Is Baptism Necessary for Christian Believers?
The short answer is no and yes. Confused? Many people are. Let's clear this up. Let's look to the **Bible, the ultimate authority**, as opposed to what pastors, priests and others speak. We must be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and check to see if what our church leader is preaching lines up with God's word, not any tradition.
If you refrain from baptism, it **will not** result in you losing your eternal salvation. However, Jesus commanded new believers to be baptized (Acts 8:38). And no, you cannot lose your salvation if indeed you have really been saved by God's grace.
The observation concerning baptism can be seen by looking to the thief on the cross. Let’s take a look at the thief on the cross.
First, the unbelieving thief blasphemed Christ, so the penitent thief “…rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in paradise’” (Luke 23:39-43).
This was the promise of Jesus that He fulfilled ***after*** He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father.
Note also that the penitent thief was on the cross and could not possibly have been baptized. In fact, there is no Bible verse where *anybody* was ever baptized after death.
So are we to dismiss baptism once we place our trust/faith in Jesus Christ? No, heaven forbid, we should be baptized!
Remember that “Three thousand believers were baptized on the same day they believed when the church began at Pentecost” (Acts 2:41).
Baptism
What if you are not baptized? What should you do?
You can be baptized immediately after confessing to Jesus that you have trusted him as your Lord and Savior. Or if you are a believer already, and have not been **properly** baptized, you should make a point to be baptized at your earliest convenience. But first you should understand what baptism actually is.
What is Baptism?
You should know why we believers in the risen Lord are baptized.
First, baptism does not make a person a Christian, but it is a very important response to God’s call to obedience.
Keep in mind two important things here: 1. our obedience by being baptized is a public confession of faith and lets others know of your new life in Christ; and 2. baptism by water does not wash away your sins, Jesus does with his blood when you believe!
**Baptism is thus a symbol** of your new life in Christ.
Indeed, baptism symbolizes the “old man or woman” we used to be before trusting Christ as Lord and Savior. We are then raised out of the water to symbolize the resurrection of the “new creature” we have become in Christ.
Again, keep in mind that **baptism does not save you**. Rather, “In God’s great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). This is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
How should we be baptized?
We should be **immersed** in water. This is to say that our entire body is briefly dunked under the water (river, swimming pool, a water tank, et cetera).
Some churches teach the sprinkling of water to be baptized, even infants, but this is **not Biblical.**
Why?
First of all, the Greek word for baptize is baptizmo, and means to “dip,” “sink” or immerse” in water, not be sprinkled.
Second, the only baptisms described in the New Testament involved persons who had come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Infants are not capable of a public confession.
Furthermore, we do not baptize infants just because their parents believe. This is a tradition in some churches and is **not Biblical**.
With this in mind, and to reiterate, we should be totally immersed in water in obedience to Christ Jesus.
Finally, if there is any doubt that one should be baptized, remember that even Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13).
Have you been baptized? Will you commit to being baptized if you haven’t?
Why Bitcoin Cash will Overtake Bitcoin
Based on the value and growing popularity of Bitcoin Cash, I will adamantly state that BCH will indeed be on par with Bitcoin in 5 years or less. **Likely much less**. The reasons are quite simple. People who missed the Bitcoin bandwagon are looking for ways to invest in a stable coin with exceptional growth. That is Bitcoin Cash, my friends and colleagues.
I am one of those who missed the Bitcoin phenomenon, but I did not miss out on Bitcoin Cash. My wallet thickens by the day. Yes, as of today, February 22nd and 23rd, #BCH has seen a slight decrease, but only a silly person would sell their Bitcoin Cash in a dip. A wise person buys!
One of the great things I like about Bitcoin Cash, and you should as well, is the easy way to buy and sell without crazy transaction fees. Those can leave you discouraged when you see 50% or more of your transaction going towards fees that make other people wealthier.
Sure, we should share the wealth, give #BCH on read.cash, and even sponsor other people, but spending your BCH needlessly is nothing short of a fool’s errand.
Why would you transfer $100 and pay $40 or more in transaction fees when you can spend a fraction of the fee, like one cent? Even if you have a large stake in Bitcoin, **why waste money?** Do you really believe the Bitcoin bubble will last forever? It will not.
Keep in mind that the Wall Street gamblers and grifter’s (traders) refused to believe in the bubble they created with subprime loans to people who could never, *ever* afford to pay their mortgages, even with no money down on a house. Greed was the downfall of Wall Street and it continues as we breathe.
If you look at the stock market today, it is in another huge bubble, and the day is coming when it will burst like it did in 2008, only far worse. There is going to be a multitude of very unhappy people who will lose everything they have. This is not true of Bitcoin Cash!
This is why I am invested in Bitcoin Cash. Listen to the above-mentioned grifter types if you want, but I’ll stick to making my own decisions based on the growth of Bitcoin Cash and its rise to the top five coins in the world for said growth.
By far Bitcoin Cash is much simpler to buy and sell, but if I were you, I would be buying right now. We don’t not have to worry about a bubble with BCH, not as long as it continues on its wise path.
Do you believe sage people like @MarcDeMesel are selling now because of a slight dip? I assure you without even knowing the man that he is buying! And so should we be.
Why? Because it is affordable! I don’t know about you folks, but I don’t have $50,000 plus to buy one Bitcoin, but I do have enough to buy one Bitcoin Cash every two months or so, and I hope to buy more when opportunities present themselves.
The other day, someone asked me why I am even on read.cash since I am invested in Bitcoin Cash. I thought it was a silly question but I explained myself. Sure, my BCH is growing, as it will continue to do, but every opportunity to make more BCH is time not wasted. That was my answer, simple, plain, opportunistic!
Maybe I only make $1 here and there. No problem. I am content knowing I am a vital part of the read.cash community and the worldwide community of Bitcoin Cash folks who are able to recognize something great in the making.
Finally, and this is quite important, too, Bitcoin Cash is not only inexpensive to buy because of low transaction fees, but it is super quick to transact.
Come on, join me and others on the ride to the mountaintop with Bitcoin Cash. Whatever amount you invest, you are building your future on a solid coin rather than some scam or high-priced coin that has hit its bubble.
Sure, Bitcoin is the Manaslu Mountain right now, but Bitcoin Cash is your future Mt. Everest.
See you at the top!
Three Types of Death We All Face
We’re all going to die, that’s a given. I don’t want to sound gloomy here, but it is important that we come to an understanding of what death is, for without it, without knowledge, you could very well die three times. What does that even mean? Let’s have a look!
Let’s take a look at all three, shall we?
Physical Death
Unless Jesus comes again the second time while we are still alive, a physical death is inevitable for all of us. Physical death refers to the soul leaving the body. The soul returns to God upon our physical death. The body then (as we know) is buried (whenever possible) and begins to decompose. As God’s word states: “…and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7-8, NIV).
As for those who believe on Jesus, we read: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2, NIV). The first part is pretty cool, right? The second, not so much.
Spiritual Death
The second death is one’s spiritual death. Not good. Spiritual death first occurred to Adam and Eve (humanity’s common ancestors) when they disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Guess what? We have all disobeyed God. It’s called sin. Adam and Eve dies spiritually that day but not physically until centuries later.
When we reside in this disobedience to God by not believing by faith in His only beloved Son, Jesus, we are completely helpless to save ourselves or be capable of earning any favor in God’s eyes. This is a sad state indeed. Essentially, any good reward will be your only on Earth.
The unbelieving are called children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). The Greek word used here is “sarx”, which means: the sinful state of humans, frequently presented as a power that is in total hostility to the Holy Spirit.
The ***only*** way we can escape this second death is by coming to a trust in Jesus Christ by confessing with our mouths that we believe in Jesus, his death, burial and resurrection to life again. And no, we don’t have to perform good works to earn this salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), but we should as a course of obedience.
Eternal Death
This is the absolute worst state of the soul. It is the eternal separation from God with no chance of making things right with Him ever again. In the Lake of Fire, every unrepentant, unforgiven sinner will join Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet in eternal torment. Yikes! Oh, and did I mention demons? Them too!
The eventual destination and state of being of the spiritual death is this eternal death. For God’s words speaks this: “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18, NASB).
We read about the Lake of Fire in the book of Luke: “‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24, NIV).
And by the way, the passage above is not a parable, because no parable has a name in it.
Now that you know the three states of death, which will you choose? I’ll give you a strong suggestion: choose life!
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36, NIV).
Again, choose life!
Grammar Problems Solved for Free
I recently saw an article where a person was thinking about leaving read.cash because someone criticized his grammar. That struck me as odd, especially since there is an easy fix. Additionally, the rules here state that good grammar is rewarded, and yet **you still get paid** if your grammar is sub-par. Can't beat that!
First of all, good, well-written articles (grammatically correct) are the essence of effective communication. Your message is clear to your readers when you use correct grammar, and therefore there is no ambiguity regarding your words. Also, poor grammar limits your future, it's a simple fact.
I can typically write around 1,000 words an hour. I make mistakes because I let the thoughts flow rather than worry too much about proper sentences and grammar on my first draft (though I try not to make mistakes). However, editing is what makes great writing!
I also realize that not everyone received a proper education, but there is always time for improvement. After all, educating oneself should be a lifelong goal.
For example, I assist my daughter with her high school modules in the Philippines. The grammar is horrific to the point it makes me cringe. It's not just simple mistakes that everybody makes, but a real lack of knowledge of the English language. These educators are not teaching students properly. It really is a shame. But I digress.
There are fixes for poor grammar even if you do not have proper grammatical or English skills. Best of all, they are **free**.
Let's look at two effective ways to fix your grammar before you submit an article. Using these free tools will enhance your article, allow you to communicate effectively and clearly, and best of all, boost your earning potential on read.cash.
Let's go!
First fix
First of all, you can use the ubiquitous Microsoft Word software. Most people have it. Even a trial version or old version can be downloaded for free, so there s no excuse not to have it as a writing tool. If you're going to be a writer, you need tools.
**Write your article on Microsoft Word first**. Once you are finished and satisfied, save it. Then run a spellcheck on your newly created document. Easy! Word will reveal your misspelled words in red and offer suggestions which you can change. It will also highlight your grammatical mistakes in underlined blue.
Your grammatical mistakes highlighted in blue will offer you suggestions for correction. Sometimes you may have to rewrite your sentence, but most times simply adding or deleting a word or two will fix the problem.
Once you have your mistakes corrected, save again and you are ready to post your short or long article. You can copy and paste it into read.cash in seconds.
Second fix
**Grammarly**. Ever heard of it? This is software that catches most (but certainly not all) spelling and grammar mistakes. It is absolutely free to download.
Search for it in your favorite browser and download it in mere seconds (or minutes if you have slow Internet).
Now once you write your article, run the document through Grammarly and it will point out your typos, errant spelling, and grammatical errors. It's not only quick but simple.
Save your document (I save every document I write every 100 words or so) and you are ready to post it to read.cash.
Give either writing tool a try and see if your writing and earnings don't improve. They will! Good luck!
What are the Idols in Your Life?
When God spoke His words to Moses from Mt Sinai there were to come to be known as the Ten Commandments. These were not suggestions, but rather note they are commands.
Let’s have a look at the first two of the 10.
“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3, NIV).
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 4-6, NIV).
Have you ever thought about these two commandments or have you, like many, just skip over them? If you just know them as commandments, but have not really considered them, take a look at what the sovereign LORD is saying to you and I.
Are you making yourself a god by exhibiting too much pride? Do you place your will before the will of God? God’s will is provided in the Bible, and there are many examples of people who placed their will before the will of God and paid the consequences.
Is money your god? Are you consistently thinking about gaining wealth and following schemes and charms and any manner of ploys to obtain money?
Listen to what God spoke to the Apostle Paul: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV).
I was convicted of this and stopped playing the lottery a year ago as a result.
Maybe TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, your cell phone, Mobile Legends, your car, your spouse, a laptop, an image of a “saint,” a statue, food, alcohol, drugs, gaming in general, the need for approval from your peers, your comfort, or even celebrities, are but some idols that we place before God in our lives.
Examine yourself truthfully and cast your idol aside and make God number One in your life. He wants to give you all you seek but you are blocking Him with your idolatry.
The brief list above is obviously not exhaustive. In fact, whatever it is that you esteem, love, fear, worship, delight in, or depend on more than God is an idol.
Do you pray to saints? They are idols, too! We are all saints in Christ Jesus, if we have believed on Jesus, and those who place their trust in those various idols are disobedient to God’s commandments.
But, you may say the Ten Commandments no longer apply to me as a believer. That would be a mistake in thinking.
The Ten Commandments remain in effect! Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17, NIV).
To obey the Law like Jesus did is our mission and demonstrates our obedience to God.
Some people argue that when Jesus summed up the Law in two new commandments that the Law was discarded. This is also wrong. It is simply bad theology.
Note what Jesus replied to a teacher of the law when he asked Jesus what the greatest of the commandments was:
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this” ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31, NIV).
If we say we love God we will obey his commandments. If we say we love God we will not have any idols before Him. But how do we recognize idols in our lives?
We can recognize the idols in our life by reading God’s word, the Bible. The Holy Spirit will convict you of your idols if you ask Him to purify your heart.
In summary, an idol is anything that takes the number one place of God in your life.
As you recognize the idol(s) in your life, cast it or them aside, repent of your sin(s), and give your all to God. Don't give up, because ingrained sins are difficult. You cannot do it alone, but God will, so be encouraged!
And remember, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Glen Wishes to Remain Anonymously Rich: Here's Why
“You only want $25 per double-spaced page to write a graduate thesis?” the client asked via e-mail. She was surprised that anyone would offer to write her thesis at such a low rate and hence requested some sample papers.
Opening up his hard drive where Glen stored several thousand essays, he collected a trio of papers in three formats (APA, MLA and Chicago) and forwarded them to her, then waited for her feedback.
As it turned out, she went on to hire Glen to write her thesis and he made a quick $850 ($100 reading fee) in two days. Other writing mills had quoted her three times the amount. From the aforesaid client Glen received a few referrals which led to more referrals and business boomed that specific fall semester.
Glen is an academic cheater and is wealthy. When I looked into his eyes over Zoom I saw no hint of shame.
**Just the facts**
Over the past 15 years, he has occasioned to earn in excess of **50 PhD**’s from various universities, inclusive of exceptional Ivy League institutions. While the vast majority of these top-notch degrees have been in the discipline of psychology, others have consisted of anthropology, international business management, gender studies and philosophy.
Additionally, he has earned in excess of **125 masters degrees**, from criminal justice to psychology to a veritable plethora of other disciplines, such as MBA’s and MSLOD’s.
Furthermore, he has earned well over **650 bachelor degrees** in every discipline imaginable, not to mention 1,000 plus associate degrees.
Glen used to remain extremely busy, as one might imagine, putting in 16-20 hours a day over the last 16 years. Oh, and all the degrees he earned for other people have received academic honors. But times have changed since the onset of the global pandemic.
He has taken his money and invested some in **Bitcoin Cash** to make up for the loss of writing jobs.
Many call Glen unethical. Many are doing the same thing. Cheating is prevalent around the world in *all* universities. While there are still a lot of what is called "writing mills" around the world, Glen has cut his workload to 3-4 hours day. The rest of the time is spent writing a book on his exploits as an academic cheater (he takes exams, too!) and trading crypto, especially **BCH**.
I'll make no judgment on Glen; what say you?
The Next Big Thing in Surveillance is Happening Now
If you drive around or walk around in any half way decent city or town and take the time to look, you’re going to spot a plethora of cameras watching your every move. Big Brother has been watching us but he has greatly intensified his efforts to gather information on you and I that is illegal, according to various Western constitutions.
Intensified surveillance began shortly after the tragic events of September 11, when governments around the world passed legislation that essentially tramples on your God-given rights. Sure, it catches the bad guys, which is good, but who wants every intimate detail of their life stored in databases?
I don’t, and you shouldn’t either.
Were you aware that Motorola, Cisco, Microsoft and Palantir were selling fusion systems?
Okay, I’ll answer the rhetorical question.
A fusion system is super software that seamlessly integrates surveillance data from myriad sources and sends the data to city, state and federal governments as fast as you can say, “Big Bro is peeping me out, yo.”
The technology has the ability to read you license plates, track your movements in real time, monitor your movements and travel habits, and uses facial recognition. In this way the governments using the technology can locate you at any given minute no matter where you are. Even if you have nothing to hide. It’s scary.
Additionally, the technology can read everything on your smartphone and other gadgets, laptops, and the technology uses drones and cameras mounted on buses and other moving transportation systems to gather data. Even Orwell never imagined a magnitude like this.
Oh, and your gadget doesn't have to be turned on. Amazing.
And yes, it captures your data (your comments, memes and videos) from Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, Gab, TikTok, and every social media platform known to humanity. It seems that even Viber isn’t safe. Well, yeah, it isn’t.
Alarming, eh?
But wait, if you call now…you and your loved one will be incorporated into a fusion system somewhere (if not already). You are being tracked now, but perhaps not with fusion software. Yet.
While most of these fusion systems are allegedly only tracking criminals, you should know that any John or Mary Doe with access to the technology (law enforcement, officials, politicians) is capable of tracking anyone they see fit to, and without a search warrant.
Furthermore, government agencies around the world with this technology are likely spying on some of you now under the premise of finding “the bad guys.” There is no escaping this unless you get completely off the grid. But then, how are you going to live in a jungle or a cave by yourself with no money or resources? And who would want to do that?
Actually, it’s already too late to hide now. It’s only a matter of time before you and I (and the world) will be under the boot of a global government.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you beforehand. Be careful out there.
How to Make GIFs for your Posts
From time to time you may want to make a GIF to include in your posts. It's a simple way to liven up your articles or comments and you can still post images as well.
Sometimes I choose between all gifs, all images or just post a single image that belongs to me. Be careful not to use anybody's private images because you could violate copyright laws.
Keep in mind that there is a law called **Fair Use**. This allows you to use parts of videos etc. for educational or parodies (and more). Use your browser and search the term if you are not sure of what Fair Use is in your country.
**Now let's take a look at the how.**
You can search for gifs that have already been created or create your own. For example, you could search in your favorite browser the term "crazy cat gifs." Then click images and you will see several. Simply click on the image, right click, name and save. Easy!
Now you are able to upload the gif from your computer or phone.
**Let's look at how to create one.**
There are several gif creator sites. I use one in particular for making mine. You search for one of your liking and try another if you're not satisfied.
Let's say you want to make a gif of a cat acting crazy. Search for one on You Tube or any other video platform. Open your gif creator and look for the copy link.
Copy the link of the video and past it into the creator. Click next or create (whatever the creator site asks for). Depending on how long your video is, the website will create a full video. But you don't want that! You want a gif.
So here is what you do.
Keep you gif to about 3-10 seconds. Move your timeline to a start and finish point. **Preview it**. If you're satisfied with what you have, name it and save it.
You are now ready to use it on your posts on cash.read.
Easy, right? Enjoy.
Will the Comet Apophis Strike Earth? You Decide
I like studying astronomy and watching the heavens at night sometimes. Also, I have been studying the Comet Apophis for over a month now and it is moving towards Earth and could strike us as early as 2029. I'm not convinced of that yet, but I did find some interesting coincidences (or are they?) during my own research.
First of all, I follow a few websites that track Near Earth Objects (NEOs). Apophis is one of them, probably the most interesting and potentially dangerous one of all.
The name Apophis means evil serpent. Satan is referred to that as well. It was discovered in 2004, and astronomers and scientists have been tracking it ever since.
Apophis is approaching Earth and is expected to pass nearby on (get this), **Friday, April 13, 2029.**
Apophis is shaped like a huge peanut. It is approximately 340 meters wide, and it was given the number 99942 by scientists.
Conspiracy theorists and some sky watchers flip the numbers upside down and refer to it as 66624. This correlates to the 666 of the book of Revelation (the Mark of the Beast) and Matthew chapter 24, where Jesus warns us of the end times. Both Bible books contain prophecy, as does the book of Daniel and several more.
Apophis is picking up speed, and it is changing its trajectory. Some believe it is the "star falling to the earth" in Revelation chapter 8 (the Trumpet judgments), and though possible, it is unlikely.
Interestingly enough, my studies indicate that the ancient Egyptians saw it as a bad omen that constantly attacked their sun god Ra. Those old Egyptians were an interesting people! They got a lot of things right (perfect pyramids for one thing).
Additionally, in apocalyptic literature it is linked to earthquakes, thunder, darkness, storms and earth, very much like the description in Revelation chapter 8.
I am not a prophet. I won't predict that Apophis is going to hit Earth. Instead, I just found all the numbers to be really interesting. Also, since the event will be able to be seen with just your eyes in 2029, it is simply fascinating to think about.
If Apophis misses us in 2029, it has two more chances to do so, in 2036, and then the huge asteroid has a probability of impacting Earth in the year 2068.
You can check out the live tracker here:
https://theskylive.com/planetarium?objects=sun-moon-apophis-mercury-venus-mars-jupiter-saturn-uranus-neptune-pluto&localdata=51.48%7C0%7CGreenwich%2C%20United%20Kingdom%7CEurope%2FLondon%7C0&obj=apophis&h=07&m=10&date=2021-02-01&fbclid=IwAR1wODS9ogiawWwcv-HXabDhY2KRtMdwzkGTLp9HQ3CgflTTX15-_GYRJmA
He Painted the Walls with His Blood
Kevin sent me a text that read: "Wanna make $1,500 over two days painting Foster's three-story house?"
I placed my coffee cup on the kitchen table and tapped out a reply: "I know you, man; make it $2,000 and I'm in. When?"
"Pick u up in 20 minutes."
When 9 a.m. rolled around, Kev picked me up in his rusty truck. When I opened the passenger side door, three empty, pint-sized vodka bottles fell out and clanked to the pavement. Kev was already three sheets in the wind. Again.
Kev wheeled the rust-bucket through the streets of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, driving over a curb near Foster's house and narrowly knocking down a stop sign, and then suddenly the truck lurched to a stop in Foster's front yard.
"You do remember Foster, right? He owns the convenience store two blocks from your pad." Kev took a swig from his vodka bottle.
"Yeah, we talk every now and again," I offered. "He's okay by me."
We entered the already opened front door and spotted Foster pouring a shot of whiskey in his coffee. "Criminy," I thought to myself, "I'm working with two drunks."
"Hey, Kev, Ricky, want a drink?"
Kev pulled out a silver flask and took a nip. I passed. Foster asked Kev to drive to his store and buy two cases of beer. Foster then handed Kev a crisp $50 bill. "C'mon," he motioned to me, "I'll show you where we're going to begin painting."
We climbed the stairs to the third floor and entered a room full of various sized oil paintings. "If you know anybody that wants these, they're free for the taking," Foster advised.
"Awesome!" I couldn't believe it, as there had to be 50-60 paintings he and his wife had collected. "I'll take this one, and that one...and yeah, this is cool, too." I stacked three up against an empty wall, dusting them off with the palm of my hand as I found necessary. They were pretty nice.
"Have a look later and feel free to take them all. Maybe you can sell them on eBay or whatever."
Foster cranked up a Pall Mall non-filter, the blue smoke blowing into his eyes from the draft coming up from the bottom floor. "Right this way. Oh, and watch your step."
Those were the last words I heard from Foster for 9 weeks.
Foster took the first step down and fell. He tumbled like a crash dummy down 15 steps, rolled like a stunt man, and went down 15 more. I heard a distinctive thud and then a small yelp. "Help me."
"Crap!" I shouted. I was freaking out. I hurried as fast but as carefully as I could to where Foster lie in a bloody heap. Crimson goo was gushing out of his scalp. His Samsung lit up with a text message from his wife. She was a hottie.
Rather than give in to the threatening panic, I applied pressure on the wound with both hands and a towel Foster had in his back pocket. Pulling the towel back after 45-seconds, I saw that the cut was rather deep. I saw meat. He'd hit the corner of a wall and needed stitching up post haste. I took his pulse. Shallow.
I recovered my iPhone from my pocket and called 9-1-1.
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?"
"Yeah, my friend just fell down two flights of stairs and hit his head. He's unconscious, breathing, and alive so far."
"What's the address?" the warm, calm voice asked.
"1501 Elm. Gray house."
"An ambulance is on the way, sir. Please remain on the line."
I placed the phone down and checked Foster's pulse again. He was losing blood fast despite my attempts to stem the flow. Then I heard a siren in the distance and prayed it was on its way to where we were. In a matter of a minute or so, but what seemed like an hour, the rescue service arrived and two EMT's called out from the still open front door.
"Hello? Sir?"
"Up here!" I hollered down to them.
The paramedics went to work with a professional quickness. After 5 minutes, Kev returned with the beer, as the EMT's carted Foster off in a stretcher, loaded him up, and drove away - siren wailing.
In March I received a text from Kev. Foster wanted to see me. I peered out the apartment window. Snow flurries in the Spring. I'd need a jacket.
I trudged through a half-inch of snow and a brisk north wind to the convenience store and spotted Kev's truck. A vodka bottle was on the front seat. Empty.
Inside the store, Kev and Foster were talking and one customer was buying diapers. "Hey, the hero!" Kev called out. His words were slurred. The customer shot a glance at me.
Foster shook my hand. "So you saved my life, huh? Thanks for that. I'd like to pay you back somewhat."
"No need, man, I'd do it for an enemy."
"Maybe you did?"
Silence.
"Grab a case of beer for your efforts, hero." His last word was mocking in nature.
"What do you mean, bro?" I was puzzled.
"I think you tried to kill me by pushing me down the stairs. When I didn't die, like you planned so you could have my wife, you played the Savior role."
"That's absurd! I cried, "I'd never do that!"
"I've seen you eyeballing my woman, man."
"Dude," Kev begged, "I think you've had enough to drink. He really did save your life."
Foster turned his attention to Kev. "Were you there? Did you see it all go down?"
"Well, no..."
"How convenient," Foster mumbled.
Kev looked at me. "What *really* happened, man? I remember you said: 'He's okay by me.' What did you man by *that*?"
No longer wanting to listen to two drunks and their conspiracy, I grabbed my case of cold beer. On the way out of the store I turned around and stated firmly, "He painted the walls with his blood."
The Future of Digital and Fiat Currencies
I missed buying Bitcoin when it was $300 a coin, and instead bought a luxury item. Bad decision. When I was thinking about it today, I wondered about the future of digital and fiat currencies and this is what I believe will occur in the next 5-10 years, tops.
Several central banks are already in the process of studying the issue of issuing a digital currency. These include the United States, China, Sweden, India and the United Kingdom. More are likely doing the same, on the cool.
What came to mind was whether or not a universal central bank digital currency (CBDC) could sprout up in our future. The answer is a definitive yes. But first, let's examine what a fiat currency is for our background.
By definition, fiat money is a type of currency that has no real value other than what the issuing government says it's worth. Read that again and let it sink in. In other words, the value of fiat currency, that is, the cash in your pocket, wallet or purse, is dependent on a government's creditworthiness.
Some 50 years ago or so, currencies were backed by gold or silver, but governments went off both standards, hence they print and we spend/use fiat currency. Notably, China was the first country to utilize fiat money as far back as 1,000 years ago.
Based on the above, ask yourself this: are digital currencies also fiat? If you answered yes, you are correct. It would simply be a method of getting rid of cash and introducing a CBDC as an alternative. Not too bad of an idea unless you're working under the table (off the government grid), right? Well, yes and no.
With governments adopting CBDC's, it would be virtually impossible to avoid paying taxes to Caesar. All of your legal tender in the bank would be converted into a CBDC. Good? Let's not be too quick to make a judgment yet.
One thing is certain about a government CDDC: you would be tracked, like it or not. The government would know what you spend, on what, and where. Yep, there goes your privacy! And guess what, the advent of CoVid is speeding up the transition of CBDC's.
Thankfully we have cryptocurrencies! Nobody is in charge, and all currency is controlled by math. Sweet. The genius behind this is other world. Crypto is in its essence of true democracy in action. Anybody, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity etc. can jump in.
Here's a dilemma to consider, namely: can a government seize your wallet. They already do when they tax you. Aside from that, yes they can. Back in November of 2020, the United States seized over $1 billion in Bitcoin from a notorious hacker. If "they" can do it to one person, it may be possible to seize everyone's coins in the future when the technology is available.
But wait, before you go paranoid, let's think about this. We all have a key that locks others out. The only way that any government can seize our wallet is **by coercion**. In short, we're safe for now.
What should we do? For now, don't be worried, but keep in mind that digital currencies are ever-evolving and CBDC's are the definitely in our future.
In closing, my only concern at the moment is this: as a futurist, I believe, as do many, that an eventual one-world currency will come into play. (We will discuss this in another post if there is interest.) Suffice it to say that if and when this occurs, all CBDC's will be held by that one-world government. We will all be "equal" in the eyes of this government. But we will be slaves to the government.
In the end, invest wisely now and get educated about the money system and it it work and evolves. Make your money, hide your wallet, and don't brag about you success. Good luck!
Mud Buggy Fun!
I like to go fast, whether in a car, bicycle, race car, ATV, go-kart, snowmobile, jet ski or whatever. And yes, I have broken a few bones and suffered a couple of concussions along the way, but that's part of the thrill of it all.
We booked a hotel in advance at the luxurious Marco Vincent Hotel in Puerto Galera, Mindoro, a 3-minute walk to White Beach in the Philippines. The cost was 5,300 pesos for two for the night. Spic and span clean with a great pool and helpful staff.
When the day arrived to travel, we drove our 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage GS from Bonifacio Global City to Batangas and drove it on the Ro Ro.
After driving around for 50 km, we finally checked in, had a look around White Beach, then set upon participating in some activities.
A few kilometers down National Road we spotted X-Treme Sports Philippines. There wasn't a lot of people there so we skipped paintball and the shooting range, and bought a package that included go-karts, an ATV ride and my favorite, 10 laps in a mud buggy. Oh, yeah!
The ATV ride was fun but the girlfriend wasn't too thrilled with the speed, water hazards and the bumpy ride in the mud.
I lapped her 5 times on the go-karts. They were pretty quick.
We saved the best for last and the little lady decided to pass so I had two turns on the mud buggy. I blew the engine on the first one. The caretaker wasn't too happy, but the Aussie owned showed up and said, "No worries, mate!" He was good-natured.
Aboard the second mud buggy (above), a faster one, I pushed it full throttle on the relatively dry surfaces.
Downhill I splashed through two feet of mud and water at half throttle. Unfortunately, my girlfriend missed the shot.
Afterwards, a shower was needed (bring extra clothes and towels!). It took me 30 minutes to wash everything clean of the mud. Great shower and water pressure!
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening eating, shopping for pasalubong (souvenirs), drinking beer on White Beach, taking in the scenery, and dancing.
If you get a chance, check it out! You won't regret the experience.
How to Break into the Film and TV Industry
I began my acting career in junior high school in Southern California (SoCal). My uncle (my mother’s brother) was a Hollywood producer with a large house and he didn’t like kids. He was successful. When we visited him, we kids remained outside or simply didn’t go over. This forged a modicum of distrust in all things entertainment throughout my life. It is certainly true that the entertainment business is sneaky deceptive, and yet can be rewarding.
If you’ve read this far, you likely have an interest in the movie or TV business in some role. And trust me, a simple browser search will show you. Take you pick and do not be constrained because roles often change as you can experience.
I started out as a production assistant (PA) and bit actor in short films, then worked on major films and TV series (more on that later). But let’s cut to the proverbial chase. I’ll show you how to accomplish your dream regardless of where you live.
When you’re driving or walking around your town or city, be aware of cameras, crowds, cranes and even trucks parked along the roads. Usually a film set is blocked off by a barrier of some sort. When you do spot a set, never (and I mean NEVER) approach or attempt to approach an actor or actress. *Always* act nonchalantly around entertainment folks. You can demonstrate your enthusiasm once you work on a set.
Okay, so you found a TV or film set, whether small or major. Great. Here’s what you do next. Make friends. Simple, right? Yes and no. But do not interrupt any crew member while the set is shooting a scene, rather approach them on a break if at all possible.
Me on a set break (above).
Refrain from being flirty. Simply strike up a conversation with a crew member with a line like, “Wow, nice camera!” Or maybe, “Your work must be.., and then fill in the blank with words like “dangerous, exciting, pay well,” etc. You get the idea. Typically the person will be flattered if you do it casually rather than act star-struck. The latter is a definite no-no.
Next, get their cell number if you can. But don’t ask immediately. Wait until you are both conversing comfortably. Be patient. Heck, it might take you a 15-minutes, a half hour or three days. Whatever. I cannot stress the importance of being patient. Many times I have been approached by sexy women throwing themselves at me, more so when I worked on “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” Ladies, that’s a turn off right there. Don’t be a groupie.
Once you have a contact number or an e-mail, do not contact the person right away unless they ask you to do so. Wait a day or more. Again, don’t act star-struck. When you do contact the person, be brief. Introduce yourself again. Ask if they know of any film crews needing a PA (see above). Don’t be discouraged if they say no. Keep asking here and there, and don’t forget to make more film friends as often as possible.
Me in the blue #85 with other actors on a fantasy football movie.
Eventually you will land a gig. Work hard and follow the rules. Volunteer to do what nobody else wants to do or in other words, be a gopher and “go for this and go for that. You’ll get noticed, trust me. In due time as you make more friends you’ll work on bigger sets. I’ve worked on several, including but not limited to a Discovery Green Channel reality series with Tommy Lee of the rock band Motley Crue; the rock band Styx; the original “American Idol” judges (yes, *them*); Jerry Springer and Piers Morgan on “America’s Got Talent,” and a host more.
If you have any questions, let me know. Good luck. And, as we say in the business: “Break a leg!”
Flaming Arrow Patrol goes AWOL, gets busted
Cecil was slow, mentally speaking, but the guys always looked after him, unlike the bullies who always taunted him for their perverse pleasure. When caught, one of the good teens would provide some immediate street justice with a swift kick to the offender's buttocks and an admonishment to leave the 13-year-old alone.
They were the Flaming Arrow Patrol. Proud. They didn't always live up to their vow of honor, however. But that was life: nobody was perfect, whatever their vow may be.
Camped in the woods of the Sycamore Forest in San Diego County, the teens made their perimeter safe. They set up a trip line to warn them of any advancement into their area of operation. Cans would rattle together when the fishing line was tripped, loud and capable of even waking dead voters a mile away.
Cecil wanted to set an actual rusty bear trap. He could be extreme. Maybe his thoughts came from a soul that was bullied so often.
On a short hike a few kilometers away, the boys ran across a Girl Scout encampment. There had to be hundreds of sweet babes!
Jason, the Boy Scout patrol leader, introduced himself and the other six scouts to a girl of around 15. She was collecting firewood.
"Hi, darling! I'm Jason. This is Kent, Tommy, Cecil, James, Julio and Bong Bong. We're the Flaming Arrow Patrol of Troop 399."
"Sandy, glad to meet you guys. Where are you all camped?"
"In a secret location that is boobytrapped!" Cecil volunteered.
"So what are you guys doing far away from your campsite?" Sandy inquired.
"Looking for dried Mesquite leaves to make some tea," Bong Bong replied.
"And hunting good looking chicks!" Kent eagerly added.
She blushed, spun on her heels, and headed back towards her tent, the boys giving her a second and third look. "See you around again, maybe?" she stated, looking back.
The guys just grinned.
Back at the camp, Tommy offered a plan for later that night. "What say we ditch the camp, take all of our stuff, and pitch our tents where the Girl Scouts are?"
"Dude, you're a genius!" Kent exclaimed, licking his chops. He was a true hound dog.
"Well," Jason began, "we'll likely be punished..."
The teens frowned while he was speaking.
"...but as your leader I say no..."
They frowned deeper.
"...no way we're going to pass up the opportunity!" Jason finished.
They began to cheer quietly and pack as dusk arrived.
When the Scout troop settled into their tents at the 9 p.m. curfew, the Flaming Arrow teens waited until everyone was fast asleep, then headed down a dark trail between towering sycamore trees, Jason leading the way with a powerful flashlight. Owls hooted, Cecil was scared. Crickets chirped.
They crept into the Girl Scout campsite like seasoned Indian scouts of the High Plains, pitching their tents at random.
"Who's there?" a voice cried, penetrating the still night.
"Hey, it's Jason and the Flaming Arrow Patrol. Know where Sandy's tent is?"
"Jason? Flaming what? Oh! Well, Sandy is two tents over. You know her?"
"Yeah, Kent lied, "we go way back..."
"Back to earlier today," Cecil said in a hush before Bong Bong covered his gaping maw.
The boys and girls talked for hours, giggling and sharing ghost stories until they passed out at past 3 a.m.
Jason awoke at 7 a.m. to the sound of clattering pots and pans, screaming Girl Scouts and a bugle call. 'Wake up, you slouches! We missed out and didn't go back to the campsite on time!"
"In for an ounce, in for a pound," Tommy said. "I say we count our blessings and hang out while we can. We're going to be in trouble anyway."
The guys all agreed and stayed until 10:25 a.m. That gave them plenty of time to get back to their camp until the Boy Scout troop left at noon.
They attempted to sneak back in at 11:40, and were met with a stern stare from Head Scoutmaster Davis. He didn't have any kids of his own, and many scouts wondered about his motives, especially since he seemed a little too "friendly" at times.
"Where in the H were you?! We've been looking all over for you!"
"Exploring," Tommy offered.
"We're busted," Jason sighed.
"Yeah? Well, we'll be telling your parents and exploring further punishment options, wise guys," the Scoutmaster advised.
"Eat a peach," Bong Bong blurted.
The Scoutmaster turned abruptly on the toes of his boots. "You know what, just for that, you're all kicked out of the troop effectively immediately. I'll call your parents and have them pick you hoodlums up. I will not tolerate scouts going AWOL. Now, I hope you have learned your lesson," he added with finality.
"We did, sir," Kent responded.
"Yeah, and what lesson was that?"
"Always get the phone numbers of as many chicks as you can!" Cecil shouted.
Black Canyon Death Dive
High school senior Robbie Blake hadn't missed a day of school since the 2nd grade. His grades were a solid A. As a sturdy, good looking, athletic type, he defied the typical jock image.
"Mom, can I split from school today? It's the end of the school year, anyway, and it's senior class ditch day."
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt. What's your plan for the day?"
"Well, it's a weekend thing, Mom," he began. "Bob Lasher and I are going to drive out to Ramona, camp out, and swim at Black Canyon. What did you think - can I go?"
"But it's dangerous there. There's robbers, drug addicts, biker gangs, nudity, and drinking - and the crowd is a very bad influence. But... okay, stay safe. Oh, and just be back Sunday by 11 p.m."
Mom could be a pushover at times.
Sure, there had been a few murders over the years, and even some deadly drug overdoses, and some accidental drownings, but overall Black Canyon was a haven for rock slides, climbing, exploring, camping, bird-watching, photography, and it had a bad-to-the-bone waterfall, and some excellent diving from the cliffs. Fun!
With the Ford Mustang loaded up, the daring duo drove to Ramona. Just before the turn leading down the steep canyon dirt road, 19-with year-old Bob behind the wheel, both teens spotted a bus full of nothing but...teen girls. They were mostly Robbie's age, 17.
Bob gave chase, catching the yellow school bus in mere seconds. He honked the horn and the gals waved, giggled, and one stuck her tongue on the glass window at the rear of the bus. Yowza! Babes!
The bus sped up but was no watch for the powerful Mustang. Finally, the driver pulled over and into a deserted rest stop. Robbie was blowing kisses to the girls when the bus driver approached the Ford in a threatening manner with a three-foot club.
"You SOB's better back off. Now! The man pounded the ground with the thick, mahogany stick.
A bit shaken, Bob reached down to his right side and drew a .45 caliber pistol. "Back in the bus, grandpa; I'd hate to have to disarm you."
The driver quickly retreated. Robbie looked at the teen gals and they were by and large shocked, but some were grinning ear to ear. "I'm calling the cops!" the driver shouted.
"Yeah, do that, and give them my regards." Bob was the hoodlum of the pair, the antithesis of Robbie. He'd barely graduated high school the year previous and was always running afoul of the law.
Mike sped back to the dirt road to evade the cops who would be on the lookout for the bright red car. With his knee on the steering wheel, he massaged his broken right finger he had caught in a conveyor belt at work two days prior.
Black Canyon was a mile deep, and passing was only available in four spots because it was so barrow. Robbie waved at a little girl when Bob caught up with a slower SUV. She waved back. Bob pulled over to give the SUV some space.
Back in the 'Stang, they began the steep decline anew. Robbie looked at the canyon wall, a mere foot from his face. He spotted a lizard staring back at him. Meanwhile, Bob's finger became lodged between the steering wheel and the turn signal, and the Ford turned sharply to the left.
As Robbie responded to the lurch, all he saw was a clear blue sky. The car went off the cliff!
After several meters, the car collided with a rather small boulder, flipped on the roof and slid. Hitting another obstacle, it began to barrel roll like an oil drum. The sound of screeching metal filled Robbie's ears, mixed with the Beatles song, "Get Back."
At rest some 900 meters below, Robbie choked on the settling dust. He was alive. He crawled out of the missing windshield, smashed to the point that he cut his back slithering through the opening. Looking back inside the totaled Ford, he saw Bob wasn't inside. "Whoa, dude!"
He looked back up the cliffside and didn't see Bob anywhere. Inspecting the car, a rock had ripped a hole in the hood and tore the carburetor off, but had otherwise left the hood intact. All the windows were shattered. The Mustang looked like several kids had taken turns pounding it with a sledgehammer. It. Was. Toast.
Robbie found Mike up near the first boulder when he heard him groaning and crying out for help. Bob had broken his back. Miles away from the nearest phone, Robbie was unsure of what to do first. He used his Boy Scout training and conducted First Aid, using his disheveled shirt as bandages to stop Bob's bleeding.
Out of solutions, the SUV with the little girl pulled up on the dirt road. The kid had been adamant about seeing a car go off the cliff, compelling her father to go have a look.
Once the California Highway Patrol and the ambulance arrived to take Bob to the hospital, Robbie rode to the police station where he called his Mom and explained what had happened.
In typical mother fashion, she replied, "Were you on drugs?"
Robbie and the cop laughed. "No, Mom," Robbie replied, "we took the Black Canyon death dive."
She cheated, he went to Jail
Life is certainly unfair as we all know. When it comes to love and war, this is especially true.
Curtis Collins stood on his front porch in Ohio on a frigid, -1 Celsius afternoon, wearing only a short-sleeved shirt. As a day laborer in a union factory in the northeast, he had acclimated to the fierce Ohio winters. He sparked a Marlboro red and blew blue smoke towards an approaching Dodge Dart.
The sedan screeched to a halt. A particularly attractive woman sporting dirty blonde hair and red lipstick rolled down the driver's side window. "Hey! Does that dirty ho Erica live here?"
Somewhat surprised by the sudden outburst on an otherwise quiet day, Curtis replied, "If you're referring to my wife, the answer is yes. On the other hand, I'd advise you watch that potty mouth of yours lest you fill the wrath of a man not in the mood for bickering."
Without hesitation, the woman blurted, "Well, if you're Curtis, please know that while you were away on business for two days, you wife slept with my husband, Scooter!"
Curtis tuned and Erica was hiding behind the screen door. "Is it true, Erica?"
She failed to respond.
"Is it *true*?!" he persisted.
"Yes!" Erica screamed, as she slammed the door and bolted it shut.
"Thanks for the 211," Curtis mumbled at the blonde. "I'll be at the Iron Works Bar if you have any details you want to share." With that he jumped in his 1969 Chevy Nova, the 3rd fastest car in town, and sped to the bar.
After a quick beer followed by five White Russians, Curtis was calmer, a bit tipsy, and the revengeful thoughts that had rattled his mind had ceased.
Liz the bartender, placed another double White Russian in front of Curtis. "It's from the lady at the end of the bar."
Curtis looked to see the same blonde who had given him the news earlier. Neither spoke further. He wasn't the type to seek sex revenge, even when a pretty woman was willing.
At 2 a.m. when the bar closed, Curtis jumped in the Nova, cranked it up, and clicked the heater on. It was -10 Celsius and yet he had his window rolled halfway down, drunk as a proverbial skunk.
He passed out and was awakened with a man pushing on his arm. "Man, you best get out of here. The cops are on the prowl."
Curtis drove to the stoplight a half-block away, turned right, and headed down a steep incline ending in a sturdy steel barrier. He meant to turn left but his reflexes had been dulled by alcohol and he slammed into the barrier at 45 m.p.h.
He didn't lose consciousness but was suddenly aware of blood streaming in gushes from his forehead. The Nova was on the guardrail, its right rear tire resting precariously on top. Frantically, Curtis restarted the engine, it caught, and he drove off the railing with a hard jolt and motored back up the hill.
With his vision blurred from the flow of blood and a shattered windshield, not to mention the smoke pouring out of a damaged radiator, he could barely see.
He sped as fast as he could past the police station and towards a convenience store, parking away from the gas pumps. Inside he asked for a fresh pack of Marlboros and a lighter, paid and exited.
The clerk had called the cops. On the main road to the hospital he saw the blue and red lights flashing and a siren wail, then another, but he kept going on a flat tire, bent wheel, and with antifreeze further blurring the windshield.
A loudspeaker from a police car demanded he pull over. He refused. Instead he drove right up to the Emergency Room door and entered, with a trio of police officers hot on his heels.
The ER doctor put 12 stiches in his forehead and three over his eye, then allowed the cops to take him away after it was determined he had no concussion. "You're under arrest for drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident," is all Curtis remembered until he was safely ensconced in a single jail cell.
The next morning when a trustee handed him a plate of green eggs, two pieces of cold toast, a cup of lukewarm coffee, and a newspaper, Curtis thanked him and sipped his coffee.
Unfolding the paper, a picture of his burning car was on the front page.
The headline read: "She Cheated, he went to jail." Curtis laughed and slept off his hangover, leaving the green eggs for the rats.
Corregidor Island - A Cool Vacation into a WWII Past
Before the pandemic hit, the little lady and I had the pleasure of spending a few days on Corregidor Island at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines. It is situated about 40 nautical miles from Manila. We loved it and I want to make my next film there, starring Meryll Soriano, that is, whenever and if ever the lockdowns end.
The island is famous for the still standing WW II artillery embattlements, barracks and other related buildings (theater, PX, swimming pool) from World War II. There's even a lighthouse you can enter and souvenir stands and refreshments available.
We reserved a room in advance and opted for the walking tour with a guide. The cost for the walking tour was 1950 pesos (or about $40 at the time). The price has increased so if you're planning, seek the best deals.
The room ran us about $30 a night. We got the haunted room. More on that later. Anyway, the price of a room decreases the longer you stay and it depends on your package. We opted to go it alone without an agency package and saved money. We're not fond of people telling us what to do and where to go, much less for how long. Keep that in mind when making your plans. Oh, and there is little to no Internet connectivity so be forewarned.
We left on a once daily morning boat ride aboard the Sun Cruise ferry, a one hour and 15-minute exhilarating trip from Manila Bay to the island. The fee was around $7 each (400 pesos or so) so it's very inexpensive.
We arrived at an aging pier. Some say it was where the US Navy also docked but I am not certain of that. It's certainly possible. Our guide met us, while the rest of the boat's passengers took the tram tour which returns to Manila at 3 p.m. Not cool. Too rushed.
He drove us to the hotel where we checked in and quickly began the tour. Be sure to take water. The heat will beat you down. The artillery pieces remain in place since the war. Bomb craters surround some of the huge guns. It is amazing. Eventually, you are transported back in time, an awesome experience.
If you opt for the walking tour, you can take your time an really explore, the tram, only minutes. Monkeys and other small wildlife are everywhere but are harmless.
Took this shot of an old barracks through a hole where some type of explosive round hit. You can also see where Filipino and American soldiers carved their names in the walls.
It's a joke but I am not one for too many restrictive rules.
There's a pretty cool museum there where various war artifacts and history are there for you to take in. It's rather awesome.
As a veteran paratrooper/infantryman, I found the museum to be top-notch. It features a considerable amount of information about the battles that took place on Corregidor.
Below is a small monument revealing the unit I served in was there fighting before I was born.
There's only one bathtub on the island. It belonged to General Douglas MacArthur. I just had to sit in it. I did opt for a fake shower later.
When entering buildings you must be careful, as some are still crumbling. Some are totally off limits.
For a pretty spooky experience, be sure to enter the Malinta Tunnel for a night tour. And yes, if you look carefully, you will spot human bone remains. No kidding.
This is where General MacArthur and troops hid from the intense Japanese bombing. There are many original artifacts inside. Bring a flashlight or you will bounce off the narrow walls. It's so dark you can't see an inch in front of you.
Several other tours are available, such as a romantic sunset. There is also a place to swim and there's a pretty fun zip line. A lunch comes with your tour and the food is average at best. Yes, beer is available.
One final thought about the haunted room. It was the only one left but we wanted it. It's eerily silent and there is no TV in the room.
As the little lady sat on the bed after a shower we heard noises and voices. I found it humorous but she didn't. Then, as we were about to sleep, the light in the CR (bathroom) turned on by itself. I have to admit that freaked me out. I had to get up and physically turn the switch off.
For more information, use your favorite browser and be impressed!
The Amateur Sleuth
Christian was on foot. He had lost all he owned in a bitter divorce to a perennial cheater of woman. Men were always being pointed out as the most prolific cheaters, and that was true, but women cheated on their spouses, too, it just never got a lot of traction in the divorce court wars.
Having saved up $525, he walked to a car lot he'd spotted while riding the Metro bus a week earlier. He had eyeballed a 1973 Pontiac Lemans in passing and headed back to see it was still on the lot.
A slick looking salesman greeted him as soon as Christian set foot on the premises.
"What can I do you for today, young man?" The man was balding and the sun beat down on his sunburned forehead.
"I was curious to know if you still had the '73 Pontiac for sale; I don't see it on the lot."
"As a matter of fact, I do. It's around back getting detailed. Jack's the name." The man extended his hand.
"Christian." They shook hands firmly. "Nice to meet you. How much you have to have down on the Pontiac to drive it away?"
"$350 down, $25 a week," Jack replied. "Want to take it for spin?"
"Sure."
"Are you employed?"
"Yes, sir. I am a computer geek of sorts. I'm making money off of the Internet these days."
"Do tell. You can do that?" Jack inquired, suspiciously.
"Hey, man, it's 2010 already, and people are getting rich off the Internet. Heck, I heard some dude named Satoshi Nakamoto invented a currency called Bitcoin. I think it will be huge one day."
Christian had learned the in's and out's of computers in a vocational school, using his military school benefits after coming home from Iraq. Though he was regarded as somewhat of a geek, his athletic build and handsome features (blue eyes and blonde locks) did not fit the typical geek pattern or look. He'd invested $200 in Bitcoin.
After a test drive and some paperwork, Christian drove the Pontiac off the lot and was on his way to some semblance of new found freedom.
On the I-4 headed west to Tampa from Orlando, he called his friend Steve on his new iPhone 4. "Dude, I bought some wheels. Where you at?"
Just then the car lurched, stalled, and Christian dropped his phone between the driver's seat and never never land. He wheeled the car off the highway and onto the shoulder, cursing his dumb luck.
In his excitement he had forgot to top off the tank and had run out of gas. The nearest exit was a mile plus up the freeway. He began walking.
Upon returning 90 minutes later, the car was gone. Tire tracks of mud were all that was left. He noted straightaway that a heavier vehicle appeared to have towed or pulled the forest green Pontiac away.
He caught a ride with a stranger and reported the car stolen to the Kissimmee police department, near Disney World. Unsatisfied with the desk sergeant's lackadaisical attitude, Christian decided to take matters into his own hands.
Back home after a long bus ride, he reached for his phone and found he had lost it in all the panic. "Black cat bad luck," he murmured to himself under his breath.
An idea popped into his had once he recollected his emotions. PTSD could set even the strongest willed individual back.
He walked down the block to Steve's crib. "Hey, Steve, open up, man. I need to borrow your iPhone."
A disheveled Steve invited him inside. "Dude, just don't call China. My bill is already $341. Where's *your* phone?"
"I've no clue, but I'll find out after I find my stolen car."
"What the...!"
Hey, wait a sec. I've got Find iPhone!" He found the location of his dearly departed smartphone in under a minute, 4 miles away.
Steve gave him a lift to the location near a barbershop. He checked the location again. Moved! Now it was at a Chevron gas station. Steve mashed the gas pedal and headed for the location.
Upon arrival, Christian saw two cars in the parking lot, a blue Dodge and a police car. It was either in one of the two or the thief was inside the store.
Should he ask the policeman for assistance retrieving his phone?
Rather than act rashly, he waited and both the police car and the Dodge left, while a Chevy Silverado pulled in. Christian waited three minutes and checked, and sure enough, the location had changed.
The police car had turned north, the Dodge south. Steve drove north. The police? No way, Jose!
The police car was parked at a convenience store when the duo pulled up, the officer munching on a microwaved burrito and sipping on a Cherry Slurpee.
Christian waited nervously, like he had in Iraq when the Taliban had staged an attack on his unit's firebase. The cop brought a phone to his ear, mumbled something inaudible, and yapped for perhaps a minute before disconnecting.
"Dude, that's your flipping phone!" Steve yelped. "Now what? It's a cop. An *armed* cop."
"I figure whoever has the phone has the car. Let's check it out." Christian and Steve alit from the latter's Ford F-100.
"Excuse me, officer. I believe you have my phone," Christian began. "I'd like to get it back now."
"Excuse you is right," the cop growled. "Back off; I'm eating and have no patience for pranks." The officer unsnapped his gun holster to send the two a warning. "Now beat feet before I haul you both off to jail."
Christian and Steve jumped back in the truck and drove a quarter-mile down the road. "Give me your phone again, Steve."
"Mind telling me your plan, Sherlock?"
"Hide and watch." Minutes later two police cars pulled up and met up with Christian.
"So you're telling me a police officer stole your phone, right?" After a hesitant nod from Christian, the police officer said, "And you believe he also stole your car?"
"Yes, sir."
"Hard to believe but we'll check it out." The two cop cars sped off, Steve and Christian giving chase. When the young men got there, both patrol car officers were questioning the suspected thief.
Christian shared Steve's Find iPhone app with the lead officer and the officer verified it. "You're under arrest, Officer Foster. Turn round and place your hands behind your back. "
"May I have my phone back, officer?" Christian requested once the cop was in the backseat of the squad car.
"No, sir, we'll need this for evidence. "
"Well, can I use Steve's Bluetooth and grab a couple of pictures from it?"
"I don't see any harm in that," the officer stated politely, handing the phone to Christian.
"Holy mackerel! My freaking car! Christian shouted.
The police officer grabbed the phone and looked at the green Pontiac parked next to a house with a For Sale sign on the windshield. The license plate was visible. "This is your car, sir?"
"Absolutely. I just bought it, ran out of..."
But the officer cut him off. "We had a report on this earlier over the radio," claimed the cop.
A week later Christian got his car and iPhone back when a police car drove up to his place with the original investigating officer.
"Appreciate your work, officer," Christian blurted.
"We appreciate your detective work. Come to find out, Officer Foster was stealing cars and reselling them. He and a car lot dealer named Jack were working together. They're both in jail awaiting trial."
"Whoa!" Christian was tripping.
"Say, the department is hiring if you're interested. We could always use a new sleuth."
Christian chuckled. "I'm an amateur sleuth, though."
"We're all amateurs in the grand scheme called life. Take care now, sir."
Living on the Beach for $220 a Month
I moved. But not totally yet. Moving is stressful but a heck of a lot easier and fun when one is motivated to live closer to the beach. I'm now 75 meters from bliss.
Growing up on the beach in Agana, Guam (Dad was a US Navy officer) and Imperial Beach, California, was the likely impetus for my affinity for the beach life.
Surfing, swimming, fishing, exploring caves, and bikinis fed my heart. White sand between my toes was a bonus. The fragrance of the sea wafting in my nostrils with the sound of the surf was always exhilarating.
But California wasn't cheap. I eventually moved to the Philippines in 2005. Life is good here. Tranquil.
I never understood why people pay so much to live in crowded places with high rents and costs. I've always told people that the Philippines is where they should move and improve.
And then there's always a cold beer to enjoy.
Is it perfect? No. But show me a place, a country, a city that is perfect. It's a state of mind, nothing more.
Security is good. The area is quiet. Neighbors are cool and I know quite a few of them.
Though I lived some 250 meters from the beach, I wanted to move closer and finally found this place for $220 a month. No deposit, no contract, just cash to move in.
My office is incomplete. Need to move my desks and computers in.
Still need to move the other sofa in. It hasn't been delivered yet. The TV? I have a nice one but haven't turned it on in 3 months. It breeds ignorance and feeds radiation.
Dishes need to be placed. Have to move my oven in. The living room is also incomplete, small, but cozy. Have to hang the curtains.
The comfort room is small as well but will suffice.
I was never a big city dweller. The noise pollution destroys one's peace of mind. Manila, New York City and Los Angeles are good examples of where not to live if you can avoid it.
Why not enjoy the sunsets?
We certainly enjoy it!
The master bedroom is normal size for the Philippines and the air con blasts cold.
Splendor is not far away.
A few resorts are a stone's throw away, where good food, good company, and fun await. Little Scotty digs the place. My son loves the beach. He cries and fusses when we take him out of the water.
My lovely gal loves it all. The pancit bihon is excellent.
What's better than barefoot living with your animal friend?
You folks in the US, UK, Australia and around the world are missing out, but you don't have to! Why not come live in the Philippines!
Tripped on a Stone
I'm not so much an anti-love man, as I am able to recognize life for what it is. Veni, vidi, vici. To heck with holidays! Caveat emptor.
Did you? Honestly? Did you buy?
Excellent marketing. Really, it's Marketing 101. New York City, baby! Scamdemic. Gates. Buy, you fools! Research, not TikTok. Mask up, you sheeples! You've no clue. 99.7%. The Great Reset. Agenda 21. Fall in line. Nyet!
You didn't know.
Why? TikTok and games. I cry for you. Ignorance is not bliss.
Because you have no reality, see though colored lens. LSD media, telling you what to believe. Hypnotized. *They* are watching you, watching me. *1984*. But I have a defense to end it all.
Gotta buy. Wall Street. Options. Panic. Buy. Sell. Sell you through sex. Did you miss the pitch? Yeah, thought not. Sucker. Give me a buck. Give me more. Digital currency.
Can you dig the end?
Been there. Done it all, multiple times. The ignorant fall. Time proves it all.
I'll tell you what's a trip, falling for a scam while on the s-$it..
It's the recruitment scam of the US military. Well, actually, ALL military, and all governments.
LSD, oh, Timothy Leary, yeah. But last forever?
Didn't go to Woodstock, as I was in Nam. Didn't have time to flash the peace sign, as I was dodging rounds. Can you say Tet? '68. Then the mines. Bouncing. Death all around.
The kids cried, died. Where were you?
Remember me on the jet?
When you spit on me and knew me not yet?
Duty. Duty and honor.
The sun beat down upon my face, then the monsoons. Torrents. Stinging.
You've no ideal. You! Spit, you fool. Took it like as a soldier. Duty before my God.
You judged, still do. Asinine. Fools. Behind the millennial laptop. You know it all but know not the truth. Fake news.
They were protesting when I took a bullet in the arm. Took that hit, did me no harm physically. Psychosocially? I recall. Got a disability. Cool. But not enough for the PTSD.
I just smoked up to get to my reality, yeah.
I had to see it again and again. Vietnam caravan. Down the Ho Chi Min Trail. Tripped? The mines. Betty. Death. Bombing. Thank you, Nixon. You did well.
Whizzing. Rain. Steel pot as an umbrella. The bullets came from below. Can we do it again? Cold eggs and ham. Hot but green. Letter from Mom. Tears. What happened to her again? I miss you so. Cigarettes.
Can we Marceiito Pomoy again? Let this be our prayer.
Tripped on a stone, fell way up high. Oh, Kat you took my heart and 5 mil, but I forgive you. Tripping no more.
You know what you did. You know.
Took the downers, took the ups, drove those race cars at 170. Nobody new. Screamed 250. Screamed die. Lived. It's a wash.
We crashed, we died and rose gain. We live. Grateful. Do you wish it would never end? It comes.
Tripped on a stone.
Blew my mind. Tripped on a stone. Fell to 2021.
Valium, take me away. Call 'em. Call the VA.
And you call me a stoner? I'm a product, but you'd never know.
Never know. Because I tripped on a stone. Fell to eternity, fell.
Oh, That Drunken Blackout!
Erik stuck his thumb out to hop a ride in moderate, 45 m.p.h. traffic. Destination? Florida. Ohio had dealt him a nasty heart blow when he was laid off from his union job and his wife divorced him.
Alcohol only killed the pain temporarily.
A new Honda Prelude pulled over, a Spanish man with slicked back, black hair at the wheel.
"Where you headed, homes?" he questioned. His eyes were bloodshot.
"Anywhere in Florida, bro," he replied, hopping in. "Mind if I drink a beer?"
"Only if you have another."
"Warm, but good," Erik said, handing the brewski to the driver. You got a name?"
"Ladron."
"Okay, man, good to party with you. Erik." They dapped fists, laughed, and then drove on in relative silence.
Five hours later in the early morning they entered the city limits of Vero Beach. "Wanna make some bucks at a day labor place? I need some fast cash, homes." Ladron slurred when he spoke.
"Sure, dude; I'm broke as well." Erik had $3 left.
After 8 hours of standing on a broom at a new housing development construction site, the men picked up a measly $38 each. It certainly beat a zero.
"Let's get a beer at this joint I know." Ladron was already hammered but Erik agreed. After all, he had nowhere else to go.
The men tossed back 5 each and returned to the Honda.
"I need to ditch this car, man, then head to my sister's casa."
"Why don't you park at your sister's place?" Erik inquired.
"Because, homie, I stole this car about 24 hours ago."
"Whoa. Dude!" Erik swilled a half a can of brew. "Drop me off anywhere, man."
"Aight. I'll leave the keys at the supermarket a half mile down the road, you know, in case you want the car and all. I'll walk to mi hermana's casa."
"Sounds tight. Oh, by the way, man, I'm curious: what does Ladron mean?"
"Thief, homes." Ladron grinned, then sped off, smoking the tires.
Thirty minutes later Erik snatched the new Honda and bought some beer. He headed north to Orlando with $8 to his name.
The next morning Erik woke up and looked at his watch. It was 6:47 a.m. and he was in a hotel room. The sheets were soaked on one side with fluid and vomit. The stench made him gag.
The room was trashed. Empty beer cans, bottles of wine, and two empty bottles of vodka were strewn on the small tables and the carpeting. Cigarette butts had overflowed makeshift ashtrays. Empty food containers were scattered hitherto.
Erik had no recollection of the previous night. None. He didn't recall passing out or who he had been with. Blackout.
His hands shook. Erik needed a pick me up, a calming drink.
Into the bathroom he wobbled where he spied 5 beers in the sink. They were still a little cool because of the air conditioning but the ice had melted some time ago.
He twisted off the cap and gulped half of the twelve-ounce weight. Taking his time to peer at his face in the mirror, Erik brushed his blonde locks back, wiped his teeth with a wet finger, then went to the window to peep out.
The area was unfamiliar to him.
Reaching into his sagging pocket, Erik found he had $1,341 in cash and a half pocket of change. Perplexed, he peered through a crack in the curtain anew while simultaneously sipping his beer.
He scanned the parking lot, the nearby light traffic on the street, and spotted an elderly gentleman at the ice machine. Erik bolted out the door with a small ice bucket.
"Excuse me, sir," Erik began as he approached, "could you tell me what day it is?"
"Thursday. You okay, young man?"
"All good, sir. Thanks. Just need some ice."
"You from around here?" the senior asked.
"Well, I don't know."
"You don't know? Are you okay?"
"Sure, sure. By the way, sir, do you know how far it is to Orlando from here?"
The man stood still and looked Erik in the face. After a pause he answered. "About 480 miles, I reckon. Why?"
"Wait, this isn't the outskirts of Orlando?" Erik swallowed.
"Orlando!? Son, you're in Biloxi, Mississippi!"
Erik returned to the room. Ironically, the only thing he remembered was another blackout he had in Ohio. He cracked open a fresh, cold beer.
Will You Be My Valentine?
Maybe. Maybe not. Unlikely, I'm taken. But Happy V-Day to you wherever you are. Seriously.
You don't have to look very far on your timeline on Facebook or other social media platforms to observe many lonely hearts out there around the world, hoping for Cupid to pull back his bow and let loose his arrow of romantic love.
But love isn't in the air for everybody. Some will be spending time at home alone and watching Rom Com's on Netflix, dreaming for a future heart throb to appear in their life like something out of a fairy tale. Hey, it could happen.
You and I see sad selfies, broken heart emojis, and people begging on the cool for someone, anyone, to ask them out on a dinner date or a night on the town. We can't blame folks for wanting to join in on the fun and festivities on the holiday.
Unfortunately, the pandemic that is still sweeping the globe has curtailed many outdoor weddings, parties and all around fun. It has stabbed many in the heart.
Here in Asia many people believe the United States has the biggest celebrations on Valentine's Day, but it got me to thinking: who else celebrates the holiday?
I was surprised to learn that Iran came in at number one, Honduras number two, and the Philippines rounded out the top 10. The US barely made the top 20, coming in at distant 17th.
On this day of all things love, people send gift cards, flowers, candy, jewelry, clothing, and set aside a special time for one another. Been there, done that, bought that, and gave the t-shirt to The Salvation Army years ago.
If you don't have any of the above, don't be sad: find a way to share your love. After all, love is more than a feeling: it is action!
Here are a few tips:
Hang out with friends, family or even your deserving pets.
Curl up with a great book with some of your favorite snacks.
Order a new dish for take out.
Call a friend.
Send someone you know who is lonely an anonymous gift card or some flowers.
Curse the heavens for the consumer-driven, trivial interpretation of love day. Go ahead, it may make you feel better.
The ideas are endless. Be creative. Have fun. Enjoy the day whether with or without someone.
In the end, if nobody else will say it, I will: I love each and every one of you, except my ex. Did I tell you about the time she...oh, never mind. Next time.
Goodbye my Sweet Cat
In 2005 while living in Texas, I saw a post on Craigslist where a person was giving away some 8-week old kittens. I had just bought a new condominium at the time and thought it would be nice to have a cat in the house.
I've always loved animals because they are so innocent and keep no record of wrongs. They are very forgiving, loving and fun.
At any rate, I went to a house a few miles away and a woman had five kittens to choose from. I opted for a gray and white kitten and gladly took him to his new home.
He prowled around the condo peeping out the new surroundings so I named him Spooky. He was a fast learner and loved to play fetch the ball of paper.
He also loved playing and fighting with a feather duster. We became close companions.
Five years later I flew from LAX and moved overseas to Asia and left Spooky behind with my ex because the fee to fly him was far too exorbitant.
My ex and I remained close friends and she always updated me on Spooky's status from time to time.
A few days ago I received an e-mail from my ex (let's call her Carla) here on out. She advised that Spooky was not eating and not acting his normal self.
Carla took him to our veterinarian and Spooky was diagnosed with liver cancer. The prognosis wasn't good. Armed with a handful of medications and a new diet, Carla took him home, but Spooky still refused to eat.
In the morning Carla checked on Spooky and he had passed away at the ripe old age of 15 years old.
A proper burial was effected, tears shed, and we reflected via video how he lived a great life and how he brought many hours of joy.
Now I don't know if there are animals in heaven or not, but if there are, and it seems like a loving God would have them, then Spooky and I will be reunited one day.
Perhaps we can play fetch the paper again on the streets of gold.
A Review of Ben Shapiro's Film: "Run, Hide, Fight."
As a screenwriter, actor, and film producer, I have had the privilege and occasion to work on many films, write and produce my own, and work on several movie and TV sets in various capacities.
Here's me as an outlaw on a western movie set. And yes, the side iron is real. Geez, I always play the bad guy.
At any rate, I firmly believe my 15 years of experience entitles me to be a critic of all things film, and I don't prefer to mince words. I share my thoughts honestly, whether I like the writer, producer(s) or the film distributor. In this way, you get an opinion you may or may not agree with.
For the record, I like a lot of what Ben Shapiro has to say during debates because he is sensible, logical; but on some issues we would definitely disagree. For one, I don't prefer pandering to any political base or ideology. It is what it is.
Shapiro released his first film through his new entertainment venue at *The Daily Wire* in January of 2021. It is only streaming online and many have enjoyed it. As of this writing it has a 6.2 rating on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB). A friend advised it is already on the torrents. Be careful treading down that illegal path, friends!
I did not like the flick so much, but there were some good aspects of the film. Here's my take.
First of all, the screenwriter and director, Kyle Rankin, basically did a remake of "Diehard" but with a high school setting replete with unbelievable characters and not-so-gory, shoot-em-up scenes. The explosions were pretty cool, though.
Rankin actually borrowed (plagiarized) a complete line from the Diehard film. Pathetic. Some screenwriters do this as a gag. If that was Rankin's intent, it fell on deaf ears. Not funny and it was likely completely missed by 99% of the viewers.
At any rate, the plot straight off of the IMDB website reads: "17-year-old Zoe Hull uses her wits, survival skills, and compassion to fight for her life, and those of her fellow classmates, against a group of live-streaming school shooters."
Zoe's compassion borders on the silly and absurd. Her character is definitively shallow. But let's move on. You can watch it yourself and decide.
As far as I am concerned, the plot is shallow and quite predictable. You can pretty much guess the next lines of dialogue.
**Warning: Be mindful of spoiler alerts hereafter.**
I'll state this tight off the bat: the *only* good actor in the bunch is Eli Brown (above left on the GIF), who plays a magnificent psychopath. He is convincing, believable, solid, and his mannerisms and facial expressions are spot on with the dialogue and the aberrant characteristics of sociopathy and psychopathy.
The rest of the actors are not very well-trained, including the heroine, Zoe (corny name, too). When faced with fear (machine guns, explosives and outright bloody murder), the actors and extras are by and large emotionless. It's like they were formally zombies on *The Walking Dead.* Those that do express emotion are rather dreadful at it.
The dead mother that Zoe is depressed about at the beginning (first act) follows an age-old film trope. I didn't like it but it was played rather decently by Radha Mitchell. Her lines (unfortunately for her) were banal, boring, and I swear, totally predictable. It appears Rankin brought in a little bit of "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" to the script.
I would argue that the most discomfiting aspect of the film was the numerous continuity errors. While I have no clue regarding how many times each scene was shot (usually I had 6-10 takes of each scene on each of my films), the script supervisor and the editor utterly failed at their respective jobs. Horribly.
For example, these bad guys never run out of ammo. It's amazing. Maybe I missed the Harry Potter magic. I don't know. To Rankin's credit, most films have an overabundance of ammo.
When the protagonist (Zoe) is shot in the leg after a hail of bullets emanating from one of the loony antagonists, she applies a tourniquet. Fair enough. But throughout the rest of the film she limps, doesn't limp (inconsistent!), and at times gets around like the much beloved Usain Bolt.
And there is no blood seeping from the severe wound that requires a tourniquet. There's only a few spots of red on her jeans and then there isn't. Bad SFX. Sad SFX. Worse than poor continuity.
Another thing, how do the teens who are live-streaming from their phones able to do so for well over an hour without charging? Incredible! Did Apple come out with a super battery? Heck, if so, I need a couple of those!
Did I mention the bad lighting in the film? Well, there is that, too.
In the end, I would rate the flick a 2 out of 10 stars. You may see it differently. Give it a watch.
Here is the official trailer:
https://www.imdb.com/video/vi973455641?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1
Here is the cast:
Thomas Jane as Todd Hull https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jane
Radha Mitchell as Jennifer Hull https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radha_Mitchell
Isabel May as Zoe Hull https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabel_May
Eli Brown as Tristan Voy
Olly Sholotan as Lewis Washington
Treat Williams as Sheriff Tarsy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treat_Williams
Barbara Crampton as Mrs. Crawford https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Crampton
Cyrus Arnold as Kip Quade https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_Arnold
Britton Sear as Chris Jelick
Catherine Davis as Anna Jelick
Cindy Vela as Ms. Nunez https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Vela
Tom Williamson as Mr. Coombs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Williamson_(actor)
Joel Michaely as Mr. Yates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Michaely
Funny, Hollyweird is Remaking "The Wizard of Oz"
Seriously, folks. The 1939 flick won an Academy Award for Judy Garland's Best Original Song (Over the Rainbow), but lost out to "Gone With the Wind" for Best Picture.
New Line Cinema, owned by Warner Bros and AT&T, with a 51% ownership by **Chinese investors** CMC, are fronting the yuan for the new film, but have released few details, so I thought I’d take a humorous crack at the revamped characters.
The tornado that sweeps Dorothy away and over the rainbow will be the result of the adverse effects of anthropological climate change on the planet. We were warned. Now our collective passing of flatulence and failure to adhere to a rigid vegan diet has come home to roost. Tom Brady will fly by the window during the F5 whirlwind with his 7th Lombardi Trophy. It simply *has* to be in the script.
The once magical Yellow Brick Road will no longer exist. Sorry. Instead, and since yellow is likened to xenophobia, a simple paved road with white lines will suffice. Billboards of corporate entities will remind viewers to buy things they don’t need.
Dorothy will be one of the 91 and counting genders of our contemporary times. Her wardrobe will change from jeans and a tank-top to an exquisite polka dot Louis Vuitton gown, dependent on the scene, replete with corporate sponsored logos. Her hair will be strictly butch style, dyed pink upon a bleached blonde foundation.
And those ruby red slippers? Not happening. Since they are red and remind people of Orange Man Bad, the color red is nixed nixed. Instead the slippers will be regular house slippers and a dull Navy gray.
Sporty, yeah?
This will remind viewers of the dark winter ahead.
The Scarecrow will have attention deficit disorder which will be the ultimate reason for his confusion.
He will identify as bisexual, have the hots for the Tin Man, and be gently plucked from the field when approaching the Wicked Witch’s castle to rescue Dorothy by our evolutionary ancestors.
The latter will have cameo voiceovers by Tom Hanks and an AI Robin Williams. It’ll be bananas.
The Tin Man will no longer be metallic. I know, sad. We do have to conserve precious metals and recycle. Therefore, Tin Tin the Other will be constructed of Reynold’s aluminum foil, painted lime green, and be energy efficient to combat the above-mentioned climate change.
There will be no need to lubricate him with that bad oil. He will receive triple-bypass heart surgery upon reaching the Emerald City and be admonished about eating red meat, and not buying a treadmill for only $19.95 a month plus a modest shipping and handling fee of $451.25. Money back not so guaranteed. Limited supplies are available so call now.
The Cowardly Lion will be a victim of white supremacy. His quest will consist of wanting to find renewed courage via psychoanalysis, paid for by taxpayer subsidies through the International Monetary Fund.
Though it is yet uncertain, rumor has it that the lion will be neatly trimmed of his unruly hippy hair and instead a lavish beard. His courage will return and he will rule in the stead of the Wizard along with the Scarecrow and the Tin Man. You will obey.
Evil Mrs. Gulch will be a MAGA supporter and follow conspiracy theories like Q Anon and The Great Reset. In like manner, both Wicked Witches will be MAGA aficionados, one replete with an Orange Man Good sign on her energy inefficient castle door. The Wicked Witch of the East had to be put down for her irrational belief system.
The Good Witch of the North will be a socialist, redistributing the wealth to the Munchkins and all the people of the land.
The Emerald City will feel the financial pinch, file a lawsuit, but will eventually relent due to bad publicity and submission to rabid anarchists threatening to break windows and steal the colored horses.
The Wizard will be in charge of Covid precautions (double green masks and “socialist” distancing are mandated), and also establish travel restrictions within the Emerald City up to the poppy field.
A new breed of Acapulco Gold also grows nearby with tender loving care. The sheeple will adore the Wizard until they find out he is a Fraudchi.
And Toto? He will be a recue animal, saved from the clutches of certain doom by PETA. Together with Dorothy and the Wizard, they will leave for the secessionist state of Texas via hang gliders because Kansas has been cancelled.
Oh, be sure to drink a glass or 9 of absinthe while watching to fully enjoy the imagery and unravel the subconscious.
Life of an Expat on the Beach
When I first visited the lovely and ever exotic Philippines in June of 2005, I was met with immediate culture shock. My tears welled up in my eyes when I observed the abject poverty of many people, and because they smiled through their struggles, something few cultures are able to do or even comprehend. I fell in love with the people and the country. I've never looked back.
I returned to the Philippines in 2009 with the consideration of staying permanently. As it was out of my price range of $50,000 to secure a residency card, I decided to extend my visa and then, when necessary, leave the country for a full 24 hours, re-enter, then continue to follow the lawful process. This took me to Bali, Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia, with Bali being my favorite destination.
This is where I stay when in Bali, Indonesia.
I moved around a lot, from Manila to Baguio to Batangas to The Fort to La Union and more. I drove the country taking it it's beauty, it's amazing sunrises and sunsets, and exploring all the hotspots like Mindoro, Palawan and Boracay (just to name a few).
This is a pic of me on one trip to Boracay in May of 2014. Several others followed.
I eventually settled in Central Luzon and found a place on the beach to rent for $225 plus utilities. A rock throw away from the beach sat well with me as a professional, full time writer. Each morning I arise at 3 or 4 a.m. to begin my day, with the waves lapping up on the beach and the fragrant smell of life wafting up and awakening my senses. I begin writing screenplays or articles for clients around 6 a.m. I cash in via PayPal. I am able to peer out my window at the beach at any time to rest my eyes or to obtain inspiration.
I've been in this location for five years now and have met some wonderful, loving people, all who remain friends to this day. Living on the beach is certainly an enjoyable, laid back life. Nearby resorts and restaurants (restos for those not in the know) are mere meters away. Good food is available when I don't feel like cooking.
This is one of my favorite places to hangout and eat at on the beach.
Inexpensive living along with simple life and the sunsets, along with a beautiful female companion. For those that live in the Philippines, you know the joys of family and love. For those who do not, you're missing out on a tropical paradise that never gets old. Get here, we'll do the rest.
@Scotty17
