10 Things NOT To Give Your Valentine

Since many men are gift-challenged especially when it comes to Valentine's Day, I thought I'd post a list of gifts NOT to give your sweetheart.

10 Things NOT to Give Your Valentine

1. A kitchen countertop appliance. No, she doesn't want a stick blender, espresso maker, coffee grinder, or any other kind of gadget for her kitchen. They all  equal work. (Unless of course she asked for one. Then it's okay.)

2. A diet book. (Are you insane? Give the lady some chocolate for heaven's sake.)

3. Music or a Blu-ray movie that's your taste, not hers.

4. Any piece of clothing that your mother would probably wear.

5. A nighty so slutty that she would feel ridiculous wearing it. (She's smart enough to know you saw it at one of those sleezy lingerie shows at a so-called gentlemen's club.)

6. An exercise machine. Seriously? That ranks right up there with a diet book. (Unless you know she really, really wants one.)

7. Dinner out at Hooter's or Twin Peaks. LOL. No, I'm just kidding. You're really not  that thick-headed, are you?

8. Two tickets to any sporting event that only you can really appreciate. (She'll know you know that she'd hate it—that way you go with your buddy.)

9. An I. O. U. and a note that says you couldn't think of anything. (Seriously? She'd respect you more if you just admit that you forgot.)

10. Any gift that hasn't been wrapped, or worse, it's in the cheap plastic shopping bag the clerk bagged it in. (Don't ever, give something in the store bag. What's the matter? Can't take a few minutes to buy a gift bag and drop the gift in it?)

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

You know when you give a gift, it's really the thought that counts. So what's the thought that's going to count when your Valentine receives your gift?

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My Biggest Complaint About Videos

No humor or inspiration today on Hump Day. I'm a little POd and feel like sounding off. Not about you, dear SlingWords readers and visitors.

My complaint is with YouTubers who aren't serving their audiences.

HERE WE GO

There is a lot of educational content on YouTube. In fact, you can learn how to do just about anything from replacing a hard drive in a computer to cleaning the foggy headlamp covers on a car.

Awesome, right?

What isn't awesome is that too many YouTubers are editing the sound on their videos—removing natural pauses in the video so everything becomes one continuous stream of dialogue with no breaks whatsoever.

Not only is that unnatural, it makes it difficult for the viewer to actually absorb the information being given.

Today, I watched a woman YouTuber describing how she bought an old computer including where she purchased it and what it contained.

Without so much as a nano break between those topics, she went into into the process of removing Windows from the computer and downloading Linux—in exquisite detail.

From what I grasped, it sounded easy enough that I could probably do it EXCEPT she did the entire presentaton at warp speed with not even a breath of a break in the avalanche of words coming out of her mouth.

This is typical of too many videos now. If it's information I want, I have to go back to the beginning, slow the speed to 75% of normal, get a notepad to take notes, and still have to stop and rewind many times to capture this detailed tech information.

Now, she claims her audience is composed of "normal" people, not tech experts. 

Lady—and other YouTubers who may read this—you are NOT serving your respective audiences.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Blog Readers, if you also hate this rushing river of dialogue, please leave a comment. I'd like to gather some stats on this.

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Review - Flipped - Family Friendly - Netflix

Flipped - BluRay from Amazon

If you look in vain for a family friendly movie, you can relax. I have one for you, and it's a true gem.

FLIPPED, a Rob Reiner film, is on Netflix now, and I loved it. If you don't have Netflix, I included a link to Amazon where you can pick up a Blu-ray copy for a low price. It's good enough that you may want to watch it again and again.

BLURB

When Juli Baker lays eyes on her new neighbor Bryce, she falls in love with him at first sight.

Bryce does not reciprocate that feeling. In fact, he doesn't like her at all. From that day forward, Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) tries his best to avoid her, but Juli (Madeline Carroll) is persistent in everything she undertakes.

Eventually, Juli realizes that Bryce does not return her feelings. Just as Bryce begins to see Juli's true worth, she decides he's an unfeeling jerk who isn't worth her time.

Billed as a young adult—the story begins at second grade and moves to junior high—the movie is based on Flipped, the book by Wendelin Van Draanen.

By Wendelin Van Draanen

Like the book, the movie is told in alternating viewpoints showing how each of the 2 protagonists viewed every interaction they had.

THE CAST 

The main cast is composed of Madeline Carroll as Julianna "Juli" Baker with Morgan Lily as young Juli, and Callan McAuliffe as Bryce Loski with Ryan Ketzner as young Bryce.

Rebecca De Mornay is Patsy Loski, Bryce's mother; Anthony Edwards is Steven Loski, Bryce's father; and John Mahoney is Chet Duncan, Bryce's grandfather. (Flipped was Mr.  Mahoney's final film before his death in 2018.)

Penelope Ann Miller is Trina Baker, Juli's mom; Aidan Quinn is Richard Baker, Juli's dad; and Kevin Weisman is Daniel Baker, Juli's uncle.

THE DETAILS

The movie was obviously a labor of love for Rob Reiner who served as Director, Screenplay writer along with Andrew Scheinman, and Producer with Alan Greisman also producing.

Cinematography was by Thomas Del Ruth. Editing by Robert Leighton, and Music by Marc Shaiman.

The companies involved were Castle Rock Entertainment and Reiner/Greisman Productions with distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The movie was released September 10, 2010 in the USA. It had a budget of $14M, but brought in only $4.3M at the box office. 

This kind of movie will never be a box office blockbuster, but it will be a big hit with families looking for intelligent family-friendly movies. 

MY THOUGHTS

This movie is emotional, heartwarming, funny, and poignant. It made me remember what it was like to be in elementary and junior high and having all those feelings that come with growing up. Feelings a kid doesn't really know what to do with.

As an adult, it makes you understand how awkward boys and girls of that age are and how they don't really understand what's going on in their parents' lives because everything is still all about them. If you have kids, it may help you understand that too.

It's the kind of film you could watch with your kids and discuss what's happeneing and why it's happening—especially with the scene involving Juli's uncle who was brain-damaged at birth.

Yes, that's a bit heavy, but it's something must families never talk about—and they should. Maybe it would help kids develop understanding and compassion for others.

This coming-of-age story explores the sacrifices families make, how others may misunderstand their life situaiton, and the themes of first love, personal growth, and how opinions can change with insights.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I hope you watch it if you have a Netflix subscription—rent it or buy it if you don't. It's worth the price.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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Post Super Bowl - Thank Goodness

I don't know about you, but I'm tired after nearly 3 days of Super Bowl celebrations, commercials, and reports.

I'll admit I don't watch much football so I didn't have a "dog in the game" so to speak.

I mainly watch the commercials or the puppy bowl on other channels. This time I didn't watch the half-time show at the game or the alternative show.

Instead, I read Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine by George M. Taber.

We'd had dinner with daughter Adina and son-in-law Mike yesterday, and Mike gave us a copy of the book because he knew how much we'd loved the movie Bottle Shock which was based on the Paris Tasting in 1976.

(By the way, I highly recommend Bottle Shock, the movie which starred Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Bill Pullman. If you love wine and underdog stories, you'll really love this flick.)

I hope you enjoyed your Super Bowl event as much as I enjoyed mine.

MONDAY, MONDAY

Like you, I'm back in the office. So far, it's been a frustrating day. I spent 4 hours looking for the page proofs for one of my backlist books. Finally found it—persistence pays off—so I think I'll take a coffee break before I tackle the rest of the items on my TO DO list.

Here's a quote for you to guide your week—especially if you're pronE to insomnia as I often am.

"If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep." —Dale Carnegie

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you work at night instead of staring at the ceiling, you may be yawning through the next day, but you may get a lot accomplished too. What do you think?

 

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Friday Facts - Bridgerton - Netflix

Bridgerton Poster from Printerval.com

I'm having such fun watching the new Bridgerton series. This makes the 4th installment of the Regency series and is based on An Offer From a Gentlemen, Book 4, by Julia Quinn.

As always I try to connect movies and TV series with the actual historical backgound. I know that sounds a bit pedantic, but it gives an added depth to the story to know what is accurate and what is fiction—at least it does for me.

Now, I'm talking about Bridgerton, the TV series, NOT the book series by Julia Quinn  on which the series is based.

FRIDAY FACTS ABOUT BRIDGERTON

1. Bridgerton is not a documentary, but it is historically inspired. The series combines real elements of the Regency with fantasy.

2. The production smartly chooses to adhere to contemporary tastes in romance, music, and expectations. Thus, it has wide appeal for today's viewers.

3. The series depicts a racially-integrated high society that didn't exist historically, but I like the fact that it does this. Why shouldn't actors of any color or ethnicity have the chance to act in any story they wish?

4. The Queen in the series is Queen Charlotte who was the Queen during the Regency period, but her portrayal in the series is for entertainment value, not historically accurate.

Image by Calla Negra - Pixabay

5. Young unmarried women of the aristocracy were pressured to make good marriages for status, family connections and wealth, and had little choice but to comply. 

They had to strictly adhere to the protocols for young ladies of that era, and the list of restrictions was onerous.

6. Scandal sheets like Lady Whistledown's gossip sheet did exist.

7. The dresses the women wear in the series were inspired by the high empire waist of the Regency, but the colors and materials used are far from traditional.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Having said all that, it is obvious that something doesn't have to be historically accurate to be delightful and entertaining.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Playing Around With Video

I should be writing, but I'm kind of stalled because I need the cover for my next book.

 I just haven't decided what that cover should look like. Yet.

So, I've been playing around with video the last few days—creating short videos to post on each of my book pages on Amazon.

I've got a few of them done but only one that I've posted. It's on the Amazon page for SCENTS AND SENSUALITY. Take a look if you have a moment and tell me what you think.

These videos are only 10-15 seconds long and they're not vertical like on TikTok or Facebook Reels. I plan to post a couple more today because it takes a day or two for Amazon to approve them. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Today, I'll get the cover concept nailed down and leap over that hump because it is Hump Day. Right?

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6 Quick Tips Identify Scams

If you're like me, your email Inbox is inundated on a daily basis with scam, spam, spoof, and AI bot mail.

I'd say about 99.99% of that is designed to steal your identity and/or your money—probably both.

6 QUICK TIPS IDENTIFY SCAMS

1. Always be suspicious of anything that insists you act now. The only acting you should do is thinking and figuring out if it's a scam.

2. Fake messages like from the post office or an online business claiming there is a problem with your delivery or your account. The post office will NEVER send you an email unless you have signed up for USPS alerts, and if you have, you'll know exactly what those alerts look like. 

If you know you have never ordered anything or bought anything from the "business" trying to contact you, send that email to the junk folder.

3. Third-party social media posts and ads with a deal that seems too good to be true. Never click on the link. If you're interested in the item, go directly to that company's website and check it out.

AND STOP SCAMS!!

Always remember, anything too good to be true is never true.

4. Never click on anything—even in "white" space of an email—no matter who it is from that asks for your password, the last 4 of your social security number, your birthdate, or any basic vital personal information that could be used to compromise you and your privacy.

If it's something that involves a credit card that you have, call the phone number on the back of the credit card and tell them why you're calling. Same thing with your bank and any other place that involves your money and savings.

Why not click on a place in the email that's just white space? Because that white space may content a hyperlink in white text. By clicking at a random spot on a scam email, you just might be sending your computer information to the crooks.

5. If you get a phone call from an unfamiliar number, let it go to voice mail. If no voice mail is left, it's probably a scam artist.

6. Since so many people order from Amazon, just be assured that Amazon will never email you or call you regarding your order or to verify anything about the order. All communication for Amazon orders goes through your Amazon account portal.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I hope this helps. Be aware. Be safe.

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February Thought

I read this today and thought it was very appropriate.

"If January is the month of change, February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers… February is for doers." — Marc Parent

Change requires action. Taking action proves you really want to change something in the status quo.

This week. Figure out all the steps needed to make the change you desire.

Then take that first step

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Quit dreaming. Take action. I believe you can do it.

Saturday Share - Mom's Cajun Court-Bouillon

I grew up on the Louisiana Gulf Coast in a Cajun neighborhood where many of our neighbors spoke only Cajun French.

My Mom embraced Creole and Cajun cooking and learned from the ladies in the neighborhood.

Today's recipe is one of hers. She never had it written down so I've been trying to recreate it for years. 

Trial and error has yielded today's recipe. I think it's pretty close to what she made, but there's probably still room for improvement.

Instead of seafood or a salt water fish, I'm using catfish fillets because they're readily available just about everywhere. Also, you can add some cooked shrimp at the end of the cooking time if you want another seafood flavor in the court-bouillon. Just don't overcook the shrimp.

Court-Bouillon is a French word meaning poaching liquid because in French cooking, fish are poached in a liquid with herbs. 

In Louisiana cooking, Court-Bouillon is more like a gumbo or a stew, and it's served over rice. Instead of poaching in a court-bouillon, we're actually eating what we call court-bouillon. In case you don't know how to pronounce the word, it's like this: coo-bee-yawn. 

By the way, the first thing the recipe calls for is a roux. If you don't know how to make a roux, I suggest you look it up on YouTube. 

Basically, the roux is equal parts fat and plain flour. You cook it in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly until it is dark brown in color.

You can order some pre-made roux from Amazon. I've never used any of them so I wouldn't know which one to recommend.

This is a recipe that's simple and easy for most cooks with nothing too exotic. Adjust the hot spices according to your taste buds. This is not traditional, but it's pretty close. I know it looks like a lot of ingredients, but it's not difficult to put this together. 

Ingredients

About a fourth cup of Roux (make it yourself or buy it pre-made)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 1/2 cups chicken stock (fish stock is traditional)

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 teaspons dried thyme or 2-3 tablespoons fresh, chopped

1 tablespoon creole seasoning like Tony Chachere's

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce

1 pound of catfish fillets

3 cups cooked rice

Directions

1. If you're using fish fillets, cut into 3 inch strips or chunks and sprinkle with creole seasoning. Set in fridge while you make the Roux.

2. If you don't have pre-made roux, now is the time to make it. Cook equal amounts of fat and AP flour (for instance, 4-5 tablespoons of each)  in a heavy pot. Stir, stir, stir, cooking over medium heat until dark brown but not burned. Reduce the heat to a medium simmer and carefully add the chicken or fish stock, the tomatoes, and all the seasonings except the bay leaves. Cook over medium heat while you prep everything else.

3. Saute the holy trinity (onion, bell pepper, and celery) in a small amount of fat until soft. Add the garlic and cook aobut a minute. Be careful not to burn. Add this to the roux.

4. Now add the bay leaves and keep simmering.

5. After about add the fish chunks, lower the heat, and simmer on low about 15 more minutes.

6. Adjust the seasonings if needed. 

7. Serve over rice in a bowl with a side of crusty, grilled French bread.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

This is what I'm making for Saturday night because it's so cold outside, and this will really warm you up on the inside.

Ooh La La - The Croissant

Costco sells a huge container of Croissant, the delectable, buttery French rolls for a little over $5.00. (Is this statement true or false? Read on.) 

Sometimes my will power is weak, and I add these to my shopping cart. I try not to do this too often because they're too delicious and contain about a gazillion calories.

Yesterday, I had a good excuse for buying them—so I could celebrate Croissant Day today. (A perfect excuse to give into one of my food guilty pleasures. So, as I write this, I'm nibbling on a croissant and sipping a cup of tea.

DID YOU KNOW 

NOT Croissant!!

If you have read that the croissant was created at the request of Marie Antoinette, then you'll have to read on. She had nothing to do with it. The croissant did not originate in France.

Aha! My first sentence was deliberately misleading when I called it French. (The part about the price at Costco is true.)

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

The croissant began life as kipferl, a crescent-shaped bread roll, baked for centuries in Austria. The French connection was created around 1838 by August Zang, an Austrian artillery officer who introduced the pastry to Paris when he opened a Viennese bakery, Boulangerie Viennoise there.

Later, French bakers later changed the original dense dough into the flaky, buttery puff pastry we know today. They also changed the name to croissant which means, of course, crescent. 

By the 20th century, all French bakers had adopted the further refined technique that changed the dense dough to the laminated dough—layers of dough spread with butter, folded and rolled again and again.

I could watch those bakers on The Great British Baking Show make that delightful pastry for hours on end. Thankfully, it's SO much hard work that I've never had the inclination to make a croissant from scratch. Sometimes, laziness is its own reward. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Well, that's my food guilty pleasure confession for today. Do you have food guilty pleasures? Inquiring minds want to know so leave a comment.

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26 for 2026 - Change Your Life - Part 2

Welcome back.

Did Part 1, 26 for 2026, Change Your Life, speak to you?

I hope you found one or two of the suggestions compelling. If you did, take action, no matter how small the first step may be.

We are all a work in progress, but that doesn't mean we can't be happy right now. I'm happy. I think happiness is a choice. God knows I've had plenty of reasons not to be happy, but that's another story.

Wanting to change means that I recognize there are things—call it systems—that could serve me  better. I've learned that, and that's what I want to share. Here are the rest of the 26 suggestions.

Part 2, 26 for 2026, Change Your Life

14. If you want to succeed faster and be more satisfied with life, find someone who is doing exactly that. Are they compassionate, smart, friendly, hard working, and successful? If so, learn what they're doing and how they're doing it. What do they know that you need to know. Model their behavior. Find out how all the details of how they did it and adapt their method to your efforts.

15. Avoid modeling the behavior of people who got what they want by dishonesty. Never change your morals and beliefs to be like someone else. You can't model negative behavior without it having far-reaching consequences in your life.

16. Integrity—honesty in all things and strong moral beliefs—is everything in business and in your personal life. Make that a core belief.

17. Learn the difference between working hard and working effectively. Working effectively often means learning how to prioritize your tasks so you get better results, accomplish more, and feel more fulfilled.

18. Analyze how you spend your working hours. Are you actually being productive or just giving lip service to the idea of working hard? When you're supposed to be working, are you sneaking in time on your cell phone? Seeing Facebook updates or the latest TikTok video? Be honest in your assessment.

19. Change your attitude about work. Sometimes when we describe an activity as work, even though it's something we truly adore doing, the activity, in our mind, becomes linked to work =  unpleasantness. The more you enjoy something; the less it will seem like work.

20. If you're in a job you truly hate, then make a plan on how to change that situation. What interests you? What kind of job do you think you'd enjoy? Does it require retraining or more education? 

Figure out exactly what it takes to qualify for that job. Break it down into steps. Then take action. Don't be daunted by how long it will take to be qualified. Start now. Quit dreaming about it. Make it happen. You can do it. Believe you can. I believe you can. Planning, action, persistence, and belief can make dreams come true.

21. Enjoy yourself more. Too many people have lost the capacity for the simple pleasures in life.  They rush from one thing to another and say they're relaxing when they're watching YouTube or television or checking social media. None of those things will give you the kind of  relaxation you need. 

Instead of being glued to your phone or social media, talk to the people in your household. If you're living alone, talk to a friend or family member who's away—not texts but by voice. Be connected in a real way.

22. Take up a hobby or a sport. A hobby can range from playing board games, putting together jigsaw puzzles, crafting, cooking, gardening, wood working—the sky is the limit.

Try a sport even if it's walking every day, but there's also bowling, tennis, ping pong, archery, cycling, exercising, etc. Just about all of those mentioned can be done interacting with others. Find something stimulating and interesting to do outside of work that connects you with others in some way. That will give you a good balance between hard, effective work and play.

23. Laugh more. Nothing lifts the spirits like humor. It may sound silly, but if you're feeling pessimistic and discouraged, smile. Really. Smiling uses muscles and activates an endorphin release in the brain that makes you feel good.

24. Listen to music more often but choose wisely the kind of music. Abstain from music that insults or demeans others. Find music that lifts the human spirit and makes you feel good. That kind of music can be found in any genre from Mozart to pop music.

25. Read more. I'm not just saying that because I'm an author. Reading expands your horizon, improves your vocabulary, changes the way others see you, educates, entertains, and makes you think. In addition to all that, reading can prevent mental decline, lower blood pressure, and improve your emotional state. 

26. Take to heart the old advice, "You are what you eat." Most of the diseases that plague the modern world can be prevented by healthy habits. Avoid a steady diet of food loaded with sugar, salt, bad fat, and no fiber. Eat real food. It's good for your body, your brain, and your emotions.

In fact, learn to cook at home, eat  at home, and have guests for dinner. Learn the pleasure of physical activity even if it's just a 20 minute walk.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's it—from my heart to yours. We all talk about change. I'm no exception, but I've learned to accept the fact that I'm not finished. I'm a work in progress, and I'm proud of that fact.

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10 Best "She Done Me Wrong" Songs

A few weeks ago on Hump Day, I posted a list of the Top 10 "He Done Me Wrong" Songs. Of course, ask me another day, and I might put different songs on that list. *g*

It's only fitting that I give you guys equal time. So today, here is my list with the embedded links going to a YouTube performance for each song for the...

10 Best "She Done Me Wrong" Songs

10. I've been thinking about my Dad lately so I'll start with one of his favorite songs by one of his favorite singers, Hank Williams—senior not  junior. Your Cheatin' Heart has been covered by many singers over the years, but the most mournful recording has to be Hank Senior's.

9. The southern rock classic, Can't You See by The Marshall Tucker Band.

8. Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town, a song about betrayal by Kenny Rogers.

7. Stop Dragging My Heart Around, a great rock song duet by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks.

8. Here's a Quarter, a darkly amusing country song about betrayal, by Travis Tritt.

7. Sundown by the fabulous Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot.

6. With You, a mounful anthem by Dean Lewis.

5. When I Was Your Man, a mounful song of loss and regret by Bruno Mars.

4. Crying, a rock and roll song from long ago that's filled with raw emotion, by the late great Roy Orbison.

3. I Can't Make You Love Me by the fabulous Josh Groban.

2. In the Air, the haunting lyrics sung by Phil Collins (who also plays the best drum solo ever) based on his former wife's betrayal.

1. Wicked Game, the heart throbbing ballad by the amazing Chris Isaak.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I hope you enjoyed this list that's strictly from my own favorites. What are your favorites? Post in comments so all will know.

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Review - Wake Up Dead Man - Netflix

Wake Up Dead Man Poster - Amazon

Wake Up Dead Man is streaming on Netflix, and it's everything the second movie in the Knives Out franchise wasn't.

If you too were disappointed with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, you'll be delighted to know that the new movie is immensely better than that.

Whatever you find yourself thinking as you watch Wake Up Dead Man, you'll probably be wrong about what who the good guys are. who the murderer is, and what's is really going on.

THE STORY

Daniel Craig reprises his role as the super sleuth Benoit Blanc when he's asked to solve the mystery of a baffling death inside a quiet country church.

Everyone lies, everyone has secrets, and the young priest new to the parish who has slowly been losing his faith seems to be the prime suspect.

Like all good mysteries, nothing is at it seems. No one is truly innocent, and it's up to Benoit Blanc to find the killer and close the case.

STELLAR CAST

Wow. Great cast. Accompanying Craig on this adventure are Josh O'Connor as the young priest, Glenn Close as the woman who really runs the church, and Josh Brolin as the senior priest. Members of the community are played by Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Wake Up Dead Man was written and directed by Rian Johnson. On Sept. 6, 2025, the film had its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival. Then it was released in select theaters the day before Thanksgiving. Streaming on Netflix began December 12, 2025.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Yes, watch this! It's quite a story—well-plotted, well-acted, and an excellent film noir. It reminded me of a dark and brooding film of the sort Alfred Hitchcock was known for.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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Monday Magic - Free Alternative to MS Office Suite

One of my projects this year is to move from a Windows platform to Linux. Actually, my Darling Hubby will be helping me with this.

We are part of the millions switching from expensive cloud-based subscription software and Windows operating systems to Linux and free open source software.

There are a few reasons for this: tired of the constant updates, the virus/worm threats, the  expense associated with all of that, and the time required to deal with it as well as re-learn software that worked perfectly well until it changed.

Like I said, the Linux operating system is free as is most of the software needed to replace the software I currently use.

That brings me to the free software today's post is about: LibreOffice.

I'm making changes in my Work Life

LibreOffice is an entire suite of applications that is open source. It's a viable and very popular alternative to Microsoft Office.

Writer is the word processing software—like MS Word. 

Calc—like Excel—is for spreadsheets. Impress—like PowerPoint—is their version of presentations. Draw is for vector graphics. Base is for databases, and Math is for math formula editing.

COMPATIBILITY

The files created in LibreOffice are compatible with Microsoft Office files, i.e. docx, .xlsx, .pptx, and OpenDocument formats, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

It's backed by The Document Foundation which provides a powerful, private, subscription-free experience for millions worldwide. 

Included in LibreOffice are all the essential tools for productivity. You can open, edit, and save in Microsoft Office formats which makes it easy to collaborate with users of other suites. Some complex documents might need minor adjustments so be aware of that.

There is no cost and no subscriptions to be paid. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with unofficial support for other systems. You can also use it to work offline, giving you privacy and control over your files, unlike cloud-based alternatives.

Even better, there are a gazillion YouTube videos discussing how to make the switch from Windows to Linus as well as videos about all of the software to replace software you currently pay for—like LibreOffice.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I'm testing LibreOffice since I can use it on my Windows computers and haven't come across any problems with it. I definitely think it's worth trying, and the price—FREE—can't be beat.

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