arts and entertainment

Some might believe that the discussion of whether Tomatoes are a fruit and vegetable and the Barrier Reef in Fukishima have nothing in common but I tend to disagree. For not only are these topics that people in Nevada are concerned about but so should we all think about as well.  Who really cares whether a Tomato is a vegetable or fruit well then who cares if a Nuclear Power Plant is set close to one of the world’s greatest reef’s.  As we know the Nuclear accident in Japan has caused unknown damage to one of the greatest natural wonders of the world because of poor planning and execution by those in charge.  Could we face the same dilemma by changing the status of a Tomato? You might think this is a silly question but this video (below) will demonstrate maybe it just isn’t?

[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/fy0fTFpqT48″]

There is something about watching entertainment “LIVE” that can’t be duplicated in any other format. For if your jokes aren’t funny nobody is going to laugh and mishaps have to be dealt with right there not edited away.  “LIVE” is what kept Saturday Night rolling all these years and why we go to the Theatre/Concert.  Canned laughter and applause can be edited it you must earn it right there and NOW!.

The winner for best picture for the 2018 Oscars is “The Struggle”. The struggle tells the story of Juan a transgender Mexican with African American features who is  rounded up by ICE after he…I mean um she appears to be a criminal undocumented individual who has the same appearance. Juan’s struggle continues as he/she can’t find a bathroom that fits her needs. It appears Juan’s struggle has ended when she has cleared her name until they find out she has Iranian roots as well.  “The Struggle” stars Meryl Streep, Whoopi Goldberg and Samuel Jackson with a special musical performance by Madonna.

 I believe after last night’s performance that the Oscars spotlight has dimmed and if they don’t get their act together might not just fade away. From their canned political rhetoric to building up La La Land a film that most people watched as well  as enjoyed with 14 nominations and then watch get snubbed from the biggest award, I think the audience might have had just enough. It is true the political elite will continue to watch the show but those on main street that pays their bills might just change the channel next year.  To make matters worse awards that mean very little to the general public make up and costume were featured on prime time. It is true that next year there might be some that watch in the end to see if this years snafu repeats itself but unless they start listening to their customers they might just put their monies and time in other uses like going to the gun range, NASCAR race, or even watching Fox News instead.

FOOTNIGHT- I’m sure “Moonlight” is a well made film but I’m also confident that the gay positive theme in the inner city helped it grab the spotlight for best picture.

For many of us Judge Wapner was our first look at a judge and for those who have been in the courtroom this was the Judge we wanted to see in the real world. He was tough but wasn’t as caustic as Judge Judy and nobody appeared to be more fair. Judge Wapner truly served the People’s Court.  When they say justice should be blind Judge Wapner was the image many of us had in mind. RIP Judge Wapner now I believe we all have another chance for justice with you in your heavenly  black robe.

[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/CmO5sek2sTw?list=PLjT3Z589ba7OQ2SYvEWiS8q1CVdu-aeAc”]

There are people who are boycotting the Oscars because they believe it has turned too much to the left and although I sympathize with their cause I’m not into boycotts unless it’s about quality. Therefore if “Manchester By The Sea” is nominated as best picture of the year I will not be watching the Oscars the next year. When “Birdman” won in 2014 I seriously considered a boycott for the following year but at least this film had a unique creative feel that gave it some redeeming quality and brought back Michael Keaton, so the pass was given.  Yet “Manchester By The Sea” is a fine “B” movie but nothing in the “A” category of the other films up for best picture. The film has decent acting but a script that seriously goes no where and is dreary all the way through.  There are moments where you feel a light will peak through but they are so short that clouds cover them before you know it.  A boycott of quality is just what the Oscars would deserve if “Manchester by the Sea” wins best picture.

** 1/2 Manchester By The Sea- Proving that fine acting is not enough to save a dreary film going no where.