The Perfectionists

Several months ago my wife volunteered both of us to participate in California’s “Adopt a Poll” program. We would be working as polling clerks, along with three other VATAN members on Primary Tuesday. She did not talk about it, I forgot about it, and now I need to write about it. 

When the day came, it became an issue, but I could not refuse to do it. However, I made it clear that from now on I wanted to be consulted first before she volunteers me for anything. The only thing is, I am sure my wife will come up with other ingenious ways to volunteer us. But back to my story and the reasons I decided not to back out.

Many Things Have Changed

Many Things Have Changed

After retiring several years ago, I soon found myself getting restless. I knew I needed to do something, but what? My wife and I have travelled quite a bit; including here in the US, Caribbean, Europe and Turkey. We still have not travelled in the East, but we will when the itch comes. 

My wife suggested that I take some classes and the idea came to me that maybe I should try something that I have always wanted to do. I started with a few classes at Moorpark Community College, including American Government and Foreign Relations. I did very well in the classes as the subject matter appealed to me. It was then I decided to do pursue BA degree in Political Science.

The Danish Girl, a movie review and spoiler alert

Can you imagine what it would be like not to know who you truly are?

The movie, “Danish Girl,” is loosely based on a true story about one of the first transgender transformations. It is, by far, a dark and deep drama, beautifully done, but at times hard to watch. Definitely not for all audiences.

The story takes place in Denmark during the 1920s. At the opening, we are introduced to a very talented painter, Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander), who is married to another painter, Einar (Eddie Redmayne). Their marriage is filled with passion and it is clear that Gerda loves both her husband and her painting.

"Brooklyn" a review with a spoiler alert

It is refreshing to see a really well-done movie which stands up to the quality of the storyline. Being a love story, this movie would not appeal to a very young audience. Now, just what is a love story? One scenario is a situation in which a character who is in love is thrown into a situation where they have to make choices, but those choices are all equally good; in fact, so good that they are unable to make a choice. 

My Travel Experiences in Frankfurt and Beyond

Why can’t there be a standard for everything? I mean, why not? For instance, English people want to be different and they have their weird ways such as driving on the wrong side of the road. But, I digress. What I really want to talk about is my experience in Frankfurt, a place I have never been before.

After deplaning from my Turkish Airline flight from Ankara via Istanbul, I passed through passport control; so far so good. I waited to get my luggage, which was somewhat delayed, but I had no hassle. As I was going through customs, I asked the young lady in uniform packing a gun holster on her side, “Can you tell me where ground transportation is?”

A review of the latest Bond movie, "Spectra"

Having just seen the new Bond movie, Spectra, my first impression is that the writers are running out of ideas. What happened to Ian Fleming’s creative ideas? Spectra was a disappointment and badly put together.

However, I have no criticism of Daniel Craig’s performance as Bond. He did  a superb job. But the actor can only carry the scenes so far!

It seems to me the movie is put together with many sets of scenes, but they don’t flow well as other Bond movies do. The transitions from one scene to another were awkward.

Excellent Merge of Military and Legal Mystery!

Review by Glenda Bixler:

Kaya's move to the murder mystery genre for this novel was a welcome addition for me, since everybody knows a great murder mystery is one of my favorite reads!

And Murder on the Naval Base certainly presents a well-plotted, tough mystery that I didn't even begin to get a handle on until late in the game!