Do I Need Netflix?

 

Tonight again I tried to bring up my Netflix streaming service in my bedroom. That's where I have my main TV, in my bedroom which Pat calls "The Tipton Cinema." Lately I've been having problems having a strong signal. Often I can't bring anything up and if I do, it pauses (buffers) and then tries to download the signal again. Sometimes I wish I had the old Netflix service of renting DVD discs. 

Then there is a problem of the paucity of movies and series that I'm interested in when I am able to get a strong signal. I see other series and movies that I'm interested in on other platforms like Hulu, Prime, Paramount, and Max but one has to subscribe to each one of those services. Damn if I'm going to put out about $200 a month looking for a decent movie or series.

Then when I do get a movie that I'm interested in, I invariable have to sit through the obligatory soft porn sex scenes, which quite frankly bore me. I usually close my eyes because I'm so bored and just waiting for that part of the movie to move on, and the next thing I know I'm asleep. How many times have I seen the scene where as soon as the couple gets to their home or apartment they start tearing each others clothes off and have sex on the kitchen granite countertops, grunting and groaning. Not sexy at all. BORING. 

Another problem I have is with the heavy emphasis on diversity in all the current movies and series. I am taking a chance on offending with my remarks here but here goes, King George the 3rd's wife was not black regardless of what series Shonda Rhimes creates. I'm all for minority (black) actors having as much opportunity as white actors and not being just relegated to stereotypical roles of maids, pimps, gangsters and whores but come on. Even the most liberal person has to admit that the diversity bit is overplayed in current movies and series just as the soft porn is. I get it, I get it. To me much of what is being produced today is just not realistic. And what's with all the whispering? 

Remember when you could watch a movie and you didn't need subtitles? Look at the ads for movies and series on TV. A lot of "Boom! Boom" and a woman or man whispering. I know sound has come a long way since the introduction of talkies a hundred years ago but I do yearn for a movie or series where I can understand what the actors are saying.

I'll give this a few more months and if I'm still not finding the content I want I'm opting out. Not worth it to me. 

Binge Watching

Six Feet Under "family"

Lately I've gotten into the habit of bing watching.  I bing watch TV series from Netflix.

Breaking Bad "family" - only watched a few episodes but will immerse myself fully soon

About a year ago I watched all the episodes of "Six Feet Under."  Sure, I was about ten years behind the times but oh how I enjoyed watching that series.

Six Feet Under - brothers

Next up was "The Mad Men."  I particularly liked this series because it was about an era, the Sixties, of which I was well acquainted.  Whoever writes that series know of the time they write about.  How well I remember all the smoking, misogyny, and office politics.  And I love seeing the Sixties period furniture.

The Mad Men "family

Now I'm watching "The Good Wife."  I never got into "Perry Mason" or "Law and Order" but I have to say I am riveted by "TGW."  It's not so much about the legalese, although that is interesting, but I think my interest is that I feel part of "the family."  Yes, when I turn the lights out in my bedroom, which my friend Pat calls "The Tipton Cinema", and my 60" in Samsung TV screen comes to life with visual images of the Diane, Will, Alicia, Kerry and Kalinda; I feel like I'm reunited with the ongoing saga of my family or any family in this world.  

The Good Wife "family"

Much of my attraction for "TGW" is how well written it is.  Also, the producers of this show have the brilliance to bring in actors who are past their prime (Gary Coe, Judd Hirsch, Michael J. Fox) and give them a whole new lease on their acting life.  In this age when movie and TV producers limit their choice of actors to a few market tested actors, it is refreshing to enjoy the many varied acting talents of old faces as well as new faces.

New face on "TGW" - I don't know who this actor is but he's good as Kalinda's violent hubby

Last night I finished watching season four of "TGW" and now am going into withdrawal.  Next up is a series that I've heard much about, the "House of Cards." I love Kevin Spacey.  

Kevin Spacey - love you man!

So today I'll return my Netflix dvd for "TGW" and   (hopefully) have my new dvd's in time for this weekend when I can again enter the private and very comfortable world of the "Tipton Cinema" that is my bedroom.  I'll leave my worldly woes behind and join my new "family."  

Oh my, we've come a long way haven't we folks?

The Gently Falling Rain

It is near midnight, the rain is falling gently outside and I sit at my computer typing my blog for the day. Earlier today I was complaining about the cloudy and rainy weather but I take that back now. Sure, Bill has to mow the lawn every three days now but this rain is wonderful for the area farmers. Since we moved to Delaware in November of 2006, the area has suffered from a drought. It was so sad the last two summers to see fields of corn withering and drying up because of the lack of rain. Not so this year. The corn, soybeans and wheat are flourishing. And, as Miss Martha says, “That is a good thing.”

Even so, the gray skies this morning sapped all the energy out of me. I wanted to finish up building my two raised flower beds that border our backyard. Instead, I watch one of the DVD’s I had from Netflix. It was called “Yossi and Jagger.” The story was about two gay Israeli soldiers. The movie was interesting but it ended in death and sadness. I’m ready to see a gay themed movie that has a happy ending. Aren’t we there yet?

Later in the morning Bill and I visited our friend Bob in Milton. I love checking out his neighbor’s garden. She has a real eye for garden design and I’m always anxious to see what new plants she has in her garden. I’ll have to take pictures and feature them on this blog. She also has a small pond. Seeing her pond brings back memories of my three ponds I had at our home in Pennsylvania. I wish I could have a pond where we’re living now but that would not be practical. We live out in the open with sun all day (when the sun is out of course.) A pond should be partially shaded. If not, the pond will quickly develop algae which will kill the fish. Another problem is that fish in the pond would be totally exposed to predators, like cranes. Even in Pennsylvania I had a visit from a crane which just about wiped out my fish. I haven’t completely given up on the idea of a pond but not at this time. A garden is not complete until it has the gentle sounds of a pond waterfall.

I called my Aunt Mabel this morning. She recently returned from the hospital and nursing home. She’s not doing well. She will be 88 years old this year. I tried to call my Mom but couldn’t get hold of her. I found out later from my sister-in-law that she had a 10:30 am doctor’s appointment. I’ll try calling again tomorrow. My Mom and Aunt Mable worked for over 20 years in the frozen foods division of Pepperridge Farms. They worked in layer cake on the conveyor belt. They didn’t actually work ON the conveyor belt but they made sure the cakes were properly iced. Yes, they did a Lucy and Ethel thing with the speeded up conveyor belt. Oh the stories they tell. My Aunt Mabel reminded me of the trip I took her to Disney World in 2001. I had won a guest service award from the Hampton Inn where I worked the front desk. One of my prizes was a trip for two for four days at Disney World. I couldn’t get anybody to go with me until my Mother suggested my Aunt Mabel. I’m glad we made the trip because it was her last trip before her health started to fail her. I’m glad I asked her. We had a good time and memories to last us a lifetime.

Lately it seems that so many of my friends and relatives are facing health issues. This is just another reminder to me to appreciate every day I have on this good earth, rain or shine.