Message from the Publisher

Although I have found that reading is a much better way to spend my time than sitting in front of the television, I still do enjoy a good movie. Whether it be a comedy, action packed film, mystery or “based on a true story” film, if it’s well made and moves along (I have a tendency to fall asleep in slow moving films), it will keep me up until the end.

One such movie that I recently watched was the “Sound of Freedom.” Although panned by many critics, I found it engaging and eye opening also. The subject matter, sex-trafficking, seems to be something we turn a blind eye to, but horribly enough, it goes on day in and day out all over the world, the majority of it happening in the United States. This “based on a true story film” made me cry and pray for the victims, some as young as infants. If you get a chance, I highly recommend watching it.

Reading reviews of movies makes me jot down the name of the film and where it will be “playing.” However, now they don’t always premier at the local theater, but are shown through streaming services such as Apple TV, Amazon, Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu to name a few. So, I simply can’t just buy a ticket for most of the shows I want to see. I’d have to subscribe to an endless number of these pricey channels.

When I travel on American Airlines, I’m thrilled when a newly released film is on their free entertainment app. One of the perks of flying with them. That’s how I ended up watching “Sound of Freedom.”

Still, it’s frustrating, since there are a lot of films I’d really like to see; and unless I want to subscribe to the streaming service’s “trial” to view the movie, there’s no other way to see it. And knowing me, if I did subscribe for the trial period, I’d end up forgetting to cancel within the 30 days and paying the full price. Not worth it.

The Oscars are coming up on March 10th. Not that I actually watch that show, because it’s become way too political, but I do like to see what everyone comes dressed up as. I make it sound like a costume party, because some of the getups the stars show up in could be from a Halloween store.

Out of the ten Best Picture nominees, I’ve seen one. Most of them I haven’t even heard of. The one I saw was “Barbie.” Shows you what interested me. Many viewers thought it had political overtones, but I just liked the fact that I saw my favorite childhood doll come to life.

I personally wouldn’t consider “Barbie” Best Picture material, but what do I know; I’m no cinephile. The film grossed $1.44 BILLION and became the highest-grossing film of 2023! It received eight Academy Award nominations and it’s already won two Golden Globe Awards.

One thing that did disappoint me is director Greta Gerwig was snubbed by the Academy by not receiving a Best Director nomination. How does a director who directs a movie with a hoard of accolades not get recognized for their achievement? The film itself might not be worth best picture, but Greta deserved at least a director’s nomination.

Seems to me Ken’s world is still alive and well in Barbieland!


Here we are in February already. In the blink of an eye, it seems, January went “poof!” The mild weather made it tolerable, but I’m hoping it lasts and we don’t see major snow storms when we would expect warmer temps. Spring is only 41 days away!

If you’re a football fan you can look forward to the Super Bowl. I was hoping for a Lions/Ravens matchup (always like going for the underdogs), so I don’t know who I will be rooting for. San Francisco and Kansas City both have had more than enough Super Bowl wins through their franchise history. Go Bears?  LOL

Unfortunately, anyone who wants to give up sweets for Lent will have to start on February 15th, as Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday. The last time this rare occurrence has happened was in 1945 and will not happen again until 2029. Maybe instead of giving up sweets, we can all strive to be more loving or caring to our fellow man.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY EVERYONE! Spread the love! GOD BLESS AMERICA!