeing her father, Ben Richards, for the money, knowing her dad will give him the runaround. However, her desire for revenge fades when she starts to fall in love with Davis. There's just one problem, telling him the truth might make him hate her. Who's in it? The movie stars Olivia de Havilland , Dick Powell , Charles Winninger , Allen Jenkins and Bonita Granville. Review: I added Hard to Get to my movie library mostly because I have enjoyed most (maybe all) of the Olivia de Havilland movies I've seen...

Synopsis: When Sach delivers a sandwich to a hotel lobby, a guest at the front desk offers him a job escorting a poodle to London and is offered nearly $3000 as advanced payment. The rest of the Bowery Boys, believing the deal is too good to be true, stowaway on the boat to look after him. It's a good thing they did too, as it turns out, the dog is being used to smuggle stolen diamonds and Sach is about to get into trouble with the Scotland Yard. Who's in it? The movie stars Huntz Hall , Stanley Clements , Patricia Donahue , David Gorcey and Paul Cavanagh. Review: I wound up watching In the Money this morning despite having quite a few doubts about it. After all, I've never been a die-hard Bowery Boys fan and this film, the last in the franchise, didn't even have the underappreciated Leo Gorcey in it. As it turns out, however, this wound up being my favorite of the Bowery Boys movies I've seen. I think the thing I liked most about this film is it corrected one ...

Synopsis: Henry Fleming (aka "the Youth) grows tired of drilling with his Union Army regiment during the American Civil War but when they are finally sent into battle, he ends up being one of the men who flee rather than fight. Embarrassed and ashamed, Fleming rejoins his unit only to discover they didn't know he deserted and assumed he had been killed. Determined to face his fears and earn a "red badge of courage" by being wounded in battle, Fleming begins taking unnecessary risks that earn him praise. Who's in it? The movie stars Audie Murphy , Bill Mauldin , Douglas Dick , Royal Dano and Tim Durant . Review: I saved The Red Badge of Courage to my movie library a few days ago because I haven't read the book since high school and figured the film might provide a reasonable refresher about the story. As it turns out, it did both and ended up being an enjoyable watch. I'm not going to go as far as to recommend this movie as a replacement for reading ...

I forgot to grab my trail camera memory card yesterday morning and by the time I was home, it was dark again. So, I just left the camera for another night.  I switched it from video mode to camera mode to save on the batteries and discovered I'll need to reposition it because everything close to it is getting flooded out by the flash (probably from the frost on the grass). However, I did still manage to get some photos, including of some domesticated animals that decided to visit. Here's a selection: