Great Wall, Pandas, and Mcdonald's

Yesterday was Talk/Dress Like a Pirate Day.  I missed out.  I know, you must be shocked.  How dare I miss the opportunity for free donuts and fish.  I am just as shocked.  Angie had reminded me, but I forgot my costume at home.  I was not going to drive all the way home to get them.  I guess, I will have to prepare better for next year.

The rain is here.  Hopefully, it will take away some of the humidity.  They are not rushing to get us in the theater.  We need lightning.

Where is fall? I am sweating away at the theater.  I see clouds, but all I feel is humidity.  At least, I am under shade.

I have tickets for the Magnificent 7.  It looks like a good film.  I just hope it is not as hot as it was the other day.  They will probably keep us outside until the monitor comes.  It's what I go through for a free movie.

I went to the library on Sunday.  I had to return Creed.  After two weeks, I finally finished watching it.  When I walked in, the new releases were full.  I was able to find 4 recently released movies and Kiersten found 1.  We ended up checking out: Joy, The Nice Guys, Mermaid, Zootopia, and Hitman Agent 47.  I watched two yesterday.  Joy was about the woman who created the Miracle Mop.  The Nice Guys was from the writer of Lethal Weapon and many other action movies.  His next one is a sequel to Predator.  It is interesting because he was an actor on the original movie.  The Nice Guys is not for children.  It is an R rated action/comedy.  I liked it.  I am looking forward to Mermaid.  It is from Stephen Chow.  He is the director/actor of Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle.

Netflix has a new movie called Hush.  It is similar to Don't Breathe.  It has a deaf woman being terrorized by a killer.  The director will be doing a Stephen King adaptation next.  It was an interesting take on this kind of movie.

The rapper Nelly has federal tax issues.  It seems he has over $2 million in back taxes due.  Some one has come upwith a #saveNelly.  They want you to stream his songs repeatedly on Spotify.  If you have or compelled to do so, remember me and my family of six. You can do the same for us by clicking on the ads on this blog.  The only entourage that travels with me is my family.

Wells Fargo has this big scandal where employees created accounts to make sure executives would get their bonuses.  Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, railed against a financial protection agency.  He says that businesses are suffering under their regulation.  Oh,by the way, they are the same group that discovered the fraud at Wells Fargo.  I thought politicians were supposed to look out for the people.

We went out last night.  We had some freebies, but I think we were the losers on this one.  The place we went to is very popular.  It was 7 pm and they had a line around the building for drive up and a mass of people inside.  When we got our food, we were not impressed.  They food tasted over fried and chewy.  The fries were cold and soggy.  There was no one to complain to.  We did not see a manager.  Usually, we see one walking around.  I guess they were in the back.  Not one of our better eat out nights.

My 11 year old has told has told me she is too old for certain movies.  I had tickets to Storks.  Its an animated story about storks delivering things and babies.  I thought she might like to see it.  You should have seen the look on her face when I told her.  You'd think I'd said it in front of her friends.

I like collecting things.  Sometimes, I get out of hand.  Beanie Babies were the next big thing.  Now I have plenty.  I have baseball cards.  Probably not worth much.  Now, U have started collecting Funko Pop toys.  I try to buy when it is low, as in clearance.  I went over to Game Stop to look.  It was cooler than waiting outside for the movie.  They had Pop toys, but none on sale.  I went to the clearance section.  They had a tag for .97.  It did not say which toy.  I asked.  Next thing I know, I have six of them.

It seems Trump thinks Ford is leaving for Mexico.  They announced today they are not.  I guess he should have consulted them before making that announcement.  Unfortunately, other companies have done it and it is easy to make people believe it can happen again.  They way CEO's think about getting that golden parachute instead of growing a company.  Who knows what will happen?  Here is a man talking about companies leaving the US and shipping their stuff back.  That is what he does.  His clothes are made in other countries and shipped back.  What would it take to have him bring his jobs to America?  I wonder if he will tax his clothes at 35%?

That line was uttered by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men.  The Trump family must have grown up on that movie.  It seems one of his sons is stating that his father will not release his taxes because we can't handle them.  What part can we not handle?  How he gets his money?  How rich he is and poor the rest of us are?  How he has money he could actually pay back to those he bilked money out of?  I don't know what we can not handle.  I guess they fell they have to do a Dummy book to his tax return for us peons to understand.

While we waited for Birth of a Nation to start, the monitor came in to make an announcement.  This is usually where they tell you no talking and no taping.  She through in one extra announcement.  Tonight, they had a special guest.  He came out and told us he was in the film.  I did not hear his name.  He said that it took 7 years to get this produced and that when it was time to shoot, they had 30 days.  He said he hoped we enjoyed the movie.  When you see it, you will be impressed with what they captured in 30 days of filming.  After the movie was over, we walked out and the actor was still there to talk to the audience as they left.  When I got home, I looked him up.  His name is Chris Greene.  He is also in another film called Loving.  I know it was him because he had posted a shout out to the theater we were in.  I wrote him to say it was amazing and thanks for introducing the movie.  He wrote a reply. ...

If you see a good drama this fall, make sure it is Birth of a Nation.  I would describe it as a slavery Braveheart.  This movie has great acting, cinematography, and story.  It is from a first time director, who also happens to be the cowriter of the script and the main actor.  I hope to see it get nominations during the awards season.  I think it tells a tale that needs to be told.  I even think high schoolers should be shown the movie.  Then they can use it to stir a conversation.

I went to the theater.  As I was walking by, a restaurant had a table set up.  It looked like a grand opening.  When I walked by, I heard then say they could go in and order one thing off the menu.  They looked at me and I said I was going to a movie.  I had to check the line.  It was past 5.  There were 3 people in line.  I walked back and asked about it.  They said it was a private party and that they would be opening tomorrow.  I went back to the line.  Next thing I know, one of the line goers says that we can get a free item.  We rushed over.  I guess they had got close to the end, so they opened it to all.  They gave me a card to get a meal and a drink.  I got a seafood trio taco meal.  I tried to bring it in the theater, but the manager said no food or drink from the outside.  I sat down and wolfed it down.  It really hit the spot.

As a secret shopper, one thing you have to do is read your instructions.  They generally have things they want you to look for or ask.  I reviewed my instructions. I drove out there bought my item.  As I was sitting for my movie sneak, I decided to do my write up.  The section would not open.  It said it could open before 9/15, tomorrow.  Guess I should have checked the date when I was reviewing my instructions.

I read about three small businesses that did business with Trump.  It does not seem like they will be voting for him.  Two did not get paid due to bankruptcy.  One had a business in Trump Tower, until he saw that he could make money on his own Trump accessories.  It's funny that his business can declare bankruptcy, but it does not bother his wealth.  I guess he forgot to tell people how he got people to work for him and did not pay them for their work.

My doctor has been getting on me for years to lose weight.  This summer, I have been making an effort.  I try exercising, but it gets so hot in Florida.  With fall arriving, I might get out more.  I have also tried to change what I eat.  I have been buying grapes and celery to eat at lunch.  I eat the celery with peanut butter.  It does fill me up.  I have noticed some loss of weight.  It depends on which scale I step on though.  I think the one at home is more forgiving.

With the death of Gene Wilder, the theaters have brought back some old movies.  I am wondering if it is fair to Hillary Clinton.  By showing Willy Wonka, you are giving free advertising to the great orange idol.  She'll probably demand or should demand equal time.

Trump surrogates are out on the trail telling their people that if he doesn't win, there will be violence.  Isn't that inciting violence?   It's like they are telling their people to revolt if they don't get what they want.  We already have a House and Senate that act that way.  They don't care about the American people.  They only care about the Republican party and their rich benefactors.

I made a pulled pork the other day.  It was done Carolina style in the crock pot.  It turned out really good.  If you don't know Carolina Bar B Que, it involves a vinegar based sauce.  You usually eat it with cole slaw on a hamburger bun.  I found the recipe online.  We ate that for two days.  Then, I made Cuban Sandwiches.  That is Cuban bread, pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles, mayo and mustard.  Then you cook it like a grilled cheese sandwich, while pressing it with a heavy object.  I have a press that I use.  You can wrap a brick in tin foil and do the same thing.  If Cuban bread is hard to find, a French bread will do.

I have tickets for Birth of a Nation.  I thought it was for tonight.  It it is actually for tomorrow.  Then tonight, tickets come out for Deepwater Horizon.  It is also for tomorrow.  Now, I have a dilemma.  I think I will settle on Birth of a Nation.  They are talking possible awards and I will get to see it early in the release cycle.

Every other day, I am seeing posts on Facebook where people are trying to find a home for an adopted child.  What is going on?  Do these people even care about the damage they are doing to the children?  If you know someone who wants to or is going through the adoption process, do the research.  You need to know what to expect.  I just don't understand giving up a child once adopted.  We are in this for life.  That child is mine, no matter what challenges come forward.

Mia accompanied me to bed.  She was making sure I did not have any of her toys.  Usually when I go to bed, I pretend to take them with me.  I'll either have an Emoji or a Tsum Tsum.  She will run through the house laughing to make sure I don't take her toys.

The other day, I read about Miss Michigan.  People were giving her a hard time and wondering why she won.  The issue?  She is Asian American.  I guess there are people that think Asian Americans do not have what it takes to win a contest like that.  Although I don't want my girls going into contests like this, I am glad to see a person my daughter's can look up to.

I brought Elana out on the trampoline after dinner.  There was a nice breeze.  Elana started slow, but she finally started running around the trampoline.  After a time period, I tried to take her back inside.  She was not fully ready to go.  I had to catch her as she ran by me.  I hope this is a sign of weather to come.

I was driving into work.  When I came to I-4, the traffic was not moving.  I saw police lights up ahead. I thought it was a major accident.  We slowly edged toward the accident.  By the time I got up to it, I could not understand what the wait was.  Two cars had bumped each other.  There was a police car.  No lanes were blocked.  I can understand the left lane going slow, because they are near the accident.  Why the rest?  

I finally got to take my daughters to see Captain America.  If you have not seen this one, you have to.  It falls in line with Winter Soldier.  There was lots of action, and you got to meet some new characters to the Marvel universe.  After this, I look forward to the next Avengers movie.  The Russo Brothers are directing it.  You could consider Civil War as an Avengers lite.  Stick around till the very end.  There are two teaser scenes.

Hillary made her 47% comment.  Republicans are having a field day with it.  What about all the 47% comments Trump has made?  Did they forget his comments on Hispanics, African Americans, Muslims, Women, etc.  When Romney made his comment that was a big thing.  He was not the type of politician to make those kind of comments.  This year, you might as well accept all the stupid comments and look for other reasons to vote for one or the other.  I wouldn't go by health, either.  Of course, Trump is trying to paint Clinton with a illness conspiracy.  Just remember, Trump's doctor came up with a letter in five minutes without really checking him.  It was almost like Trump wrote the note and he signed it.

We got a new lens for the camera.  I was testing it out in the yard.  Then, the battery died.  As I walked back inside, I saw what looked like a metal rod rise out of the ground.  It reminded me of that scene in Empire Strikes Back, where the drone on Hoth, frozen planet, rises its antenna.  I walked over to investigate.   What was it? It was our neighborhood snake.  I guess it was sticking up its head to survey its surroundings.  Due to the dead camera, I could not take a picture.

The other day I wrote about the people Trump surround himself with.  Yesterday, a story came out about Wells Fargo.  They had fired over 5,000 employees for creating false accounts.  No upper management was let go.  With fraud that large, how did management not see it?  I think they fired the employees just to make the public feel safe and to show investigators that they punished someone.  Of I were one of their customers, I'd still be concerned.  I think the problem lies in the culture.  The tone at the top gave those employees the thought that they could do what they did.  My money would be going elsewhere.

The last two days have been great out.  The humidity has been low.  The news says it will warm up again.  I can't wait for the fall or fall like temperatures.  Since this is Florida, we only get so cool.  At least, it gets less humid.

The other night, I told my daughters that it was time for bed.  It was 10:00.  The next day, I find out they were both up past 11:00.  They were using their devices to either watch movies or play games.  I remember when I was younger.  We had HBO.  I woke up in the middle of the night to witch R rated movies.  I watched films like Animal House and Wolfen.  It's hard for me to be mad at them.  They need to get their sleep and I want them to be concerned about their school work.  I wish they were more driven than I was at their age.

I woke at my usual time.  As I was preparing to take my shower, Elana started crying.  Angie went to check on her.  I figured she was wet.  I got a diaper. Angie changed her, but now she was sort of awake.  I picked her up.  She stop crying.  I went to the bed and reclined.  Elana started going to sleep.  I tried rolling on my side.  She woke, but she remained calm.  When I got up to go to the shower, she followed to the bathroom door.  At least she remained calm.  I was worried she was going to start throwing things and knocking pictures off the wall.

As Elana and Haley grow, they are becoming more self aware.  I am starting to see a little rivalry.  They sort of remind me of Michelle and Kiersten and how they interact.  They were playing in the living room.  One child had something that the other wanted.  Next thing I know, they are wrestling for that toy.  A lot of times, Elana is the stronger of the two.  Haley is starting to gain on Elana.  To me, she is like Rocky preparing for his next bout.  She was doing sit ups.  Working on her leg strengthening.  She was even doing some head crashes, into my stomach.  I'm going to have to watch these two.

My daughter and I went to see Don't Breathe this week-end.  If you have not seen it and like thrillers, go see it.  It is for adults and children that think they are adults.  The theater was half full on a Sunday.  The movie is a home invasion on a blind man.  The characters think he will be a fragile push over.  He is anything but.  During certain scenes, the blind man tries to hear the invaders.  In our theater, you could hear a pin drop.  It was silent.  No one ate popcorn or took a drink during those scenes.  If you like scares, check it out.

I got a load of freebies for my birthday.    A free burger from Red Robin, Burrito from Moe's, Sandwich from Honey Baked Hams, Meal from Sonny's, ice cream from Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone, sandwich from Einstein Bagels, and milkshake from Arby's and Chick fil a.   This morning I went to get my bagel sandwich.  I had looked at the site before going.  I saw a Chorizo sandwich.  It sounded good.  It had egg, guacamole Chorizo and pepper jack cheese.  I found out that it was spicy.  I don't know why I do it.  I see something like that and want to try it.  When I do, I discover I should have chose another.  If you like hot it's worth it.

I'm sure we've all sent out emails with errors or just don't make sense.  I probably have had posts like that.  I just do this because I like to write.  I got an email from a restaurant.  They were advertising a special.  To me it conyradicts what they are trying say.  They are advertising a free burrito, chips, and drink for $6.49.  Which is it?  Is it free or $6.49? I guess, you are free to go there and spend $6.49 for a meal.

We went to Red Robin for my birthday dinner.  For those that don't know, Red Robin is a gourmet hamburger restaurant.  They offer bottomless fries.  If you join their burger club, you can earn free burgers.  On your birthday, you get a burger.  We loaded the brood and went to the restaurant.  Elana was tired, so I had a cranky child.  I tried to find my burger.  I had one picked out.  Unfortunately, it was not to be.  I was limited to what I could get.  I rushed to find another.  One caught my attention.  It was called the Wedgie.  It had a strange name, but sounded good.  It had bacon and guacamole.  As we waited, Elana fell asleep.  Then, the burgers came.  I looked at my burger.  All I saw was lettuce.  It hit me.  I realized why it was called wedgie.  The bun was lettuce wedges.  On top of that, they mixed up orders, so we got an extra kids pizza and a grilled cheese sa...

I went out to get Mia.  The storm was giving us rain and wind.  An armadillo had been run over.  Vultures had started to congregate around it.  After I got her, I grabbed the camera and went in the back yard.  Two vultures were sitting on our brick wall.  I crept up on them.  I was taking pictures as I did so.  At one point, a vulturespread out it's wings and turned towards me.  I don't know if it was posing or trying to scare me off.  Come back, and I will post the pictures.

Elana has picked up a new word.  She finds alot of humor in the word dude.  Last night, I would say the word and she would start laughing.  Now she just keeps saying the word.  Guess it will be funny when she says it to her teacher.

The rain has stopped.  We have some wind.  The clouds are racing out of Florida.  We are fine.  A friend up north has water in their lawn.  They live near a river.  Hope it doesn't swell.

Today is a rain out.  We are sitting at a outlet mall waiting for the rain to stop.  Although the stores are indoors, walking between is outdoors.  We are running by the Disney store to see if they are reducing things.  Then, since my birthday is soon, we are going out for lunch.  My meal is free. Actually, I have two more and have already used one.  I am still waiting on a sandwich and a breakfast sandwich.

By the time I went to bed, the hurricane was hitting our state.  Now,as I write, I can hear the wind and rain outside.  I'm glad I am off today.  I read that a semi jack knifed on I-4.  Today, will not be fun on the roads.

It's a calm day.  There's a breeze and some clouds.  No rain.  The school's in our area have cancelled after school activities.  I guess we may get something.

I was watching TV last night.  Every other commercial was a political commercial.  Trump's commercial made me laugh.  You have the misery if Hillary is elected contrasted with how safe everyone will feel if Trump is elected.  We will be able to pledge allegiance.  But to what?  The last shot is of Trump Tower.  Is this a phallic symbol?  Are we pledging allegiance to his manhood?