Oscar’s 2026

 The Oscar nominations came out today.  Some are worth it, but a lot was missed.  No Other Choice was totally ignored.  That even includes foreign pictures.  Sinners was multi nominated.  Miles Claton was ignored.  I like that Delton Linda was nominated, but I feel it was more for his years in film and television.  I hope Kpop Demon Hunters wins best animated film.  I will miss the show.  Just another self congratulatory awards show!  My favorite actors/actresses are the character actors/actresses.  

American Pariah

 It looks like Dear Leader trump is making America a pariah.  No country wants anything to do with us.  Only the countries that own trump speak to him.  Yet, our Senate and House ignore all his crimes and abuse of power. Weak Democrats are still wondering what they can say without offending republicans.  Some do not even want to get rid of the American Gestapo (ice).  They want to retrain them to be nicer.  Maybe they should train them to stick to the borders and stop bothering everyone that is not as white as they are.  

Internet and Film

 I watched videos on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Most were good.  Then, I saw a few accusing it of being "woke" (White Supremacists' way of saying it was done by a non-white), it failing miserably after the first weekend, and equating the release date with a bad movie. The direction was great.  She made it her own.  Good movies tend to start out slow and make more money due to word of mouth.  I would be very wary of movies that do great on the first weekend.  Next week, people will be shocked by how it dropped by half or more.  Finally, I hate when people say only bad movies are released during certain months.  The Matrix was released in March.  Not exactly the blockbuster date that these people would have expected.  Look how much it made.  Then, there was the re-release of Star Wars in the 90's.  It was released in February and blew away the box office.  Why?  I think it's because people want to see great movies on the screen.  No need to remake it, just clean it up, enhance the audio, and release it again.  Most remakes are the same story with a younger, more "hip" cast.  They suck.  

It’s Included

 I’m watching a cruise video and this couple is going on about all that is included on Disney.  Included is in the eye of the beholder.  You have to look at the overall charge.  That stuff that is included is costing you.  You have to look at a company that does not include it.  Then look at what those add ins would cost you.  Free soda?  Is it cheaper than same cruise on Carnival with or without a drink package?  Those Disney gifts?  They are not costing Disney much.  I bet it’s included in your cost.  

The Missing Guinea

 The other day I went out to feed the chickens.  I noticed one was missing.  This Guinea fowl was different from our other 7.  Most are a dark gray with speckles.  This particular bird was a light gray, almost white.  We incubated her.  When let out amongst the others, she was an outsider.  The Guineas would run her off.  The chickens stayed away from her.  Today, I drove by our neighbors and there was a pile of white.  I was not thinking. I thought it was frost.  Later in the day, my neighbor called about a package being mis delivered.  As I walked to her house I got to see the white mess close up.  It was a pile of feathers from our missing bird.  

The Bone Temple

 So, I stand corrected.  The title of the 2nd 28 Years Later is called The Bone Temple.  I wasn’t able to see it.  I took my daughter, who is visually impaired,  it was at an AMC theater.  We asked for the device that was supposed to enhance it for her.  After sitting through like 8 previews, the movie started.  Unfortunately for my daughter, it did not start for her.  I even tried to get them to replace it.  It turns out there was a technical issue.  They were gracious enough to give us a return pass.  As for the movie, it was a great continuation.  Some loose ends were tied up.  You know there will be a third, but they leave the story without any clues.  You do get rewarded at the end!  I just wish the kid who played Spike was given more time.  Hopefully, he will have more time in the third movie!  

The Bone Collector

 28 Years Later part 2 is out.  I can't wait to see it.  Word is that this movie is better than the first one.  The first 28 Years Later was the intro and set up.  I bet the 3rd one will be the best.  We'll just have to wait and see.  

Frost

 Florida has frost!  I went out this morning, and there was frost on the car.  If it had rained, there would have been snow.  No rain!  I think we might have a second chance on Sunday.  It has been a cooler winter.  I bet some would say this proves that global warming does not exist.  I'd trust scientists over conspiracy theorists paid by oil companies.  

Chaos

 I am listening to Chaos Charles Manson, The CIA, and the History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill.  This book really shines a light on the US government.  People wonder why they don't trust the government.  What I am hearing seems a lot like what we are going through now.  I wouldn't put it past trump to use these tactics.  He does not let laws get in his way.  He bends them to fit his needs.  After this book, you might wonder if Manson was encouraged to do what he did.  Now we have a president who is willing to protect murderers, as long as they are doing it in his name.  This is some real Nazis BS.  Just look, they are also using Nazi slogans.  

World of Protest

 If you look at the social sites, you see all these protests.  You have everyone protesting trumps dictorial take, Trump's SS killing and attacking protesters, Iran, Venezuela, and Greenland.  It's crazy!  What do the politicians in America do?  Nothing.  Well, those who have the power do nothing.  They just keep praising their dear leader.  The sad thing is, normal people can not compete with the billionaires who own the politicians and judges.  The Supreme Court does not use the law for decisions.  They use religion and obscure rulings to protect the rich!  Then you have ICE.  They remind me of those white supremacists who would go into the woods on the weekend to prepare for the race wars.  Now, trump has given them that power.  They just become more like the Nazis every day.  They are going door to door looking for immigrants.  Does that remind you of anything?  Just imagine, the next Anne Frank is hiding in a house while people are disappearing every day.  

By the way, if you want to see a movie that shows the people I am talking about, watch Betrayed with Debra Winger and Tom Berenger.  It's an 80's film.  

Leadership Change?

 The US kidnapped Maduro out of Venezuela.  Now they are telling Venezuelans to go back home to enjoy their country.  They are really being oblivious.  They may have removed the leader, but his party still controls the situation.  Nothing has changed.  If they go back, they will probably be arrested and killed.  They really have not studied the past.  If they did, they would see that what they did does not work.  Most of the time, a worse leader arises.  Just look at Iran.  The US administration acts like everything is great, and it's time to move on to Greenland.  We all know it's because Trump does not want the pedophile list to come out.  He's protecting himself and people like him.  It's disgusting!  

Movies in Theaters

 I saw a story that Leonardo DiCaprio is concerned that if Netflix buys WB, movies in theaters will end.  I don't know if he is paying attention, but it has been going this way for years.  With all the mergers and consolidations, fewer companies are making movies.  I look at future schedules, and it seems only 1 movie per week is coming out.  Even when there are movies out there, theaters are not picking them up.  I want to see No Other Choice.  No theaters are picking it up in my area.  As desperate as they are, you'd think they'd show it.  It is a Korean movie.  If DiCaprio is concerned, he needs to advocate for film companies to be broken up under antitrust laws.  Hollywood needs competition.  Film companies also need to stop throwing all their money into sequels and comic book movies.  We need more smaller, dramatic movies.  We need comedies.  We need movies that depend on story and acting.  Right now, it seems they are more concerned with spectacle.  Also, comic book movies are very repetitive.  If I see one more story about who is in Avengers Doomsday, I am going to scream.  Just let the damn movie come out.  People want to know everything before it even comes out.  

War for Oil

 It looks like we are joining Russia in taking over countries.  Of course, trump wants you to believe it is about drugs.  But between his and his son’s drug use, I don’t think that is possible.  He’s going after their oil and minerals.  Now, he is giving the green light to other dictators to do the same.  Our road into authoritarianism continues.  Will anyone stop it?  

Happy New Year!

 We survived another year.  Did you stay up late?  I was in bed by 9.  I did wake up around 11.  I could see fireworks going off in the distance.  I’m not a big fan of staying up late.  Those shows they do suck! They have performers lip sync their songs.  Usually, most is filmed on a different day.  I stopped watching a long time ago.  

Florida is Freezing

 We are hitting freezing temperatures in Florida.  One day it's warm, and then it's cold.  The kids are getting sick.  I even had to pull out my leather jacket.  That only happens a few times in a year, if at all.  I can guess that it will be warm again soon.  At least there is no snow and ice.  I would hate to drive in Florida during a snow and ice storm.  These people can't drive in good weather.  

Shore Excursion and Shopping Shows

 When you cruise, they will have a show that will introduce you to the places you will visit.  We made a mistake and sat through one.  I reminded my wife to hit me in the head if I ever suggest doing another one.  When you get in, they will give you tickets for "prizes" you can win.  They will give away excursions, clothing, and other knick-knacks.  You have to stay to win them.  The person doing the show is the ship's "personal shopper".  They will act like they have your best interests in mind.  They are not looking out for you; they are looking out for the port shops.  I am guessing they might work on commission.  They will tell you about how great prices are because they are duty-free.  Use common sense.  The prices do not look that low. If you are looking for alcohol, jewelry, etc., do your research.  My wife said she saw where people bought jewelry and brought it to be appraised when they got home.  They found that it was worth less than they paid for it.  They will also tell you about the rarity of stones like Tanzinite.  The only place I hear about this is on cruise ships.  Investigate before cruising.  Once you're onboard, the internet is limited.  The people on the boat are getting paid to push it.  These shows are extremely boring and very repetitive!  

Excursions are Overrated!

 When we were younger, we did a couple of excursions.  We saw a Mayan pyramid, we took a bus through St. Martin, and we visited a snorkeling beach in St. Thomas.  When you start bringing children with you, it becomes more expensive.  Not only that, but the costs have really gone up.  Walking tours begin around $50 and then go up from there.  The problem we would have is that it would not be worth the money.  Our kids are just as happy staying on the boat.  Usually, I just go into port and look around.  My family might accompany me if they have not been there.  All port stores are the same.  You are lucky if you can find anything original.  Most is imported from China.  Another issue with excursions is that they rush you through areas and go only to certain tourist traps. By the time it is done, you have to get back on the ship.  Do research and plan ahead.   

Attack on Movies

 For every critic complaining about Netflix killing the movie experience, they are not doing much to champion going to movies in theaters.  Every time I see a story, I don't see much encouragement, especially for smaller films.  Then, you have the instant returns.  Publications expect movies to make all their money in the first week.  An example would be the Christmas release of Avatar 3.  It was released one week before Christmas.  That is the week when everyone is doing their last-minute shopping.  Kids went on vacation the Monday after it came out.  To me, it is no surprise that it is "rebounding."  When we worked in theaters, it was the calm before the storm.  A slow first week before Christmas usually meant a slaughter the next week.  Don't believe what you read about a film dying in its first week.  Sometimes it is just beginning.  

Beaches in the Caribbean

One thing I noticed on our cruise is that the islands have the same problem Florida has.  The rich and corporations are taking over the beaches.  It is getting harder to find a beach that is not charging for access.  Some places can be pricy.  One place charges over $100 to access its property.   Influencers will tell you it's a great deal not to have to mingle with the locals.   What's the point of cruising to specific countries?  If you want a beach without locals, go to a cruise ship's "private" island.  The people are what make these countries interesting.  Who wants a generic beach with generic food?  Those shops you look for souvenirs in are probably not owned by locals and offer all the same stuff.  Try to find local spots and buy handmade goods.  

Early Morning

 Our ship arrived early.  We had to get up around 6 am.  When you cruise, they give you one last meal.  We love to do it in the dining hall.  Most go to the buffet on the Lido deck.  No thanks.  Plus, we hope we get to say one last good bye to those who worked in there.  It’s the people that work on Carnival that make it great for us.  They treat our kids like everyone else.  It also helps that they look out for us.  When you have special needs children, waiting can be hard on them.  We do tend to slow up things.  After our meal, we have to go to our waiting spot.  Sometimes, we get assistance.  You usually have to wait.  Today, we ended up in the leave line.  So, we just went with it.  We also were almost in the middle of a fight.  Someone rudely bumped into someone. That person made a comment. It started escalating. We jumped on the down elevator.  Luckily there was no fight.  Then, we had a line to get to luggage. A line to get to passport checks. A line to get to our vehicle.  Finally, a line to get in the traffic up north!  

We Got Kicked Off a Cruise

 The final day arrived.  Everyone was sad.  No mattter what we did, they would not let us stay on the ship.  My daughters even said the would teach dance, sing, be a magician, pickup up dishes(that daughter said she would take them off the boat). It still did not matter.  They said if we had wanted to stay, we’d have to buy another ticket and do a back to back.  

Day at Sea

 We had two days at sea before returning home. We woke up Christmas Day with the girls getting some gifts.  Before that, my daughter and I had walked upstairs.  I found that Carnival has bagel options for free!  They were tasty.  We all trained to go to brunch, but one daughter did not want to go.  When returning, I found another daughter did not want to swim.  Her sister did. I got to experience the waterslide in the freezing water.  Then, my daughter dragged me to the hot tubs.  They felt nice. My daughter is a social butterfly teetering on social stalker. She tries to talk and sing to everyone.  If people do not respond, she will follow them.  She had some fun.  We sat through the Grinch games.  It was okay.  Definitely got kids.  My daughter did not seem that interested.  Later in the day, we ate Christmas dinner.  We picked turkey meals.  There was a 50/50 chance it would be any good.  Many years prior, we did a Thanksgiving cruise.  The turkey was round, like the kind that came out of a can.  The sides were not like we had ever had.  For Christmas, it was better.  The turkey cut like it came from an actual bird and not a can.  The sides were okay.  The stuffing was very mushy, like a pudding.  The sweet potatoes were good.  The desserts were good, just very rich.  

St.Thomas, Deja Vu!

 Today, we are in St. Thomas.  It feels like I was just here.  Well actually, it was last year.  This time I tracked down a grocery store.  It is not like St. Martin.  Guess the tariffs are hit them hard.  Their prices are like tourist prices in Orlando!  The stores all sell the same still with prices deviating slightly.  There is no hand made stuff.  It looks like they get most from China.  Really, I only not needed cough syrup for my daughter.  I found a local pharmacy and only had to pay 6 or 7 dollars for it.  Oh know!  I said it.  My mind thinks of my daughters waving hands saying 6. 7!  If you want to go to a nice spot in St. Thomas, you have to take a cab or excursion.  Soon we will be leaving.  Merry Christmas to everyone!  I will return on Saturday!  

St.Martin Island

 Yesterday was St. Martin.  It is an island of two nationalities.   One side is Dutch and the other side is French.  The family was not doing well, so I decided to walk into town.  When you arrive, you find out that from the port it takes five minutes to walk to the town.  The shops were okay, but tended to be the same old stuff.  I did find some hand made goods.  They do have a beach on the port side.  It is covered with sun chairs tvat you have to pay to use.  You have to walk to the far side to find free beach.  Walking back, I stopped at a local grocery store.  I’m glad I did.  I found a great deal on spices.  If you ever visit this island, go into the grocery store.  The other beaches can be reached by tours or taxis.  Also, a person who had involvement with the creation of Yoda has a museum there.  You actually can meet him and see the work he has done in Hollywood.  He and his wife run it as a non profit to benefit kids around the world!  

San Juan Sightseeing

 Arrived in Puerto Rico this morning.  At first, it was comfortable.  When you got in the sun it was hot.  My daughter and I walked to a pet we’d never been to.  I got to see a beach we could not get to.  We saw some government buildings, a fort, and a bunch of iguanas.  It was a nice walk.  It helps to visit different parts if you go there multiple times.  Tomorrow is St. Thomas.  Been there a lot of times.  I might not stay long.  

Height of Entitlement

  live near a place where the elderly or those over 55 are constantly complaining about young people and entitlement.  I am on a cruise with families and lots of kids.  They just did a giveaway.  You’d think the priority should be the kids.  There was a mob scene and they had to tell people that kids should be the ones to get them.  My handicapped kid was pushed out of the way.  Some lady passed us with 5 in her hand.  Do you think they were kids? No! It was a group of adults too lazy to go get them!  Most of them seemed to go to older, entitled adults!  Adults should be able to understand why kids should be the priority.  Kids have less understanding why adults should be able to push them out of the way to get a hat.