Author: Editor

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Fashion

Apple TV+

Apple has entered the content business in the form of a new streaming service. Apple’s TV+ is the Cupertino’s answer to household name “Netflix”.  No one can accuse the tech giant of being cheap. With an open check book, Tim Cook went to Hollywood to get the biggest names in show business. Spielberg, Oprah, Jennifer Anniston, J.J. Abrams to name a few were onstage introducing new shows.

Better late than never but there are many entrenched players.  HBO/AT&T has a head-start while super content owner Disney has brand titles to insure a competitive advantage for its soon to be launched service. What type of content chances will the service take? Getting the attention of Millennial Apple users may prove difficult. These viewers tune into edgier programs by YouTubers.  Let’s face facts, Apple is not the same tech juggernaut it was 3 years ago. Sales of iPhones have slowed. Currently, there are no buzz worthy products in the pipeline. 

Money Does Not Always Buy The Best

The film business has been luring deep pockets investors with stars in their eyes for decades. Many came in with enthusiasm, many left humbled. Kennedy patriarch and father of a President, Joseph, at RKO Radio Pictures sold his interest in the always unstable studio in the early 1930’s. Insurance giant Transamerica became the parent company of United Artists only to sell after the “Heaven’s Gate” crash. Coca Cola’s tumultuous seven year ownership of Columbia Pictures resulted in “Ishtar”. Matsushita’s foray with Universal made a case study of corporate culture clashes leading up to the “Waterworld” nightmare. Apple’s advantage is its relationships to talent but it could take time to generate a program on the cultural level of “Game of Thrones”.

My concern, could Apple loose its creative edge to focus on a business segment that can be fickle. Merging, talent, software, and hardware is not an easy feat.  Sony has been trying for 30 years with little to show. 

Success in a crowded field will be built around the company’s $250 billion in the bank.   This could be good or bad.  Time will tell. 

Categories
Feature Travel

36 Hour Recharge

A short recharge is worth it. Stay tuned for more.

Categories
Cinema Feature

Star Wars on the Rocks!

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away. Those words, etched in my memory from the first time I saw Star Wars A New Hope. Certain films mark my childhood. Luke, Leia, and Han have been a part of my life since 1977. The world Lucas created of simple good against evil is loosing its appeal. Relying more on brand worship than wondrous story telling. 

Why is Disney destroying the franchise? With every recent Star Wars media franchise launched in cinema or on television, the lack of creativity pulse is painfully noticeable. Assembly line production has taken its toll. As if the creators have been digging through Lucasfilm trash bins searching for ideas. “The Last Jedi”, story plots, characters felt all piled in blender then poured on the screen. Skywalker as a crazed lone Jedi did not click. Even the most ardent fans struggled defending Rian Johnson’s eight franchise entry-  A letter of apology would have been nice.

A SOLO Waste 

Not sure who to blame for the $300 million “Solo”. Ron Howard deserves credit for taking over a troubled production after the firing of duo directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. However, the standard plot line lacked originality, a passable first draft.  A buddy crime capper film in space lacked emotion. Alden Ehrenreich’s “lost in the headlight” performance never captured the cocky bravado of Harrison Ford’s 70’s style. It was the first Star Wars film to lose money at the box office.

The Resistance Bore

The latest Star Wars animation entry “Resistance” is annoying on all levels. The animation style is unnerving. The mixture of shadows and hues is as appealing as a used car lot. The coming of age stock characters, after watching three episodes, come across as lethargic. I hoped for their capture. Juvenile rebel pilot Kazuda Xiono leads a band of resistance against the First Order. Right! Lazy, lacking thrills, falling flat is my best review. 

In essence, Disney is expecting Star Wars fans to shell out billions of dollars to justify their $4 billion acquisition. The company seems to be taking a lot for granted. Goodwill eventually ends.

This writer is a massive Star Wars Fan.

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Fashion

The Geek In Me

Drones bring out the geek in me.  As a kid who played with toy airplanes, drones are the high tech evolution.  During IFA 2018 while on my to an appointment I happen to pass the DJI Drone stand.   I stopped to get a video.

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Fashion

From the 1970’s still going!

“They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To!”In this case, the expression has merit.As Spring rolls around, juicy time has come. Normally, three times a week I mix fruits and vegetables. What brand of blender am I using? A Modern USA connivence dated from 1975 made by Hamilton Beach. This is not an endorsement, but admiration for durability. 

  • High Tech 70’s
  • Made in USA 


I find the kitchenware device amazing.After over 40 years packed in the closet, the blender still works as if taken from store self yesterday. I purchased a number of blenders over the years. The motors burned out or some other problem. All ended up in the heap. The one fault with this counter top appliance, the blender gasket was replaced because of lost.
My diet ritual from April to August consists of mango, carrot, avocado, pineapple,  bananas, and peaches. There have been no problems blending ingredients. Equipped with 14 speeds able to mix at high to low levels, the liquid consistency is fine. Three medal blades quickly minced all. The glass blender jar holds 5 cups, enough for my daily intake. The leftovers get placed in the refrigerator.

  • 14 speeds 


Like the 1970’s American TV Comedies, the Hamilton Beach Blender is loud. Thankfully for my neighbors, I blend after 10am.  I do not know what the energy consumption and cost expense.


Hamilton Beach continues to manufacture appliances, not in America but in China.


A low-tech item from a generation ago, still going strong.

Categories
Fashion

Episode 1 How Much?

Episode 1 

Imagine the shock when a man tells you he has to invest in a date with the opposite sex.  I had to assume their was a high return on investment.  No  wonder heterosexual men wear cheap shoes!  

Sponsored by Beyerdynamic

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Fashion

Dondup from MFWM

From Milan Fashion Week Men, Dondup offered a fresh lively take on outerwear for Spring 2019.  The collection veered to the masculine side but in a soft way.   Men who are looking for wearable pieces should check the label out.

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Fashion

S Connection

Just some of our thoughts on life and how to get through it.  S Connection cast gives views as well as  sharing experiences on how to make it. 

S Connection 
S Connection 

Sponsored by #Beyerdynamic 

Categories
Fashion

Casual Luca L.

https://twitter.com/BlackandPaper1/status/1106628428743221250

During Milan Fashion Week Men I popped over to Luca Larenza presentation. Other than being a nice guy, the menswear designer leans toward the casual side of mens fashion. The collection is leisure wear with retro looks. I admit this was not my favourite from him. I liked his winter looks more. If a man is looking to relax without effort. These pieces are for him.

Categories
Fashion

Jacket Cozy

From Milan Fashion Week Sept 2018.  Luxury outerwear Herno presented its new womenswear collection.   I like color on a person, HA! I found the use of a wide palette refreshing.  Stand out in elegant way. 

Two looks from Herno 

Sponsored by Canon Deutschland