Sunday, January 4, 2026

Discover Your Joy - A Journey to Love & Peace | Ten Insights For A Better 2026 | Miracle Mindset


 Written By Ken Hulsey

Find Your Fulfillment - A Path to Love & Peace

You need to make changes in your life because, deep down, you know you aren't truly fulfilled. You just want a little love and a little peace. Is that too much to ask for? The problem is, how would you even begin to find what you're seeking? The answer lies within your own heart and spirit. Change starts from the inside out. You can't force others to give you the love and peace you crave; it has to come from a place of self-love and inner tranquility first. 

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Retro Saturday Morning: Jana of the Jungle (1978)(NBC)


"Jana of the Jungle" is a captivating 30-minute animated series that delighted audiences on Saturday mornings, crafted by the creative mind of Doug Wildey and brought to life by the renowned Hanna-Barbera Productions. It aired on NBC from September 9, 1978, to December 2, 1978, captivating young viewers with its adventurous spirit. Originally part of the "Godzilla Power Hour," this animated gem found its place in the spotlight before transitioning into "The Godzilla Super 90."

Friday, January 2, 2026

The Star Trek Format | The Star Trek Guide | 60 Years of Star Trek


 Written By Ken Hulsey
AND SO, IN EVERY SCENE OF OUR STAR TREK STORY... 

...translate it into a real life situation. Or, sometimes as useful, try it in your mind as a scene in GUNSMOKE, NAKED CITY, or some similar show. Would you believe the people and the scene if it happened there? 

 IF YOU'RE ONE OF THOSE WHO ANSWERS: "THE CHARACTER ACTS THAT WAY BECAUSE IT'S SCIENCE FICTION", DON'T CALL US, WE'LL CALL YOU.

 - The Star Trek Guide: Third Revision - April 17, 1967

Aesir: Ignition - A post-human mecha tale of a young pilot torn between humanity's ambitions and ancient droid civilizations


 Written By Ken Hulsey

Aesir: Ignition is more than just a mecha sci-fi story; it’s the culmination of a dream born from the hearts and minds of Felix Chow and Dustin Janocha, who have transformed their thesis project into something truly special. While they may not have traditional industry backgrounds, what they lack in professional experience, they more than make up for with their passion and dedication. Their goal is to craft a narrative that resonates not just with them, but with fans who cherish this beloved genre.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Best Restaurants in California, New Mexico, Louisiana, Texas & Across America - Ken's Top Picks


By Ken Hulsey

In 2022, I published an article featuring my top 20 favorite restaurants across the USA. This year, I've expanded that list to 50 establishments, spanning burger joints, pizza places, Mexican eateries, sushi bars, upscale steakhouses, and hidden gems from California to New Jersey.

As a long-time resident of California, Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana, the majority of the restaurants on my list are located within those states. I hope this comprehensive guide will prove useful for any travelers seeking a delicious meal, whether they're looking for an affordable bite or an upscale dining experience.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

A Year At Boggy Creek | The Fouke Monster Mystery Continues


 Fouke Location Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey

I, like many others, first became fascinated with the infamous "Fouke Monster" in the 1970s when the film "The Legend of Boggy Creek" was released in theaters and drive-ins across the country. Although I didn't see the movie until it aired as a Saturday afternoon feature on a local TV station in the 1980s, the original trailer had a lasting impact on my young and impressionable mind—it scared the crap out of me. A big, hairy creature reaching through windows to grab young girls (the Fouke Monster doesn't hold a candle to King Kong), girls screaming, guns firing, people chasing the monster, the monster chasing people-all set in what looked like the creepiest place on Earth: Boggy Creek. I hid under my bed until I was ten! 

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

On December 29, 1845 United States Congress Votes To Annex Texas


On December 29, 1845, a significant decision was made by the United States Congress when they voted to annex Texas, a step that marked a pivotal moment in the history of both Texas and the broader United States. The idea of Texas becoming a state had first come up back in 1837. However, President Martin Van Buren at the time rejected the proposal, citing concerns rooted in constitutional principles and apprehensions about potential conflict with Mexico.

This scenario began to change under the leadership of President James Polk, who was a strong proponent of westward expansion. In February 1845, Congress passed the Annexation Resolution, paving the way for Texas to officially join the Union. On June 16, 1845, Texas President Anson Jones took the initiative to call the Texas Congress into session. This was a crucial period for Texas, as a convention of elected delegates convened on the Fourth of July that same year. Both the Texas Congress and the convention were supportive of joining the United States, leading to the drafting of a constitution that outlined the governing framework for the new state.

Check Out: The Revolution For Texas Begins, Louisiana Switches Hands, and Mail For Arizona - Discover the History of the Southwest Y'all!

The proposed constitution went before the people of Texas, who ratified it through a popular vote in October of 1845. With this overwhelming support, the document was then accepted by Congress on that historic day in December. Shortly afterward, on February 19, 1846, President Jones of the Republic of Texas officially handed control of the new state government over to Governor James Pinckney Henderson. This transition marked the beginning of Texas's new chapter as a state within the United States, with all its unique cultural and historical nuances that continue to resonate today.

Check Out: This Week in Texas History: Construction Begins on the Southern Pacific Railroad Pecos High Bridge in Val Verde County in 1891

Monday, December 29, 2025

A Collection Of The Most Fascinating Places To Visit in Louisiana! | Your Guide To Louisiana Travel



Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

Joseph Jefferson House & Rip Van Winkle Gardens is truly one of the most captivating destinations in Louisiana. This remarkable historic site beautifully combines a rich past with stunning natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to step into a different world, far removed from the everyday hustle of southern Louisiana life. Nestled on the shores of Lake Peigneur at Jefferson Island, the gardens are meticulously maintained and filled with vibrant, lush plants. As you stroll through the pathways, the enticing array of colors and fragrances creates an enchanting atmosphere, making it easy to imagine you’ve traveled to a distant exotic locale.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Retro Saturday Morning | 2025 Year in Review | Classic Cartoons Remembered

Written By Ken Hulsey

As 2025 comes to a close, I can't help but reminisce about one of the standout features here at Atomic Robot: our beloved weekly Retro Saturday Morning articles. These pieces celebrate the enchanting cartoons that captivated a generation from the 1960s through the 1980s—a transformative era when cartoons transitioned from being the highlight of early weekend mornings to a delightful part of after-school programming.

Who among us doesn't recall the sheer joy of hopping out of bed on a Saturday morning, still clad in our cozy PJs, and scampering into the family den or living room? For a magical span between 6 AM and noon, the television belonged to us! It was our golden opportunity to take the reins of the television dial, a rare moment I cherished deeply. Back then, with only three major networks—NBC, CBS, and ABC—tuning in meant a treasure trove of animated wonders and live-action series tailored just for children and young adults. What bliss it was!

Friday, December 26, 2025

Railroading In The South | 2025 in Review | A Year in Photos | Rails West

The famous City of New Orleans arrives in McComb, Mississippi

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

In 2025, I traveled to various locations throughout the southern United States. As an avid photographer and railfan, I seized every opportunity to photograph trains. Over the past decade and a half, I have earned a reputation for capturing images of trains, railroad-related items, and significant locations. I've also shared a wealth of regional railroad history that relates to the photographs and sites I've documented.

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Impress Your Friends and Family - A Virtual Cornucopia of Christmas Knowledge


Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and it has changed a lot over the past two thousand years. What started as a Christian holiday has become a worldwide celebration that includes both religious and secular traditions. Many of these traditions trace back to earlier pagan customs. Today, Christmas is primarily a time for families and friends to come together and exchange gifts.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

How Alexandria Louisiana Earned the Title of "UFO Capital of the World" in the 1940s


 Written By Ken Hulsey

In the summer of 1947, our views on what might be flying in the sky changed dramatically with the introduction of the term "Flying Saucer." This new phrase emerged after a pilot named Kenneth Arnold spotted several unusual objects while flying near Mount Rainier in Washington State. One clear morning, he saw these mysterious objects moving swiftly and smoothly through the air. When he described how they looked, he noted that they glided like saucers skipping across water. This captivating story caught the public's attention, and the term "Flying Saucer" quickly became a part of everyday language, intriguing people everywhere.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Retro Toy Rodeo: Mego's Planet of the Apes Fortress Playset (1975)


 Written By Ken Hulsey

One of the most unforgettable Christmas gifts I received back in the 1970s was the Mego Planet of the Apes Fortress Playset. Despite being made of laminated cardboard, this playset was a tough contender, surviving countless battles with determined human rebels and the occasional rogue mutant from the forbidden zone. For those who may not know, the Planet of the Apes toy line was a groundbreaking success, becoming the leading franchise spun off from a film series during that era. This phenomenal popularity actually set the stage for Kenner's blockbuster Star Wars toy line just a few years later.
 

Monday, December 22, 2025

Enchanting Christmas Traditions In New Mexico - The Southwest At Its Best!


 New Mexico proudly boasts a vibrant tapestry of Spanish and Mexican history, which has profoundly influenced our state’s holiday traditions. The roots of these celebrations go back to early European missionaries who shared with the native population the heartwarming tale of Mary and Joseph’s quest for shelter and the miraculous birth of Jesus. 

Retro Toy Rodeo: Milton Bradley's Electronic Star Bird (1978)


 Written By Ken Hulsey

As Christmas draws near, it feels like the perfect time to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and remember some of the most iconic toys from our childhood. One standout that leaps to mind is the incredible Star Bird space transport, released by Milton Bradley in 1979. Riding the wave of the Star Wars phenomenon, this toy was a shining example of innovative playtime technology for its era.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Pastor James W Greer - Journey Church - Journey to the Light | In His Presence


 Pastor James W. Greer

The most profound blessing we can experience is to dwell in the power and presence of God. It is a true privilege to witness the transformative power of Christ in our lives. When His presence is felt, remarkable things unfold. Jesus came into this world to guide us from the shadows of darkness into the brilliance of His light. His presence is truly the greatest gift we could ever receive. 

Saturday, December 20, 2025

The Flintstones: The Golf Champion | Retro Saturday Morning


In a dramatic turn of events at the Loyal Order of Dinosaurs, Fred emerges victorious in the highly anticipated golf tournament. However, his celebration is short-lived when Barney, the newly elected president of the lodge and also the treasurer, refuses to award Fred the coveted trophy due to outstanding club dues that Fred has yet to settle. This situation ignites a fierce rivalry between the two lifelong friends, as each retaliates against the other in various comedic and obstinate ways.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Louisiana Through My Lens | The Remains of the Red River & Gulf Railroad Depot in Lecompte


 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

Tucked away in the brush in a field just south of Lecompte, Louisiana, is the intriguing remains of the former depot of the Red River & Gulf Railroad. This historic depot, which was constructed in 1906, was a pivotal stop for the railroad until its closure in 1954. If you take a moment to gaze towards the left side of the depot (In one of the photos below), you’ll spot a noticeable gap in the treeline where the Red River & Gulf tracks once existed.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

New Mexico Christmas Traditions: Posole | Holiday Recipes | New Mexico TRUE


 Story By: Ken Hulsey

 There's simply nothing quite like New Mexican food - once you've experienced it, nothing else can compare. If you live outside of New Mexico like I do, you've likely been spoiled by the wonderful Southwestern cuisine and now find yourself missing it dearly. 

As the holiday season approaches, I find my taste buds craving a savory bowl of posole, a spicy pork and hominy soup that can be garnished with lime wedges, green onions, cilantro, tortilla shells or chips, cabbage, or radish slices. On a cold day, there's nothing more warming than a steaming bowl of this delectable dish.

The Odyssey of a Rock | Can You Find It? | Where Will You Relocate It?


 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

A couple of days ago, I stumbled upon this delightful painted rock, which some call Kindness Rocks, in Alexandria. The moment I spotted it, I felt this irresistible urge to take it with me, knowing I had a mission to relocate it. So, during my adventures yesterday, I headed westward and figured, why not bring it along to Texas and leave it there for someone to find?

Now, here’s where it gets fun—if you’re curious about where this little treasure might be hiding, just refer to the clues in the photos I snapped. If you're lucky enough to discover it, the idea is to take it and then leave it somewhere else, hopefully a bit further afield.