Why Movie Attendance is Dropping

 

Let's Go to the Movies!

When I was around ten years old some of the best movies ever made were put on the big screen.  In fact, I remember one big hit after another.  We were introduced to Indiana Jones, Darth Vader, E.T., The Blade Runner, Mad Max and Christopher Reeve's Superman.  These movies were inventive and thrilling.  I would spend a day in bait beds digging up thousands of nightcrawlers to attend.

We've had some one hit wonders since then but not all quick fire like in the late 70s early 80s.  The Matrix amazed me.  I really enjoyed the second Spider-Man with Tobey Mcquire and Kirsten Dunst.  Doc Octavius was marvelously realized.  Braveheart by Mel Gibson moved me emotionally.  

I enjoyed the "Lord of the Rings" movies but tired of watching actors walk around New Zealand. The first Iron Man seemed to be the role for Robert Downey Jr.  After Iron Man, I felt there were too many characters with inconsistent powers that were not fleshed out enough, in my opinion.

New superhero movies were coming out fast and furious, no pun intended.  The quality of the writing was poor from the get-go to me. 

I went to Furiosa with a free movie ticket not expecting much.  I thought the movie was fun taking us on another tour through the dystopian world of Mad Max, even though he was on the screen for two seconds.

There was me and one other guy watching the movie at 7:00 pm on opening weekend. Great for us but not for the future of movie theatres.  What's going on?  

Covid happened:  People don't want to get all close and chummy with folks they don't know.  We still have a preset comfortable distance in our brains.

Politics:  People that enjoy film like me go to the movies to escape the world around us for a couple of hours.  My favorite things about movies are the beautiful symphonic music, the visual artistry, new ideas to think on, and interesting stories. 

I don't enjoy the fringe politics of the right or the left in my escapist entertainment.  So, if politics are introduced into a movie they should be done in a creative and interesting way. Not the same bipartisan drudgery. 

The duel between Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi, with their mastery of the Force and lightsaber combat, is far more captivating than the politics of Federation Trade Routes.

Now Hollywood seems to be using most of their movies to preach their political stance.  ZZZzzzz!  That is not what I leave my comfortable couch and Costco 44 bags of microwave popcorn for. For the last decade they are using many of their movies to be the political arm of the extreme liberal left.  Boring.  

You've made your message clear.  We get it.  We agree to disagree. Please move along if you want our hard-earned money. 

If they continue to use their stage as a pulpit, movie theatres will continue to lose money.  We are paying for entertainment, not political grandstanding.  

Most of these entertainers don't have much education and pretend to be someone else for a living.  They are also puppets that are told what to say and do by directors and writers for a living. When they speak off screen for themselves it ain't pretty. 

 It ruins the character of Snow White when the actress is snarky and hateful toward men in real life.  Why would I want to watch a movie when the creators tell me the movie is made for a small eccentric audience?

Poor Writing:  I watched the Count of Monte Cristo from 1934 the other night.  It's been released on Amazon Prime video.  Even though the movie was in black and white I was interested.  They really fleshed out the villains and the intricacies of Edmond Dantes' revenge.  The court scene at the end was riveting.

All the movie had was good writing.  The film has aged, and the sound was not that good.  I put on closed captioning.  Nothing visually to feast on or listen to compared to the movies of today.  I understood issues that were unclear in the newest rendition of the movie with Jim Caviezel and Richard Harris.

The older version was better written, I think. 

If this movie was written today, the focus may be on Mercedes (Edmond's Love) and Count Mondego (Edmond's backstabbing friend) with Edmond Dantes being a background character.  Mercedes might be in love with a female servant due to the neglect of both Counts.  

Napolean Boneparte and his politics vs. Mercedes' political stance might be written into the dialogue.  Edmond would probably be a black man and many other characters would be strangely very diverse for Marseille.  The three villains would still be white American men stereotypes, though.  The women would have current hairstyles of gay women in Hollywood.  

Mercedes might swordfight Napolean and Mondego at the end of the movie.  Surprisingly, she is a master of fencing and defeats both swiftly.  Her prowess with the sword might not be explained.  Nevertheless, she would convey to The Count of Monte Cristo that her affections had changed after sixteen years apart, and then sail into the sunset, hand in hand with the maid.

And I would feel that this movie strays too far from the meaning of Alexandre Dumas' French novel.  Even if well made, the movie would not resonate with us much.  We would not feel excited to attend movies made by this director and actress in the future.  

A movie about lesbian lovers and extreme in-depth politics is not interesting entertainment to general audiences, in my opinion. Little current politics and uncommon sexuality in movies goes a long way with most men and women.  Especially children.

I enjoy movies that interest plebians. Interesting stories first. Like over 90 percent of people out there.  If they want me to attend, they need to stop writing weird and uninteresting scenarios in more than 5-10 percent of films. And please label them. Hmmm. Yes.

 Maybe one more rating? We added PG-13 because of "The Temple of Doom".  How about "NA" for not intended for general audiences.  I would really appreciate it. Another might be "FR" which means you are going to see some fringe stuff, especially with sexuality and politics.  If they want movie attendance to improve, they had better come up with some kind of solution.  I don't want to pay for movies about characters I don't understand and don't care about.  Sorry, we are all just human.  Most movies are losing our interest because we can't relate.

Expensive with Inflation:  In 1980, I went to "Empire Strikes Back" for 2 bucks matinee price. I am about to go to "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" with my daughter.  The cost of the ticket is 8.25 matinee price.  Not too costly compared to other theatres in other areas.  

I already eat before I go because concessions are ludicrously priced. The secret to making popcorn taste like at the movies is an unhealthy amount of salt and corn oil. 8 bucks for popcorn and 7 bucks for a drink. I can't imagine going to the movies with a family today.  

That would be 25 bucks or more just to pay for the tickets for a normal sized family. 50 dollars or more to round up the family for a boring poorly written entertainment most of the time.

Streaming and VOD:  Moreover, for 5 bucks we can watch the same movie one month later (or less lately) on our 65–100-inch 4K LED television with a 300-watt soundbar.  The soda and popcorn are plentiful and cheap from Superstores. With their prices for pop, water and corn they must think the theatres have a monopoly on this stuff.

  Also, streaming services are releasing movies from the beginning of cinema till today. 

Something grotesque or offensive presented can be instantly skipped.  You only pay a 5 dollar "Stupid Tax" instead of 50!  Then families never watch another presentation from this producer, actor, or whatever.  Some streaming subscriptions include the latest releases with a relatively low cost of 12 to 15 bucks monthly.

Disney Plus is of special note as I blog:

 

"We want to make men cry" 

 "The Force is Female"

"Star Wars is Gay"

"The Prince in Snow White is a Stalker"

These statements are from Disney's actors and directors!  Are these folks about making a profit anymore?  If I was Disney, they would be fired and sued.  Or sued then fired.

What's going on with this company? They are basically saying "we hate men" and "our shows are not for you, Ted".  "We only want gays and girls coming to our movies".  Okay, as you wish.

I digress, but not much...............................

There are plenty of movies, TV series and miniseries that I missed in the past.  I've never seen "The Maltese Falcon", "Flight of the Phoenix", "Robinson Crusoe", "1989 Lonesome Dove", "Justified", "V" the complete miniseries", "Blue Bloods, Season 10", "The Graduate" and on and on.  

The first 4 Star Wars were the only ones that I was giddy to see anyway.  "The Phantom Menace" was good but not great like the first three, to me.  The Mandalorian was the last interesting one.

I just noticed "The Man in the Iron Mask" starring Richard Chamberlin on Amazon Prime video.  Cool.

I wonder what their take on Alexandre Dumas' story will be?  I'm sure that in 1978, CBS didn't have statements like "Turn off your Television, men!"  I think it was "Don't Touch that Dial, everybody".

What's this? "The Disney Acolyte", "Two Women Conceive Twins".  What the Crud? Too weird for this guy.  And how is this achieved?  Don't Care!

That's why movie theatres are empty and will continue to be. 

I'm tired......................................I wonder if this movie can keep me interested?

Best Cars to Buy when Broke

 

I'm broke and I need a cheap reliable car.

Actually, the car above is not necessarily the best option when money is scarce.  There are better options to get you from point A to point B on the cheap.  Here's the ones I would start looking for:

 

1997-2001 Buick LeSabre

The Buick LeSabre or Buick Park Avenue can be picked up from some elderly persons garage with less than 100,000 miles. Probably shouldn't pay more than 2 to 5 thousand bucks.  You should be able to drive them for another 100,000 miles without major expense. 

I would immediately check the plastic intake manifold plenums to make sure they are not cracked and leaking antifreeze.  The 3800 series II engine is pretty swift and runs for a long time.  When purchasing one I would look for new tires, brakes, and suspension components for an even sweeter deal.

I bought my daughter an Oldsmobile Cutlass when she was attending college.  That thing is still scampering about.  Realize that the LeSabre, Park Avenue, Pontiac Bonneville, and Oldsmobile Cutlass are all GM with different styling and badges.

They have comfortable seats and a smooth ride. They are great when budgets are strained.

1997-2001 Toyota Camry

The 1997-2001 Toyota Camry should cost about 2 to 3 thousand bucks with 150,000 to 200,000 miles on them. Don't be threatened by the high miles.  These boring cars keep running and running with the 2.2-liter engine producing adequate 130 horsepower.  The 3-liter six is even better if it has been maintained. At 200,000 miles valve cover gaskets, oxygen sensors, timing belt, brakes and such will need to be examined.  I've personally seen one that was not ever garaged with over 300,000 miles on the clock.  Find one made in Japan if possible.  

 

The Ford Crown Victoria

Put a rack on the top of the Crown Vic and drivers will slow down every time they see you.  There is good reason the police and taxis use these cars.  They are reliable.  You should be able to find one with less than 100,000 miles for about 2 to 3 thousand bucks.  In north country good snow tires and weight in the trunk may be needed.  They are rear wheel drive.  The Crown Vic is comfortable and powerful.  Don't fall asleep behind the wheel.

I've seen these things with over 300,000 miles and the odometer was not functioning.  They are relatively cheap and easy to keep running.  Because they are bland and unpopular great deals can be had.

2004-2008 Toyota Corolla

The only problem I have with the Corolla is that people want to sell them for 5000 bucks with 200,000 miles on them.  They almost always state "It's a Toyota".  That may be a good deal if they have recently replaced the brakes with rotors, struts, spark plugs with coils and tires.  It also must be meticulously maintained for that price!  The clear coat should still sparkle.

Otherwise, nah!  Better options are out there.  Walk away.

The 1.8-liter engine is peppy moving along such a small car.  Without a timing belt all there is to keep this thing moving is fluid changes.  In other words, basic maintenance.  Avoid the 2.4-liter engine.  This car is for someone that thinks a car should go and stop.

What the buyer has going for them is that the Corolla has been sold more than any other car.  Parts are plentiful and cheap if ever needed. Also, they go 300,000 miles without much effort, so you don't have to shrink away from high mileage.  

Always take cars to a trusted mechanic with a scan tool before handing over the cash.

The Toyota Yaris with the 1.5-liter engine

These little go carts of cars run 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. You can pick one up for 3000 bucks with 200,000 miles and drive them another 100,000 miles or more.  With the 1.5-liter engine these things will run forever.  You will sell it because of being tired of having the same little car.

This small car is for folks that don't even like to think about cars until the maintenance light comes on to change the oil.  We know who we are.

When you are broke, at least your car will be anxiety free. 

The Toyota 2004-2007 Toyota Highlander

These crossovers are basically an overbuilt lifted Toyota Camry.  You will want to pick up one with the 3.3-liter engine that was previously used in the Lexus ES 330.  Avoid the 4 cylinders because of head bolts and oil consumption. The 2005 to 2007 limited models feature lots of safety features not in the earlier models.

I have seen these bland looking SUVs with over 400,000 miles on them still running strong.  If they have been well maintained, you have found a gem. They are available with 200,000 miles on them for around 5000 dollars without a recent timing belt change.  With the timing belt changed they leap up to over 10,000 bucks.  Some people are ridiculous. That's because changing the timing belt cost about 1000 dollars.

However, 6000 bucks should be the new price, not 10!  I wouldn't pay more than 5.

What I would do is negotiate a reduced price below 5000 if the timing belt is due.  I would offer 4000 after getting the machine checked by a trusted mechanic. Watch for oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, wheel bearings, struts and lower ball joints.  If these items still have life, you've found a good one.

Mine has 140,000 miles with everything original except the tires.  Everything works and the car is 18 years old.  The brakes are still at 6 millimeters.  However, this car has never been abused except the staining the cabin mishap last year. Oops. 

We plan to drive this SUV 240,000 miles and then pass it down. I doubt we will get that distance since this is our current second car and we put only 3900 miles on it last year.  That means the next timing belt replacement will be in six years or 160,000 miles. A car that old starts to present little annoyances.

In my opinion these crossovers were the top of Toyota ingenuity.  They are substantial, comfortable, reliable and useful in so many situations. The real 4wd works well. You will feel like you are driving a Lexus.  They can tow 3500 pounds.

I owned a hybrid version first that I loved, but as the miles racked up, I grew concerned about the cost of repairs.  The parts are unique and expensive.  Even though the hybrids can be bought cheaper than the gas only, I would pass on them.

The 2009-2010 Toyota Avalon

I have never personally owned this car.  However, I have heard good reports from family and friends.  They drive them 200,000 miles and sell them to someone else.  They can still be bopping around with 300,000 miles on the clock.  

The 3.5-liter 2GR engine was so trusted that Toyota put them in the Highlander, Sienna Van, Lexus RX, Lexus ES, Rav 4 and Camry.  The price has dropped down to 5-6 thousand bucks for this 270 hp beast.  

With this car the issues to watch for are excessive piston slap, severe oil leaks, and suspension issues.  If the car skipped these problems, you have stumbled onto a good one.

Elderly folks love this Toyota that is comfortable as a Buick.  They are usually garaged by seniors.  There are good deals to be found here.  Unfortunately, I've never owned an Avalon because I find Camrys cheaper with great prices.  My current Camry was 10,250 bucks with 20,000 miles on it. Today, it only has 50K. Sweet.

So, if I woke up tomorrow with a low bank account, I would trust these cheap cars to help me through.  I might fly to a destination after many conversations with the owner and pics of the Carfax report.  I would take the car to a mechanic of my choice with a scan tool. I would hand the owner 2-5 thousand bucks cash and drive the thing home.  Don't write anything on the title.

Another 100,000 miles would last me 10 years or more.  There are other models that I could look into like the Lexus RX 330-350, Lexus ES 330-350, Scion Xa, Scion Xd, the Mazda 3.  Some are more expensive, and I don't have much experience with these cars.  Body on frame trucks are way too expensive in my opinion for a person who is broke.  I'm just too cheap!

I'm tired and need a shower.............................

 

                                                                                                                                 

Pining for the End Times?

 

This type of world is not what I pine for.

However, it is obvious to me that some tough times are on the horizon.  Our government keeps pushing inflation to make paying their debts more manageable in the future.  There are viruses coming that we have no answer for.  Folks are not paid wages to keep up with inflation.  We have a serious housing supply problem that I don't see being solved any time soon. These problems are in the wealthiest nation in the world. Moreover, war tensions in the Middle East are a powder keg.  I could state 100 more concerns right off the top of my head.

Well, aren't I Mr. Happy? We are looking for answers and wonder how this all is going to work out. The future looks pretty bleak no matter how I slice it. The only good answer that I find is in the Bible.  That God is going to intervene and save us.  All I have to say is "Whew!" Thank goodness there is a God.

Some folks believe that human ingenuity is going to save the day.  I don't have enough faith to believe that.  Everything we accomplish is imperfect.  This statement is coming from a man that owns two of the most reliable cars ever built.  Both Camrys.  They are boring middle class cars but very reliable with regular maintenance.  They really can go hundreds of thousands of miles if not abused.

This artificial intelligence we have created will most likely be the end of us all. Have you seen Terminator, Blade Runner or any such A.I movie?  They are almost always horror.  We all know that creating machines that are smarter than us is problematic.  The machines first order of business is to always destroy their creator. Seems about right. Yet, we create these things anyway.

But I digress.........................

I do not pine for such times, the opposite in fact. But the outcome seems inevitable. We haven't figured out how to run an economy that isn't built on continual growth. We have problems that are an enigma. The only good news that I find is in the scriptures in reality.  That there will be only seven years of this dystopian stuff (those that love God will escape) followed by the return of God to be a benevolent King. In fact, the Bible says there will be heaven on earth for all eternity.  Who wouldn't love having a loving, kind, and all sufficient king?  

The answer is human beings.  Not me, but future generations rebel against God again. That's after Jesus rules for 1000 years.  Hard to believe but the Bible has been accurate thus far.

The big deception today is that we will save ourselves from mounting problems.  That we are little gods or some sort of nonsense in this line of thinking.  All the while antisemitism is on the rise, again. Just like before WW2 with Adolf Hitler.  Belligerence and lawlessness abound more than usual. Just like crime was so high in the 1970s last time.  Remember the "War on Crime?" Just watch.  If the wrong candidate is elected, looting and burning of cities will start up, again. Just like 2016-2020.  All from the political party of love and tolerance. If burning businesses is the utopian future the extreme left wants you can count me out. 

My hope is in Jesus Christ of the Bible.  It's obvious that humankind needs a savior.  We seem to never learn from our past mistakes.  If the Bible is an amazing myth, then there is no hope for any of us in this world.

Since the 70s I have seen things get worse and worse in America.  

I never imagined in the 80s that I was watching the golden age of movies.  Today movies are action heavy devoid of ideas and good storytelling on the whole.  I think most movies today are rubbish repeating the same beats over and over.  In fact, I see cinemas closing across this nation if current trends don't change.

What happened to the days of Empire Strikes Back, Blade Runner, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Dragon Slayer, The first Superman movies, The Wrath of Kahn and the list goes on and on.  The first two Terminator movies were astonishing and still hold up today.  Today we get angry stoic women acting like men in movies that are a knockoff of the great movies above.  They are not resonating with me at all.  I did enjoy Furiosa but understand why most people skipped it.  The Road Warrior it ain't.

I can hardly drive anywhere without someone almost running into me.  Speed is the main issue. Also, stop signs seem to be a suggestion today.

I can't even watch the local news without being overwhelmed by a lot of bad news.  The news from around the world is horrifying.

How is this all going to end?  

If there is no God, human beings are circling the drain.  I really mean that statement.  Apart from God I foresee nuclear holocaust, escalating war, old countries with few offspring, and murder becoming the norm in every aspect of life.  Especially infants and the elderly are vulnerable.  Within a couple of centuries A.I. will be the predominant species on this planet.

I'm tired.................................more later.

 

 

Trump's Going to Prison?

 

This image is popping up everywhere right now.

I see on YouTube clickbait ads that Donald Trump is headed for jail.  34 felonies? Sounds serious. That he used hush money or some sort of monetary mismanagement.  All of this money spent to convict a former president, and this is his heinous act? Oh, brother.  How long has it been since our judicial system started this expensive goofy process?  Three years?  And this is all they have accomplished?  That Trump defrauded the IRS?  And we are talking about 130,000 bucks!  What happened to Russian Collusion or insurrections?

If it took this kangaroo court 3 years to accomplish this major feat, how long would it take to prove anything of importance? It appears to this blogger that there is no "there"......there.

We are being deceived, again.  We must realize that almost all the news channels are now the National Enquirer or People Magazine.  That just about everything we hear or read today is akin to Elvis sightings, or the return of Bat Boy. 

When I am checking out at Safeway or Walmart, I see these kinds of announcements all the time.  "Tom Cruise has Meltdown over Nicole's new Boy Toy".  "Oprah Winfrey admits 10-year Depression Stint".  "Swift and Kelce have Shouting Match at Mall". 

Then later on the "deception box", "Donald Trump convicted of 34 Felonies!" "Jail Him Now!" "Trump Behind Bars!"  Why does anyone watch these exaggerators?

 If we want to save ourselves a lot of stress and anxiety in this country, we learn to dismiss quickly what our news outlets are exposing.  Their main audience seems to be depressed people who revel in the suffering of others.

Trump will most likely not see a single day behind bars.  How can I know that?  History.  I read it. He may be fined, and the bill will be picked up by the GOP.  

In fact, I see this as a possible ploy in Donald Trump's favor.  In the sight of most of this country Trump is being oppressed by this country's largest political party.  These sad pics of Trump behind bars may backfire on the democratic party in a major way.  I would say this all is scripted if I didn't know any better.  Americans love "bad boys", martyrs or the oppressed.  

Why do you think college students are protesting for a terrorist organization?  They see Israel as the more powerful nation and the oppressor.

Donald Trump is most hated for being a bully.  And the liberal strategy is to be the bigger bully.  I don't get it. I foresee these actions galvanizing Trumps's fan base more than anything else. 

Are we being punked?

We'll see.......................................I'm tired 

The Comparison Game

 

The Comparison Game can be expensive.

I have a valid reason for no longer visiting Facebook. The platform makes it too tempting to compare myself with others, who often post about their exotic vacations, new vehicles, or various possessions in their homes.  

And they are broke!  They are stinkin' broke!  It is understood that over 70 percent of Facebook users are in debt, a fact established by mathematical analysis. More than 70 percent have recurring credit card balances each month. Moreover, those in their 50s or 60s often lack substantial retirement savings. Check it out. 

Despite being aware of the facts, we often succumb to the trap of comparison. An inner urge compels us to measure ourselves against others. Many Americans spend excessively on consumables in an attempt to appear a rung higher on the social ladder than their peers. Eventually, they realize that they cannot sustain such a pretentious lifestyle and end up overwhelmed with stress. Consequently, they resort to complaining on radio shows about the high cost of living. The advice often boils down to two actions: "Sell the car" and "Sell the house," which usually seems to be the right course of action.  

Why can't they figure out what they need to do on their own?  They can't understand a logical mindset because they are caught up in the comparison game.  This looney radio host is basically telling each caller to get off the social ladder.  They almost always come back with "this is our cheapest option, though".  They are intoxicated with status.

In retirement, we will need to learn quickly to stay away from ladders.  Both literally and metaphorically.

Indeed, a disciplined plan for allocating funds throughout our lives is essential, lest we face actual poverty. I refrain from comparing my financial strategy to others, as it's much like comparing apples to oranges.

Our goal is to drive our Highlander beyond 200,000 miles. At this stage, the purchasing decisions of others to boost their status are irrelevant to us. Adopting this mindset sooner rather than later, in my experience, leads to greater happiness. Similarly, we aim to take our Camry past the 200,000-mile mark. I was aware of a frustrating flaw when purchasing it. The Camry has been utterly reliable thus far, yet they tend to develop minor transmission issues between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. I understand the cause of this issue and the method to fix it, as well as the fact that the repair will cost around two thousand dollars. Embracing this mindset has significantly saved us money and reduced stress.

Now, many will act surprised when their vehicles break down.  Not me. We are not puzzled because I study about everything that we buy and, in the process, irritate my wife.  We buy cars that we can afford to purchase twice. In other words, if we cannot immediately replace the car we're driving with cash, then the car is too expensive for us.

It's just my way, and not for everyone.  The only thing I want to worry about if a car is demolished is the occupant.  Fortunately, there are a lot of good used cars out there, too. If we were in a pinch, I would purchase a 1997-2001 Camry with 200,000 miles or less (Put together in Japan). They last 300,000 miles with relatively inexpensive repairs. Also, I know how to maintain them. 

 In retirement, I view cars purely as means of transportation.  Not to assert my financial standing.  We could have saved a significant amount of money had I embraced this perspective sooner. To maintain this mindset, it's crucial to steer clear of comparing ourselves to others.

Adopting a mindset of contentment in all areas of our lives can lead to significant savings. This sense of satisfaction can also shield us from anxiety and stress. Overindulging in social media or what I call "the Deception Box" often leaves us feeling profoundly inadequate. It's also wise to avoid the company of perpetually insecure and discontent individuals who thrive on competition in every aspect of their existence. Allow them to follow their path while you gracefully detach. 

The prevalence of pretense is notable. Recently, I observed a young woman in her twenties with a newborn, getting into a brand-new Toyota 4Runner at Costco. The vehicle boasted an attractive orange stripe. I concede that the vehicle is impressive. Yet, it's improbable that she could afford such a premium SUV without substantial wealth, as they're priced around $50,000, and this one appeared to be a limited edition with distinct words on the seats and unique rims, not to mention it was impeccably clean and shiny. It seems there's a considerable chance she's not genuine wealth, although it's also possible she works extremely hard to afford such a luxury.

It amuses me to see an 80-year-old man or woman pull up to the pump in a massive hyper-diesel truck. They may well afford it, but the sight is quite humorous and curious to me. Explain why they own such a rig in the comment section.  What kind of work can they get done? Indeed, people are a source of entertainment.

But I digress............................

See what I mean with this comparison thing?  Should we buy a 50,000-to-100,000-dollar truck to keep up?  Not unless we a multi-millionaires. And there are only 1 million of these folks out of 360 million population.  That fact means that 359 million of us cannot afford such a liability.  I retired early and am diligently saving money to ensure my wife can also retire.  Thus, no to expensive machines.

Indeed, it's not uncommon to see expensive trucks parked in front of inexpensive housing here. In our area, nearly every second vehicle on the road is a newer large truck. A front-wheel drive car equipped with quality tires can navigate our roads quite safely and effectively. Even those of us with four-wheel drive vehicles choose to stay home on certain winter days. Put simply, they are excessive.

The game of comparison leads to absurd situations where people possess far more than necessary yet remain dissatisfied. Indeed, these are often the angriest and most despondent individuals we encounter. It's the reason why a couple might occupy a 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom house, why there's a market for new cell phones annually, and why people purchase seven-dollar coffees. 

In the scriptures this spirit is called covetousness. Christians are strictly forbidden to participate in these games.  Instead, we are to be stewards of all we have and always generous.  Unfortunately, this nonsense besets the best of us.  

Observing that shiny truck yesterday led me to this line of thought about the importance of being mindful of our thinking patterns.

I'm tired........................................later

We are Going to Serve Someone

 

Having the one true Master is true success!

I explored Larry Burkett's financial teachings in the 90s. Later, in 2013, I discovered Dave Ramsey's books at the local library. Their teachings offer remarkable insights into escaping consumer debt. The pages contain some truly profound thoughts. Surprisingly, they also suggest committing to a new form of bondage. What the crud? I'll explain more in later blogs.

 I read the book "Die Broke," and interestingly, similar to the previous two authors, the latter half of the book advocates the opposite of its title, focusing on how to preserve your wealth. I was under the impression that the goal was to have the check to the undertaker bounce, to pass away with nothing, akin to the film "Brewster's Millions." Alas, it seems the author had a compelling point initially.

I stumbled upon a blog by a Canadian finance guru. He had some impressive insights, but then he suggested riding a bicycle in freezing temperatures to "save the planet." Recently, a 34-year-old former student of mine was fatally hit by an SUV. I find both bicycles and SUVs to be problematic. Moreover, he advocates for extreme frugality, yet he bought a brand-new Tesla for $70,000! It's baffling. I'm curious about how he justifies this to his followers, but I detest reading comment sections. Perhaps it was an April Fool's joke. Regardless, I have no intention of navigating a 10-speed amidst traffic.

Chattel slavery, the ownership of another human being, is indeed condemned in scripture, unless it is misinterpreted as some ancestors did. Conversely, indentured servitude, which involves working for someone for a set period, is acceptable. According to scripture, the maximum duration was seven years, and the servant had the right to leave if treated cruelly. However, in America, the practice of indentured servitude has been taken to extreme levels.

If our livelihood depends on our job to the extent that we fear severe loss, then we are akin to indentured servants. These servants often drive the same vehicles and inhabit similar dwellings as the wealthy and independent persons, blurring the lines between classes. Imagine if all debts were called in tomorrow with the alternative being imprisonment; the result would be shocking. Only 23 percent of the country would remain free people. It's fortunate that debtor's prisons are a thing of the past, eh?

In America, there are innumerable overlords, and one of life's challenges is to avoid as many as possible. Although I'm not currently employed, I'm still subject to some local authorities. For instance, if we fail to pay $270 monthly in property taxes, we risk losing our townhouse. This wouldn't happen immediately, as there would be several annual warnings. For a while, it might seem like we're evading taxes. However, Wesley Snipes' experience shows the consequences of such an approach. 

Transporting oneself over long distances can be costly, but to avoid navigating among fast-moving projectiles with inattentive drivers, one would need a metal protective transportation box. This safety equipment is also subject to taxation. 

 If we need fuel for our vehicle, then we also pay taxes for the roads we travel on. It may seem absurd, but it's part of the American Dream, isn't it? These are just a few of the living expenses that come to mind.

The tariffs in question were established by voters a century prior to our birth, and they appear inescapable. While living off the grid and cultivating our own food remains a possibility, it's debatable whether it constitutes an improvement over our present lifestyle. In the end, we probably find ourselves serving others, though some may be kinder than others. My resolve is to steer clear of the most tyrannical authorities that our nation continues to permit to rule.

The credit card overlords (Consumer debt):  These companies are quite predatory. They entice you with their services at the start of college, offering low interest rates to buy almost anything within a set spending limit. However, this revolving interest rate is misleading and subject to change without notice. Before we knew it, we had been tied to their service for over a decade, and disentangling ourselves was challenging. We have family and friends who are still involved with these companies. Nevertheless, we have fulfilled our obligations and will not go back.

The moving metal overlords (Cars):  Commercials are constantly broadcasted on television, showcasing individuals in their sleek, shiny cars, singing along to music. They seem joyful and attractive with sunglasses on, hair fluttering in the breeze, exuding wealth and freedom. Such imagery inspires us to emulate them, leading us to visit the local Car Dealership. Unfortunately, they don't have the high-status vehicle we desire, only a more affordable model. The sales team spends hours persuading us that this car will meet our needs perfectly, claiming that it's a sought-after item and we might lose the opportunity to own it.  

After being persuaded that this gleaming status symbol was indispensable, they devised ways for us to acquire this amalgam of plastic and metal. For a term of 60 months at a 14 percent interest rate, we could operate this apparatus that promised to enhance our lives. Indeed, the company was correct, but only for the initial month. 

We reveled in our elevated self-regard and the device's performance. However, it soon became apparent that the costs were higher than anticipated, and we sought to return this financial drain. We found ourselves ensnared, facing only undesirable choices. It turned out we had been misled regarding the transaction and the state of the shiny object. A 60-month contract for a service item felt like an eternity.  

We've learned our lesson and won't purchase a vehicle in this manner again. It's absurd to become virtually enslaved to a device that requires as much upkeep from us as the service it provides. It's wiser to purchase mechanical devices outright and save funds for their maintenance. I refuse to be at the beck and call of a machine ever again. My hope is to use my current vehicle until it's no longer operable, and I've set aside funds for its replacement.

It's easy to sidestep these overlords since the transaction necessitates our physical presence and a writing tool. Exercise extreme caution when signing on the dotted line and maintain a distance from professional salespeople. They excel in their craft and should never be underestimated. 

Countless times, I've stopped by "stealerships" just to look and found myself making a purchase.  They are masters at selling status, a realization that often dawns on us much later. We will not serve car debt ever again. If you're a man under 40, they've already got you pegged. Don't boast about outsmarting the car salesman; the car was bought after all. So, who really outsmarted whom? 

The property overlords (The Forever Home): The concept of a forever home may not apply to humans today unless we consider nursing homes, urns or 6 feet down. Our culture is nomadic, gravitating towards better opportunities. Our townhouse fits our current needs, but the future is uncertain. Significant changes, especially concerning the health of loved ones, could occur within the next five years. Moreover, my wife's job must become more manageable to prevent certain burnout. 

Wood, sheetrock and paint are terrible masters. We have to mend the structure constantly or it will collapse.  We have to keep the devices in our box functioning or depreciation will result.  All human beings need four walls to protect us from the weather, but some people decide to be in bondage to their habitat for bizarre reasons.  

The costliest mindset regarding our humble abode stems from the comparison trap. For instance, our countertops were installed in 2007. Since then, many have upgraded their culinary worktops to various woods or stones. The problem is, while our surfaces are in top-notch condition, they appear quite mundane next to the modern, gleaming stone slabs. What should be our next step?

This type of behavior to us is a total waste of funds.  These types of changes are silly when what is already in place is perfectly serviceable. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Securing a place to rest our heads is already costly. Yet, some choose to transform their homes into grandiose statements. White appliances have fallen out of favor, replaced by stainless steel ones that suggest culinary expertise. Despite this, my culinary skills extend to preparing spaghetti and meatballs from Costco. 

We replaced our 18-year-old appliances as they had worn out. We're hopeful that the new ones will also last for 18 years. A decade from now, whatever the latest trend may be, it won't matter to us. As long as the dishwasher functions well, its appearance is of no concern.  

But I digress...............................

We don't wish to be at the service of a house; rather, we want our costly structure to serve us. That's the reason we paid off the 'four walls' ahead of time and only replace things as necessary. And indeed, necessity does arise. In addition to new appliances, this residence required a new roof last year. Ouch!

Indeed, most homeowners find themselves replacing nearly every part of the structure after living in it for several decades. This includes even the floor surfaces. Yet, this scenario is often referred to as the "American Dream," the "Forever Home," or some such term.

Math enthusiasts have crunched the numbers on renting versus buying. Surprisingly, the long-term savings of owning a home over renting aren't as substantial as one might think. How is this possible? 

Consider that every 15 years, a home typically requires a new roof, flooring or carpet, and appliances tend to reach the end of their lifespan. As a renter, these are concerns for the landlord. However, as a homeowner, these expenses fall squarely on your shoulders.

What are the benefits of investing in a plot of land with a box on it? Such a property can be sold for a substantial sum in times of need. The equity in our home provides financial flexibility for the future. It can be leveraged to fund long-term care. As someone who values frugality, I recognize significant savings by not frequently upgrading my residence for the sake of status.

Many people watch an excessive amount of television and are persuaded that a fully functional household item requires replacement. The pressure mounts when all the neighbors engage in this facade. Moreover, stainless steel in the kitchen is outdated, and "black stainless steel" is the current trend. And next year this trend may switch to "white stainless steel" or some such nonsense. The salespersons could bring back the orange, brown, and yellows of the 70s! Then what are we going to do?

 Our 55-inch TV, with only a 4k resolution and 144-megahertz refresh rate, pales in comparison to the 65-inch model with a 240-megahertz refresh rate—or so they say.  We really can't see the stark contrast since our eyes are wearing out and we watch reruns.

These are the three worst masters in America, in our opinion, since they demand so much time, money, and stress.  Makes sure that the cars and houses serve you.  There is no upside with predatory lenders like credit cards.

The Best Master in the World: The supreme master is the God of the 66 books of the Scriptures. We have devoted most of our lives to His service and can affirm His goodness. Although we were warned about the dreadful masters, we did not take heed of those cautions.

He advised us against borrowing money, likening it to slavery. Despite this, we continued to use credit cards and other forms of borrowing. In hindsight, He was absolutely right.

He advised us to be satisfied with what we have. Had I heeded this advice, we might only be on our third or fourth vehicle by now. It's disheartening to consider the amount of money we've squandered in transportation.

In our time on Earth, serving others is a universal calling. Choosing to serve only oneself often leads to negative outcomes, which is a common reason for the dissolution of marriages. Pursuing material possessions also tends to result in disillusionment and sorrow. Thus, the most fulfilling path is to devote oneself to serving the Creator and fellow human beings to the greatest extent possible.

I'm tired and my back hurts.................................................................later.

Where is America in the Bible?

 

This question has troubled me since my youth. Where's the USA?

Firstly, the good news: if we love God, the following thoughts do not concern us. The early Christians were not terrified by the prospect of Rome's fall. They faced real and immediate dangers daily, not just theoretical ones. They were largely unafraid of what the world threw at them. Our nation's western liberal mindset often conflicts with the mindset prescribed by scripture. We are called to be a light, revealing who Jesus Christ is, regardless of where we are born or reside. We are to act as salt, preserving the moral integrity of the nation we inhabit from rapid moral decay. We are to strictly adhere to a biblical mindset. 

Sadly, we are watching our elected servants stray from scriptural truth for relativism. That's not what bothers me the most. The United States of America is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, which is surprising given its historical support for Israel. Moreover, the U.S. military is considered to be significantly more powerful than that of other nations, boasting ten aircraft carriers compared to China's single, older one. The U.S. is also home to a large Christian population, with many Christians worldwide residing in the country. Known for its prosperity, the U.S. attracts many seeking work opportunities. Additionally, the American Church is recognized for sending numerous missionaries globally, and the country's intellectual athletic and cultural achievements are celebrated worldwide. 

All of these facts, undisputed, the Bible says nada.  What's going on?  Here's a prime example.  I've studied Ezekial's future prophesy and heard it preached. Why does God have to save Israel from a Russian-Iran alliance without America's help? (Ezekiel 36-39) This alliance which was improbable before 2010 has now come to full fruition. Where is America? We have policed the world for over a century, but when the Jews desperately need us-no involvement at all? According to this prophecy no nation comes to their aid.

I feel the answer is clear to my thinking, but for a patriot like me this reality is hard to wrap my head around. America as we know it is obviously missing, absent, gone! Not here! if biblical prophesies have anything to say about it.

What do you mean not here, Ted?  The United States of America no longer exists sometime in the near future according to the Jewish prophets. That's if we believe this library of books has any truths in the pages at all.  According to the prophet Daniel and the Apostle John the USA is a non-event, possibly.  Or at least a hidden mystery.  I suspect the latter.

I believe the United States of America was a gift of God for the nation of Israel and for His expanding church.  But only for a short season.  The world is shrinking rapidly, and the evils of the east are back in spades.  There never was any stopping these spirits from old, only restraining for a time. And America is not as vigilant as we used to be. We allow worse evil acts to be done in this nation than when Manasseh was king of Israel. That's one of the reasons I'm saddened by the decisions we've made in the name of progress. 

God cast his chosen people out of their promised land into Babylonian captivity under pagans because of their wicked king.  What's the future of America?  Our elected officials have promoted far worse than King Manasseh. Look him up on Wikipedia.  

The tower of Babel is back with AI. In other words, languages are not an obstacle keeping the human race separated much longer. There is a new app called Babbel, I think. According to scripture, there will be nothing human beings will not be able to do and most likely destroy ourselves without the intervention of God. 

The American education system has been promoting communism, fascism, democratic socialism, and secular humanism since I was a student.  Most students know very little of the Bible, today. But they can rattle off all of the genders upon request. Most administrators and teachers are atheistic and teach atheistic concepts devoid of any scriptural truths.  One of my last principals stated, "evolution is a fact, Ted, and not to be disputed." When did evolution move from theory to fact? In the schools I attended and taught, in my experience, I never met a single teacher or administrator that openly opposed abortion. Except me.   If they did, I didn't know about it. My favorite teacher supported abortion. He let me know his belief after I sang at an anti-abortion rally in Montana. He let me know that he was angry with God after the tragic death of his brother.

The entertainment industry plays a significant role in influencing people's minds. Some Americans don't know if they are a man or a woman.  They also present same sex couples in nearly every movie and tv sitcom as the American norm when they can't procreate. And now we need foreigners to come to our country to pick our food. And don't have enough population to support social security past 2034. Looks ridiculous on the written page, doesn't it, but there it is.  Seems straightforward to my mind. Strong families mean strong communities and by default a strong country.  Two men or two women can't produce a family. If 50 percent of our population is queer, like our entertainment purports our nation can't survive let alone thrive. It's all just so stupid.

But I digress.......................................... 

These ideologies are why some college students hate God and Israel.  These young adults don't even know why they hate them. To them it inexplicable. A reporter asked them in an interview, and they really can't articulate it. That is why there are protests all over the United States on elite college campuses as I write. Biblical scholars know the reason.  The true ruler of this present world system hates the descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, vehemently. It is a worldly spiritual hatred.  I think it is odd to hate a group of people when we don't know why, let alone the Jews.  Remember WW2? Haven't they been hated enough, throughout history? 

What was I thinking about? "Merica!!"..........................................

The only conclusion I can draw is that an event in the near future removes America from the global forefront. It seems America was a mystery in the scriptures and will be removed by a mystery disclosed by the Apostle Paul.

Just imagine for a moment that 50+ million people disappeared suddenly from America alone. I know I can't fathom the impact that would have on this country.  The 9/11 attacks resulted in the loss of 3,000 lives and brought the nation to an almost complete standstill. The 2019 virus that spread globally indeed brought America to a standstill, and in my view, it prolonged that state excessively. It is only with hindsight that we recognize the extent of the overreaction.

I am referring to something Paul penned in Greek as "harpazo".  It written as rapture in the Latin Bible, but modern translations say, 'caught up'. Most folks even in the church today do not fully comprehend the reality of such a sudden drastic event.  I'm beginning to really ponder on it lately.  I don't know why.

First of all, America has a 34 trillion-dollar deficit! That's 34 Trillion dollars in debt to others.  A significant part of that debt is owed to communistic China. That's really uncomfortable to me.

Allow me to set a scenario here.

Who's going to disappear according to scripture? Snarky light is on. Those preachy weirdos.  The "Nazarenes" or "little Christs" are often seen as rule followers, called to serve and assist others. They work so hard to please others and come across as the "Pollyanna" type. What are they trying to prove? Irritants! They don't drink smoke or chew or run with us who do. Snarky light off. 

 We just see what needs to get done and step in. That's all. Who else is going to do it? I choose to babysit my grandson instead of spending all day playing video games or doing as I please. Why? Because I'm driven to offer help whenever and wherever possible. Don't misunderstand; I do set limits, but assisting others brings me joy.  That's the Spirit of Christ.

My wife, the director of nursing, receives over 20 phone calls daily, even on her days off. She answers because she feels a strong obligation to assist those who have questions.

I don't know if I will be counted worthy to be snatched up in the rapture of the worldwide church.  I hope and pray so, but there are some days when I don't feel saintly. However, If she doesn't go, I don't know who will. 

She is a Christian woman whose absence would be deeply felt. Many new nurses in her branch rely heavily on her wisdom. If she were to disappear, it would cause widespread confusion in Home Health and Hospice throughout our valley. Imagine then, the impact of missing workers like her on a national level.

People will be running around questioning everyone in listening distance. Where are my children? Where is my spouse? Where has the firefighter gone? Where are the police officers? Where is our pilot? Individuals will be missing from every aspect of daily life, and not just any individuals, but the most motivated workers among us. People will be frantic, searching for their children. My blog "Where are the Missing People?" answers this. 

Friends, family, and colleagues will be present one moment and gone the next. This realization will bring a mix of fear, demoralization, and emptiness. I don't think a single event will utterly devastate America, but it may well be the initial domino to fall, starting a chain reaction. 

Our military will be in disarray with persons missing from their posts. And just think of it.  No other nation would be affected the way the USA would. A lot of "Jesus Freaks" in the US military service. Some countries might find the USA vulnerable and probably would not be able to pass up the opportunity for attack or plunder.

The economy that is already stressed to the limit with debt would implode.  Industry and agriculture would be halted.  There would be an economic depression that would make 1929 look like a walk in the park. There wouldn't be enough workers to keep the huge machine chugging along. I am probably naive to all of the ramifications that would happen in this arena.

Who remains to manage this situation?  Atheistic folks, that's who! That have to explain why these troublemakers have vanished. I'm not sure what their answers will be, but they for sure will not give credit to God of the Jews or Church. Unfortunately, most American politicians will still be here, because they practice deceit for a living. The Bible states those that practice lying cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.

Would a marginalized America inflame WW3?  Most Likely.  I think it may have already started in the middle east. Would there be a major shift of power in the world? For sure.  Would there be a nuclear incident?  The prophets in the Bible describe events in the future that symbolize nuclear conflict to me. So, biblically, yes.  But relax, these thoughts do not involve those that love God.

In fact, America is so powerful and technologically advanced, I cannot foresee any other event that would have enough impact to take America out of its current leadership role. There is the sovereignty of God, of course, but that is what I am basically musing about. Jesus Christ starts these events personally with the taking of His bride. That is basically what the rapture is. It's an interesting fact that Jesus started the events of His crucifixion speaking to Judas Iscariot in the upper room.  It makes sense to me that Jesus will start a sequence of events to draw Israel back to Himself too.

 Here's my thinking on this scenario of America being attacked. We would have to be significantly marginalized for anyone to dare attack us with nuclear weapons. That illogical move would be a zero-sum game. We would lay any nations involved a sea of glass which would make biblical prophesies about Israel impossible in the future. God has specific plans for almost every enemy of the US and Israel.  The same nations really. Something would have to happen for our enemies to muster up the courage to attack us in the first place. If anyone reading this fully understands the size and power of the American military, they would be awestruck. I am not bragging on America, but just stating reality. 

The other scenario that could cripple this country would be severe famine. However, America and Israel have amazing advances in producing food.  Before a significant US famine something else would have to set this scenario up. The Israelis are masters at using drip irrigation to produce bountiful crops. It's interesting. Israel has made desert land flourish. America would most likely adopt these technologies if a significant drought happened. Furthermore, a large portion of our food comes from all over the world.  This scenario just doesn't work, does it?

What about the scenario of our government burning the constitution and giving all power to a global power? Really? we won't even give up our firearms or gas guzzling lifted pickups. One of the #1 selling vehicles in America is the Ford F-150 pickup truck. After that it's the Toyota 4runner. The #1 vehicle is not the Toyota Prius no matter what anyone believes. Electric vehicles are a non-starter. What scenario would have to happen for the average American to allow the constitution to be discarded? Furthermore, give all authority over of our country to a Muslim politician from the region of Syria (ancient Assyria or Persia)? Those scholars that still think the anti-Christ will be from Europe haven't done their due diligence.  In other words, "ain't gonna happen!" I can't see someone that drives a F-150 or 4Runner to 'Wendys' or 'Chick- Fila' liking this scenario one bit.  There has to be a significant change from my perspective.

 As for the willfully ignorant Hollywood elite, this brilliant politician's first order of business would be to round up all of the gays and gender confused for execution.  The very folks that the Hollywood elite has an obsession with right now.  Don't believe me that this could happen? History tends to repeat itself. Check out the people that were labeled with a pink triangle during WW2. Homosexuality is not a new idea created in the USA. There have been gays since the beginning of the human race.  The Third Riech embraced them at first. Adolf Hitler was a brutal type of the anti-Christ, but America helped defeat him.  I believe the devil always has a man ready to step up.  The irony is that young adults attending elite colleges are protesting for people that truly hate them and their way of life.  

So, this scenario seems impossible as of this writing.  50 percent of our country might accept this leader in the future through government coercion under a conglomerate of nations.  However, we were raised in the world of Florida and Montana and there are 50 percent of this country that is definitely not ready for this scenario.  We cherish our rugged individualism and good luck waiting for that attitude to change. 

Even most western women aren't ready to be subjugated by a Muslim male leader and put under Sharia Law. To my thinking, this is the most unlikely scenario right now and guess what the scriptures say?  This man of sedition comes first. And America is supposed to fall right under his rule? Yep, first, the man of peace (a false peace), next all out WW3, then famine, and finally a lot of people perishing. In fact, 1/3 of the planet's population. What's the population of the world right now?  8.1 billion! We are talking billions of people dead in three years, and it all starts with the world giving all power to this one man.  This will not be allowed by the US voters without something much more significant preparing the way. 

That leads me to my point.  Something has to happen to the good ol' "US of A" for any of the above scenarios to unfold.  America is problematic, especially those pesky Christians.  We are not automatons following whatever the government prescribes for us to do. We must be made vulnerable and marginalized by God, Himself. And I think that is exactly what God will do.  With all of our technology and nuclear weapons the United States will be taken down easily and quickly.

How will God weaken America?  By a fire that He will send down to burn up the evil folks doing evil deeds. Nope, He really doesn't enjoy burning up His creation with fire. How about allowing our land to be nuked and become uninhabitable?  Probably not with so many Noahs and Lots living in this land. After the Rapture, I'm not sure.

Remember, the angels had to get Lot and his wife out of the city.  God provided a lot of time and a way for Noah and his family to be moved safely above the devastation that was going on below. These were the two specific analogies that Jesus used for believers when He returns as a thief in the night. Notice that they both went up and out of a place before the destruction.  What's Jesus stealing? Those that belong to Him. My wife for sure. That's interesting, isn't it?

America must fall for the United Roman Empire and the Assyrian to rise.  It's a sad thought, but otherwise the prophesies and promises concerning Israel don't make any sense to me.

All God will do is remove the salt and light from the world and the nations will collapse like a carefully placed row of dominos. And no one will see it coming. Except me. 

That's why The United States of America is not mentioned in the entire Bible.

I'm depressed and tired..................................... later.