Author Archives: williamjcobb

Yellowstone Backpacking Trip Report 2026

In 2024 we kayaked Yellowstone Lake, in 2025 Shoshone Lake, and for 2026 we backpacked to Heart Lake. This year was extra special: our 25th wedding anniversary. Continue reading

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Cul-De-Sac Anguish: On Netflix’s “The Last House”

I’ll try to avoid spoilers here but will add that when we finished watching it, we both said, “Wow. I’m surprised we finished that movie.” As in: I’m surprised we didn’t stop watching and go do something more entertaining, like poking each other with a sharp stick. Continue reading

Posted in "Alone" TV Reality Series, "The Last House" film, Implausible movies, Yellowstone National Park backcountry trips | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ultimate Kayaking Yellowstone Lake Trip Report

An easy rule of thumb: Try to reach your campsite by noon or so: Thunderstorms often pop up later in the day, which can make the paddling difficult. Continue reading

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Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” as Summer Movie Event

The place was packed. A group behind us were wearing togas (that looked like bed sheets “repurposed”). Excitement in the air! Continue reading

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Techno-Fear in “Backrooms” and “Obsession”

The best summer hits capture the nation’s zeitgeist, so in this way maybe Backrooms is this summer’s Jaws (1975), or better yet, Alien (1979). It’s a snapshot of what we fear. Continue reading

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Disastrous French Surrender in 1940 Explained: On William Shirer’s “Collapse of the Third Republic”

Shirer describes the tumultuous 1930s, including the riots of 1934 that weakened the French government (The Third Republic), from an eyewitness standpoint. He was there in Paris when many of the riots occurred. Continue reading

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Glory of Yellowstone on 4th of July

So one of my favorite places in the U.S. and the world is Yellowstone. While Old Faithful and the geyser basins accessible by car are all fine and dandy, the real charm of our greatest National Park is its backcountry. … Continue reading

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New “Cape Fear” on Apple TV: Third Time’s the Charm? 

Why another remake? Now that I’m watching the Apple TV series (big change from a feature-length movie) I see what they’ve done with it and have to say . . . it works. It’s even weirder than the first two gruesome versions.  Continue reading

Posted in Amy Adams, Apple TV Original Movies, Apple TV's "Cape Fear", Cult classic films, Film, Javier Bardem, Martin Scorsese movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Best Reality-TV Series Ever Is Back! “Alone” in the Arctic

Their being alone is perhaps the main reason it’s not cheesy in the way other reality shows are: It’s not a matter of personality conflicts and “conspirators” or alliances. It’s just a person alone, having to make a shelter, find food, and survive in wilderness conditions for up to three months at a time. Continue reading

Posted in "Alone" TV Reality Series, "Night of the Grizzlies" by Jack Olsen, Animal Attacks Stories, Backpacking Adventures, Bear attacks, Bears, Good TV | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“Camp America”: A New Short Story by William J. Cobb

At the Camp America for Repatriated Adults none of the clocks actually work. All the detained are required to turn in their cellphones, laptops, Smart Watches and the like. The many clocks in the guest quarters, conference rooms, and rec centers all show different times. It keeps people guessing. Continue reading

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