Will 2013 Be The Year Hollywood Finally “Gets It”?

As the year comes to a close, I thank god I didn’t stay in the theater for the bad movies that were released this year–with the exception of “Dark Shadows” with Johnny Depp–but that was to be polite since I didn’t buy the ticket.  To me that was the worst one of the year. Sorry to the Depp fans but I’m being honest. I got my money back on two of them. To me, the character of Barnabas Collins did not get nearly the dignity and depth he deserved–and much of that was due to Tim Burton‘s direction (or possibly the lack of it) and a horribly written script by Seth Grahame Smith.  Even though Depp was a producer on this project, I cannot fault him on the acting when it is the director that calls the shots on how a character is to be portrayed.

And here’s an article to back that statement up:  http://entertainment.ca.msn.com/movies/galleries/worst-movies-of-2012

I didn’t even care for “John Carter”, “The Watch” or “That’s My Boy”…”A Thousand Words” was one I knew wasn’t going to do well from the previews too, but–WAIT!!! According to the die-hard “Deppers” on IMDB shouldn’t “judge a movie by the trailer”…

I could not resist that line.  I don’t support an actor or actress out of pure “fanship”…If I did, I’d spend too much money on flops like this. NOW for the best ones because I want to end on a good note.

I say “The Woman in Black” (which is a Hammer film that totally kicks ass!), “Men in Black III“, and the 3D version of “The Life of Pi“, “Argo” and “Flight” were the best of  the year.  If you’re wondering why I didn’t put “Skyfall” on here–it’s because I haven’t seen that one yet, but I’m not big on James Bond flicks either.

That being said, I expect Hammer Films to have a big year for 2013.  I also feel that the short film “Posey” (directed by Billy DaMota), which stars Sally Kirkland and Christopher Pennock,  is going to get a lot of attention in the Indie markets because of the fact that it deals with Alzheimer’s and pays tribute to real victims of the disease by raising money for research,  and another film, “A Common Man” will get director Chandran Rutman a lot of attention–not to mention Sir Ben Kingsley, who stars in this with fellow veteran actor,  Ben Cross. I feel that “A Common Man” will definitely help the Sri Lankan film industry.  I can’t wait to see these two movies as well as any Hammer film that will hopefully get released next year!

Hopefully, Hollywood will finally market to more than the niche markets they’ve pandered too also.  The baby boomers are the ones buying tickets–and they’re buying for the teens and ‘tweens also.  Until they put out better films that meet the expectations of that generation, I expect a lot more Indie films to get a lot more attention than the major releases.  One can only hope that Hollywood will finally “get it”…

 

Nana and the Techno-Challenge…Man I Got an Awakening!

I love the fact that there is always new technology out there to make our lives easier but this post is directed at those on a budget.  I raised 3 sons and believe me, we did NOT keep up with the Jones‘s. I don’t believe in it. That being said, I decided to make a trip to Best Buy and check out some I Phones…I quickly figured out why some I Phone 3’s and 4’s are being resold too…The plans are not worth it.  There is no reason why a  family on a tight budget should be buying these things for a teenager.  Thank God, my boys are 30, 27 and 24.  Now I am going to go into one very good reason why parents should hold off on this.  The plans available (at least in TX) are NOT unlimited plans.  They use the same towers and such, but yet no plans are unlimited. Why is that? I can tell you…Pure greed.

If my boys were teens, I’d be telling them they’d have to have part-time jobs to pay their phone bills…IF a company does not offer unlimited talk, text and web–I would NEVER use them.  Teenagers do not need these things and I know that some parents are made to feel bad about hesitating to get these things.  This time of year it is the time when parents have the urge to want the best of everything for the kids, but here is my suggestion and I hope it helps. If you REALLY cannot afford the things, get the android ones.  Many companies offer unlimited plans and since there are no overage charges, you will sleep a lot easier.  If older teens persist in trying to get you to spend money on these expensive toys, then it’s perfectly fine to let them work a 20 hour a week job and make it clear that they MUST PAY THEIR OWN PHONE bill to keep the phone on.

A lot of the android phones will save you an average of $35 a month or more depending on the plan you do get and if it is a prepaid android phone, and these are good for first time users because it simply cuts off when the plan is expired or until it is renewed.  For what most teens use it for, these android phones are good enough because the cost of apps and games for the I Phones also run into money.

Personally, IF I were making plenty of money I wouldn’t mind having one but since I’m not running a business and such, I don’t see a need for most of the I Phone applications and since most teens watch videos, play on Facebook or use the game apps, I would suggest waiting on getting an I Phone and get them an android.  Teens tend to break a lot of stuff too, so get the extended warranties, insurance, etc…  Now if they come out with an unlimited plan, then I will consider it.  Even for Skype, I would rather use my laptop when I get it to where I can download on it. I just had a new hard drive installed and I’m being very particular on this issue.

I am sure the I Phone is a great one, but do I want to spend a fortune on one right now? No. I have bills that come first and if people out there are having a hard time at this time of year, the last thing anyone would need is another bill to look forward to that might not stay the same each month.

 

Nana says this country is wound up WAY TOO TIGHT!

The best thing parents can do right now is reassure their children rather than let this crap going on instill fear into us as a nation. Between school threats and the Mayan Calendar (which I will joke about because this goes on EVERY single year) the people of this nation should not be allowing the media reports of stuff to instill a panic in their hearts–especially THIS time of year. Turn off the TV if you’ve got to and don’t leave newspapers lying about–take your kids out somewhere and spend time with them. Read to them. Tell them you love them. Decorate a tree if you take part in that, or go somewhere and celebrate that you can be together. Above all, don’t leave for work without telling your family you love them.

Have a great week!

Had to crack up a little! LOL!

 

Ohhhh Boy! Nana’s Experimenting! Anyone Ready for 12/21? Atomic Eggnog, Maybe?

Okay…THIS is going to be very short…I have a decision to make and I need a few foodies to help me figure this one out.  I wanna have an end of the world party on 12/21…Here is the question: How does one  spice up something as boring as eggnog can be with something hotter than Southern Comfort?   I mean, can we infuse Habanero and hot cinnamon rum with it or what?  Let me know what you think, but I’m calling this crap “Atomic Eggnog“!

I think I”ve got it….

Eggnog

Well start with an OLD Recipe. Use Jim Beam Whiskey AND Jim Beam Devils Cut OR Red Stag (SPICED) for those parts of it.

AND THEN for the BLAST ADD this:

1/2 Habanero to the pot or a shot of Goldenschlaager’s if you’re too chicken for the pepper!

If that don’t blast us off, nothing will!

Are you ready?