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.  

Christmas Surprise

 We got to surprise our daughters Thursday.  We drove fown to Miami.  The girls thought mom had an appointment with a lawyer.  The next day we drove to the Port of Miami.  Then we had to park.  We had hoped to pull up to the terminal, but the traffic was worse than usual or it was the usual.  At this point, we explained we had to park for the Carnival Magic.  Nothing.  I turned and had to say, you are going on an eight day cruise for Christmas!  Then, we got excitement.  One daughter claimed she knew it because she saw some paperwork.  It was a surprise to them.  Now, they want Christmas cruises every year.  I don’t think we can afford that.  

Oscars Streaming

 It looks like the Oscars will be streaming instead of showing on TV.  YouTube won a contract to show it after the Disney contract ends.  It's a sign of the times.  The one thing they embrace is the one medium they fear.  Those in Hollywood worry that streaming will kill the theater experience.  It definitely has changed movie watching habits.  Small, intimate movies do not really sell in theaters.  People want to see big movies on the screen.  I think it also depends on the story.  If it's not really good or just repetitive, what do they expect?  I wish they would realize that they need to make better movies for them to succeed in movie theaters.  They will never realize that lesson.  

Betrayed Update

When I was younger, I saw the movie Betrayed.  It is a gritty movie about an FBI agent who goes undercover in the world of white supremacy.  Today, we need a follow up.  Not a remake or a reboot.  They could have another person go undercover.  That movement is thriving.  With our current government, it is not being watched.  They are part of the government.  They are politicians, preachers, ICE agents, etc.  Their hate is now legal and even encouraged by the president.  If you watch Betrayed, you would see that in the end, they achieved what they were aiming for.  

New House

 My daughter is moving out.  She is strapped for money.  You'd think anything she could get to furnish the house would be appreciated.  I saw a curb alert on Facebook.  That is where someone is getting rid of something, but they are alerting people that it is free for the taking. I sent her a picture, and she said it was nice.  I told her it was free for the taking if you can beat others.  She does not care for it because it does not fit her style. When we were low on money, we did not have the luxury of style.  If we needed a piece of furniture, we'd get it for the least amount of money. When we could afford better furnishings, we would upgrade.  Kids nowadays don't mind maxing out their credit. I just don't get it.  I know a lot of it comes from programming in social networks. When you have no money? I'd rather have money than care about what people on a social network think.   

What is Hollywood to Do?

 Everyone is up in arms about Netflix buying WB.  I don't think either should be able to buy the company.  I have no say.  We need to go back to the Paramount Antitrust Decrees.  It says that those who create movies can not be the same as those who show those movies.  Back in the day, the movie corporations owned the movie theaters.  We are going in the same direction with streaming.  If I had to pick one, I would go with Netflix.  They currently do not own a production/film company.  They pay others to create for them.  They will not have as much duplication as Paramount will have.  If Paramount wins, there will be mass layoffs.  It will also mean fewer movies being released. Some will say no movies will be released in theaters if Netflix wins.  They say they will continue to release movies in theaters through WB.  Who are we to believe? Paramount says they will not fire people and that the Middle East partners will not control access.  I have a hard time believing that people who put up a large amount of money are not going to want something besides return on equity.  As you can see from WB Discovery, there was a decrease in that return. Another thing I have to point out for Hollywood, Oscar-bait movies are not doing well in theaters. Ella McCay was poised for an Oscar run.  After this weekend, I do not see it.  Look at current nominees for the early awards.  A good half are coming from streamers.  I just don't see how theaters will play a role in the Oscars, except for big-budget effects.  That is, unless the Oscars take over the MTV
 awards and start awarding best kiss, biggest box office take, biggest explosions, etc.  

Animal Farm Destroyed

 I saw a preview yesterday that I wish I could unsee.  George Orwell would be rolling in his grave to see what has been done to his novel.  It evolved from a cautionary tale to a DreamWorks animated tale, featuring all the usual characters and villains.  This will be one movie that I will never see.  It is not the book I read in high school.  That book had meaning.  This looks like a Hollywood producer said this is depressing, let's add fart jokes and current slang/music.  Sorry to any parents that feel forced to take your children to this movie.  

Forgotten States

 Every year, you hear of states that feel the government has forgotten them.  Now we have a president who only cares about making money for himself.  Those forgotten really backed a winner.  If you really must know, their problem lies with the people they elect.  They elect republicans who are totally beholden to the rich.  These politicians do nothing to help the people of those states.  Then, you have the idiots who are trying to save dinosaurs.  I mean, businesses like coal.  It's a dying industry.  Technology has surpassed the needs of coal.  Even China is backing away from coal.  From the pollution they have suffered through, they realize it is no longer sustainable.  Our country could be putting in factories for solar and wind power in these so-called forgotten states.  Jobs that are probably safer and pay better.  The politicians are taking bribes to make sure that they do not.  If you live in a forgotten state, probably a red state, elect representatives who speak and fight for you.  You have no representation when competing with wealthy donors.  These people don't even all live in these states.  They make money off of they're misery.  

Autocrat Condolences

 So, our wannabe Autocrat gave condolences yesterday.  He told the victims of the Brown shooting that shit happens and his fake prayers go out to them.  For Rob Reiner, he said that because he hated trump so much, that it came back to haunt him.  Go to love this guy!  The only person he cares about is himself.  Just what we need as a president.  So sad!  

Losing the Past

 I woke up this morning to another death of a past actor/director that I liked.  Rob Reiner did a lot of movies that I grew up on.  Not to mention watching all in the family as a child.  Before that, it was an actor who was a bad guy in many movies.  Getting older sucks.  

Paul Dano is a Great Actor

 I read about Tarantino's hate for Paul Dano.  I went to Amazon and bought Prisoners.  He has had many movies that I liked.  I do not understand why he does not like his performances, but they beat the hell out of all the movies he put himself in.  At least, Hitchcock knew to keep his walk-ons to a minute or two.  Check out some Paul Dano films.  Little Miss Sunshine, Prisoners, Mad Money, The Batman, and There Will Be Blood.  Although Tarantino has a good eye for actors to fill the roles he writes, he is not god and most of his movies are stories that he writes with shots borrowed from other filmmakers. To say his movies are original may be lopsided.  Maybe that is why Oscar for best director eluded him.     

Trump’s Hate Rules the World

 It’s trumps world and we’re just living in it.  More like the hate he espouses is infecting everything.  He probably loves it.  We have a shooting at another school, there is a mass shooting in Australia. Russia taki g out infrastructure in Ukraine, our military killing fishermen in Venezuelan waters, etc.  The world is just trying to survive the hate our country is importing.  Yet his political party remains silent.  How disgusting!  This man is a felon, who continues to commit crimes as president. 

War Crimes

 You see trump is taking oil shipments without killing anyone. Why can’t they do the same for the smaller boats they are blowing up?  Maybe it’s because they know they will not find drugs.  That is why they are executing survivors.  Dead men tell no tales!  There needs to be a full investigation.  He is acting like a dictator!  

Disgusting Pig

 Our president is a disgusting pig.  With his anti-DEI measures, he is going after the disabled.  How low can this guy go!  He’s fighting to stop from having to use an interpreter for the deaf!  I have disabled children.  People like him are no better than the Nazis.  His followers feel the same.  They probably think that disabled people add nothing to society.  I take a million disabled over one trump!  

Screenplay Contests

 On my Facebook page, I get ads for screenplay contests.  The problem I have is that I would have to pay to enter and there is absolutely no guarantee I would be able to do anything with it.  You got to think, Hollywood only has a certain number of scriptwriters that actually get jobs.  You might as well save your money and learn to write one yourself.  It would be the same, but you would still have the money.  Believe me, Hollywood is not an open business.  There are gatekeepers.  Just look at the screenwriters whose scripts create low earning movies, who still get to write more.  It’s the American way, fail upward.  Soon those awful scriptwriters will become producers or directors.  

Christmas Surprise

 This year, my daughters are getting a gift they know nothing about.  I cannot wait till they see what they will be doing.  Currently, they believe it's a road trip.  It will be so much nicer.  I just hope we see some real reactions.  They have shown that there might be some.  I know one daughter will just smile and wonder what is going on.  

Freezing in Florida

 Last night, I had to go out and cover my avocado plant.  We had a freeze warning.  That try has been growing for at least 3 years, and I do not want to lose it.  It would be great if it were big enough to stand a slight freeze, but I do not want to chance it.  At least I do not need to worry about the dormancy of our lawn.  If we had an HOA, they'd demand green lawns.  Nature be damned!  Karens think money grows on trees and winter will not brown lawns!  

Avatar 3 is Coming

 I can't wait for the third Avatar.  It looks really good.  If you believe it will fail, just look at how much the first two did.  This one looks to ramp up the tension by adding an additional group to fight the Sullys.  I learned this long ago with James Cameron: never think his movies will fail.  I did that with Titanic, and I ran a movie theater.  Guess what? I was wrong and lost out on commissions.  Get your tickets!  See it in IMAX!  This is the best format to view it in!  I wish we had an IMAX theater near here.  The closest theater is in Orlando.  It is located in our tourist corridor.  There are other venues with IMAX name, but the theaters lack the screen sizes that IMAX demands to be seen in.  

Storage Hell

 I was driving into work yesterday and noticed all these storage companies.  I remember when I was younger, and a building was going up.  I would wonder if it was an eating place or a store of interest.  Nowadays, it's a storage company.  People need to declutter their lives.  I had to use one once.  I will never, I hope, do it again.  Currently, I want to go through our belongings and donate as much as possible.  If not donate, hopefully sell.  Most is not worth much.  We do have some "collectables," but unfortunately, collectables are just a term to get people to buy. As I look back, there are some trends I wish I had avoided.  Beanie Babies, Baseball Cards, Comics!  It was at a time when they were cheaper, but they had little value.  Most of my baseball cards were from mass-produced eras, or the players were steroid addicts.  It's truly a shame that people buy so much unnecessary junk that they need these units.   Wake up, people! You can not take it with you when you die, and your family is most likely to trash it. Save your money and do things to make memories.  Take lots of pictures.  Stay away from anything that is trending.  It is a scam created by marketers!   

Turning on the Heat

 I woke up this morning and turned on the heat.  Well, actually, I woke up around 12 and turned on the heat.  It was set for 69.  It never dropped below that.  At 3, I woke up and nudged it up to 70.  That will be comfortable enough for me.  Any more and it starts getting too hot.  I really don't even like using the heat in my car.  

A New War Down South

 It looks like America is going after South America.  He's starting with Venezuela.  He says it's because of drugs, but if so, why pardon drug dealers?  Now he's even threatening Columbia because they were mean to him.  Will his son take control of all that coke?  They'll probably have a party at mar lago after they get the drugs.  If you think he is going after Venezuela because of drugs, then you need to turn of Fox news.  It's all about the oil.  It will be a war to give the oil rights to corporations.  I'm glad my kids will not be risking their lives for corporate domination.  All countries south of America should be wary of trump.  

Go Fund Me! Legal Scam

 Don't worry, I am not starting a Go Fund Me.  I just saw a story that makes me hate this service.  A girl up north was fired for insulting a black couple.  Now she has a Go Fund Me that is actually making money.  Just goes to show you racists will take care of their own.  I have never liked Go Fund Me.  It's a scam.  Actors who have "fallen on bad times" start them all the time.  They would never give to people in need.  They want you to fund their lavish lifestyles.  We tried doing one for adoptions, but they said we could not do one for adoptions.  Do you know the cost involved in adoption, especially overseas?   The red tape both countries have costs money.  Kim K can sell her garbage as a fund raiser for herself.  Unless you know a lot about the people doing one, do not give to them.  Especially actors/musicians, etc!  They have made more in their short lifetime than you will ever make.  If they pissed it away, oh well!  

Affordability, Yeah Right!

 Now Big Brother is trying to make Americans believe that he has made everything affordable.  I don't feel that way.  Costs just keep going up.  Going out to eat is a luxury.  Fast food is available at rates of $10 and over.  That is not affordable.  Bring a family and you're looking at $60+ to eat at McDonald's.  Don't even get me started about electricity.  I live in a state where the ruling party rubber stamps all increase requests.  They are even asking for more money in a season without hurricanes.  Our government is not making it cheaper.  They are phasing out renewables so that we can burn more oil and coal.  Instead of looking into the future, we are going in reverse.  Healthcare in this country is a joke.  Republicans feel that we should get the care we can afford.  If you can't afford it, sorry.  Just like education.  Only the rich will get the best.  The rest of us can get training to do menial jobs.  The government is even taking away loans for education.  Republicans want us to be dumb, Fox absorbing humans.