Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Weekly Wilson - Blog of Author Connie C. Wilson Welcome to WeeklyWilson.com, where author/film critic Connie (Corcoran) Wilson avoids totally losing her marbles in semi-retirement by writing about film (see the Chicago Film Festival reviews and SXSW), politics and books----her own books and those of other people. You'll also find her diverging frequently to share humorous (or not-so-humorous) anecdotes and concerns. Try it! You'll like it! ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - ["Jaws" on the 4th at the Last Picture House](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jaws-on-the-4th-at-the-last-picture-house/) - Cognizant of the fact that DJT has pretty much f****ed up the 250th anniversary of the United States, which, further hampered by sweltering weather nationwide, meant the Fourth of July was likely to be a wash, we decided to do something different. That something different was a movie on the roof of the Last Picture - ["Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" Amuses & Makes You Think](https://www.weeklywilson.com/good-luck-have-fun-dont-die-amuses-makes-you-think/) - Saw that Sam Rockwell (and Juno Temple and Michael Pena) were in "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die!" now streaming on Hulu (directed by Gore Verbinski) and we took it in. I agree with whomever complained that the third act sort of ruined what was, up to that point, a charming and funny film written - [Bank of America, Ghostly Tales of Route 66, & Me: Installment #4](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bank-of-america-ghostly-tales-of-route-66-me-installment-4/) - ANCIENT HISTORY I am the daughter of a banker. He got the idea for a bank and organized the PTB to make it happen in 1941. My father---John Corcoran, Jr.---was the four-term County Treasurer of Buchanan County, Iowa in Independence, Iowa. Dad didn't win the post the normal way. He ran as a Democrat in - [Pope Leo, His Chicago Bank & Installment #2 In My Banking Life](https://www.weeklywilson.com/pope-leo-his-chicago-bank-installment-2-in-my-banking-life/) - The viral story about the Pope and his bank involves Pope Leo XIV getting hung up on by a Chicago customer service representative who assumed his call was a prank. The amusing incident went viral after being shared publicly by the Pope's longtime friend, the Reverend Tom McCarthy. 📞 The Call Two months after Chicago-born - [Bank of America, Ghostly Tales of Route 66 & Me: Installment #3](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bank-of-america-ghostly-tales-of-route-66-me-installment-3/) - Bank of America Sep 20, 2025 — The emblem was a stylized monogram “BA”, with both letters merged in one smooth symbol with thick rounded lines and shortened horizontal bars. Going to my Bank of America outlet in Chicago at Roosevelt Road and Canal Street requires a 7-hour drive---3 and ½ hours up and 3 - [Bank of America, Ghostly Tales and Me](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bank-of-america-ghostly-tales-and-me/) - I have been involved in a now-long-running attempt to reclaim a bank account I established at the Bank of America in Chicago in 2003. I needed to have a bank to "close" on a condo there that was going to be my daughter's residence while she attended DePaul for College. The year was 2003. I - ["Last Picture House" Movie Trivia Night: June 22, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/last-picture-house-movie-trivia-night-june-22-2026/) - I journeyed over to the Last Picture House in Davenport, Iowa, to play movie trivia tonight, but I misunderstood the extent of the task. I thought a snippet of music would be played and all I had to do was name the movie the song came from. Wrong, Snore-Snout! This was only one of 3 - ["Wild Bill & the Bruisers" On Tour in Chicago on June 12, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/wild-bill-the-bruisers-on-tour-in-chicago-on-june-12-2026/) - Took in Wild Bill & the Bruisers show tonight in Chicago at the Broken Hearts Bar on Lake & Randolph. It was a fantastic high-energy, low-impact evening---except for when I nearly ripped poor Louis's shirt off while dancing the two-step. (Something I have only done once before in my life. The dancing; not the ripping. - ["Stolen Kingdom" Doc Depicts Disney Black Market: Davenport (IA) Showing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/stolen-kingdom-doc-depicts-disney-black-market-davenport-ia-showing/) - Joshua Bailey and Brandon Pickering, appeared in Davenport, Iowa, at The Last Picture House on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with their film about Black Market Disney merchandise, "Stolen Kingdom." Writer-Director Josh Bailey is 31. Producer/Cinematographer Brandon Pickering partnered with Bailey in Austin, Texas. where both have day jobs in television. They worked on "Stolen Kingdom" - ["Bugonia" at CIff Continues Yorgan Lanthimos Quirky Tradition](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bugonia-at-ciff-continues-yorgan-lanthimos-quirky-tradition/) - PLOT "Bugonia," the new film from Yorgos Lanthimos, follows two conspiracy obsessed young men, portrayed by Jesse Clemens as Teddy and Aidan Delbis as Don. They kidnap the powerful CEO of Axiolith, Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone) because they believe she is an alien planning to destroy Earth. Cue the weird, the quirky and the bizarre: - ["Clout" @ HollyShorts Film Festival Examines Internet Life](https://www.weeklywilson.com/clout-hollyshorts-film-festival-examines-internet-life-as-teens/) - An interesting 16:50 short now playing at the HollyShorts Film Festival (Aug. 7-17th), “Clout” was directed by Jordan Murphy Dodge and written by Dodge in collaboration with Tom Duthie and Tristam Thomas. It is a meditation on the ubiquitous nature of the Internet, cell phones, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Instagram and other modern-day signs of the - ["Sirat" Screens at CIFF as Spain's Oscar Entry for Best International Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sirat-screens-at-ciff-as-spains-oscar-entry-for-best-international-film/) - Director Oliver Laxe helmed this official Spanish entry into the Best International Feature Film Academy Awards competition. The synopsis for the film reads:”After a young woman goes missing in a rave, her father and brother brave the arid Moroccan landscape searching for her in a world on the brink of collapse.” It showed at the - [Trump 2.0 Fires James Comey's Daughter](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-2-0-fires-james-comeys-daughter/) - MAURENE COMEY ON DOJ FIRING: “Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire, a fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power, of commitment to seek justice for victims, of dedication to truth above all else.” BREAKING: A new development has surfaced in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, as the Trump administration fires Maurene Comey - [Bruno Mars Continues](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bruno-mars-continues/) - Bruno Mars' Romantic Tour, his first since 2014, goes on the list of Top Three Live Concerts, for me---and I started my life of live concerts with the Beatles at the San Francisco Cow Palace in 1965. This May 15thconcert was spectacular and lived up to the excellent Chicago Tribune review. A truly Top-Notch Experience. - [Bruno Mars, May 15, 2026, Soldier Field](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bruno-mars-may-15-2026-soldier-field/) - Time to post some pictures of the Bruno Mars Romantic Tour that played Soldier Field on May 15 and 16th. Daughter Stacey and good friend Amanda and I first began the weekend with dinner at Giordino's, all while wearing our Main Street Pizza matching shirts. - [David Letterman Guests on Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show:" May 14, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/david-letterman-guests-on-stephen-colberts-the-late-show-may-14-2026/) - Tonight, May 14th, 2026, Stephen Colbert---approaching the beginning of his last week in what was David Letterman's late night television show---had Letterman, himself, as one of his final guests. Dave showed up with the unattractive Father Christmas long white beard he has worn since leaving the air. (Lose the beard, Dave.) It was a night - [From Austin to Okmulgee to Chicago, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/from-austin-to-okmulgee-to-chicago-2026/) - This was one of our last night in Austin. We set off for our return to the Midwest on Tuesday, May 11th. Need to be in Chicago for Bruno Mars on May 16th, with the daughter and Dutch daughter Amanda. The weather has been cooperative, unlike our trip down in 2024, when we were - [Frida Kahlo Exhibit in Houston April 24-29th, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/frida-kahlo-exhibit-in-houston-april-24-29th-2026/) - We took a VonLane bus to Houston to see the Freda Kahlo exhibit on Friday, April 24th. We stayed at the Hotel Zaza, which is quite near the Art Museum. I am one of the many who thinks that Selma Hayak did a good job of portraying Frida, but Selma was far prettier than the - [April 15, 2026 in Cancun, Mexico](https://www.weeklywilson.com/april-15-2026-in-cancun-mexico/) - Today is April 15th. It was predicted that it might rain here (35%), so I made an appointment at the spa (massage). Prior to that, we enjoyed the sun poolside. As mentioned previously, it has been windier and cooler this week. I have managed to finish off 3 books and am currently reading a copy - [Cancun, Mexico, April 14, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-mexico-april-14-2026/) - Today was Tuesday and I had to return to the nail girl to finish my pedicure. She is a very nice young girl, but possibly the slowest nail technician I have ever met. I also have never seen a nail technician use their own finger to smear something sticky on the nail fill acrylic area. - [Vacationing in Cancun, April 4-11, with the Family](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vacationing-in-cancun-april-4-11-with-the-familycancun/) - [Cancun at the Royal Sands, April 4-18, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-at-the-royal-sands-april-4-18-2026/) - We've been coming to Cancun since about 1990. We first stayed at the Fiesta Americana Condessa for 2 years. Then, we rented at the Royal Mayan for 2 years Then Ricardo, our enterprising sales guy, suggested that we should purchase a unit at the Royal Islander, which had not been open long. We purchased Unit - ["Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story" Screens at SXSW 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/summer-2000-the-x-cetra-story-screens-at-sxsw-2026/) - “Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story” won the SXSW Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature at SXSW 2026. Directed by Ayden Mayeri, it’s the story of a quartet of childhood friends who made a record when they were junior high school age (11 to 13) and it surfaced as a hit on the website Rate - [Ryan Gosling is Ryland Grace in "Project Hail Mary"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ryan-gosling-is-ryland-grace-in-project-hail-mary/) - Ryan Gosling has not had a release recently---not since “Barbie” in 2023, for which he was paid $12 and ½ million dollars (compared to the $29 million he earned for 2016’s “La La Land.”)to play Ken. “Project Hail Mary” was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who are best known for “The Lego Movie,” - [Steve Carell Is "Rooster" for HBO Max: SXSW 2026 Panel](https://www.weeklywilson.com/steve-carell-is-rooster-for-hbo-max-sxsw-2026-panel/) - Steve Carell and the cast of “Rooster,” as well a producers Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, spoke at SXSW in Austin on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 at the J.W. Mariott in downtown Austin. With the producers and their star were castmates Danielle Deadwyler and Charly Clive, who play Dylan Shepherd and Katie, respectively. The - [Steven Spielberg Panel Remarks of March 13, 2026, at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/steven-spielberg-panel-remarks-of-march-13-2026-at-sxsw/) - Steven Spielberg was interviewed onstage at SXSW on Friday the 13th, 2026, in the sixth floor ballroom of the Hilton in Austin. His appearance was the first at SXSW since 2018, when he appeared at the Paramount in support of “Ready, Player, One.” This time, we can assume that his appearance was meant to coincide - ["Phoenix Jones: The Rise & Fall of a Real-Life Superhero at SXSW 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/phoenix-jones-the-rise-fall-of-a-real-life-superhero-at-sxsw-2026/) - Director Bayan Joonam appeared with the documentary “Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real-Life Superhero” at SXSW and shared the six-year project with an audience that, for the most part, has grown up on/with social media. Bayan is best known for partnering with actor Rainn Wilson to translate SoulPancake's mission into digital video - ["Birth Is for P*ussies" Screens at SXSW 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/birth-is-for-pussies-screens-at-sxsw-2026/) - Hannah Healy---actress, filmmaker, and doula---brought a TV pilot “Birth Is For P*ssies” to SXSW. The series focuses on giving birth and is based on Hannah’s ten years of experience as a doula in New York City. Hannah is an actor, writer and director based in NYC and London. As an actor she most recently - ["Chili Finger" Screens at SXSW on March 15, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chili-finger-screens-at-sxsw-on-march-15-2026/) - Directors Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad brought the indie film “Chili Finger” to SXSW, which premiered on March 14 at the Zach Theater. I broke a tradition of decades of watching the Oscars “live” to journey to the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar on March 15th to see it. It was not the World - ["Perfect" Screens in Visions Section at SXSW Film Festival, 2026.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/perfect-screens-in-visions-section-at-sxsw-film-festival-2026/) - “Perfect” is a 94-minute film directed by British director Millicent Hailes which had its World Premiere on March 14th in the Visions section of the SXSW film festival. “Perfect” attempts to break new cinematic ground by using sound in a most unconventional way, Someone decided that repetitive dialogue---super-imposing the same line over the dialogue being - [Vince Gilligan & Crew Interviewed at SXSW on March 14th, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vince-gilligan-crew-interviewed-at-sxsw-on-march-14th-2026/) - Gilligan, creator of “Breaking Bad,””Better Call Saul” and, now, “Pluribus” came to SXSW on Saturday, March 14th,with Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus’ Carol and Better Call Saul’s Kim) as well as composer Dave Porter, costume designer Jennifer Bryan, and producer Trina Siopy. The conversation explored the collaborative process, Albequerque’s role as the anchor city, and the close - ["Summer of '94" Screens at SXSW Film Festival on March 14, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/summer-of-94-screens-at-sxsw-film-festival-on-march-14-2026/) - This outstanding 99-minute documentary about the origins of U.S. soccer had its World Premiere on March 14th at the Rollins Center as part of SXSW 2026. The documentary “reveals the wild rise of the U.S. Men’s National Team on the road to the 1994 World Cup.” One of the team members put it this way, - ["Drag" Mixes Black Humor with Horror in World Premiere at SXSW, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/drag-mixes-black-humor-with-horror-in-world-premiere-at-sxsw-2026/) - ‘Drag,” scripted and directed by Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitz, made its World Premiere as a Midnight entry at SXSW on March 13, 2026, with stars Lizzy Caplan (“Masters of Sex,” 2013-2016), John Stamos and Lucy DeVito onstage after the screening. Lucy DeVito, asked why the film succeeded, correctly analyzed the appeal: “It’s in the - ["Margo's Got Money Troubles" Opens SXSW 2026 on March 12th, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/margos-got-money-troubles-opens-sxsw-2026-on-march-12th-2026/) - “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” opened the SXSW Film Festival at the Paramount Theater on Thursday, March 12th. We were treated to three episodes of the new series and the remarks of most of the principal cast members after they screened. Showrunner David E. Kelley, husband of Michelle Pfeiffer and originator of so many hit television - [San Antonio, Texas, on February 28th, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/san-antonio-texas-on-february-28th-2026/) - On Saturday, February 28th, 2026, we journeyed to San Antonio to watch granddaughter Elise play in a volleyball tournament. The tournament featured the CTX (Central Texas) team, not the school team, but the short snip of Elise playing with her Valor School team at the bottom of the page will give you an idea of - [Surrealist Paintings at the Dallas Art Museum on February 5, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/surrealist-paintings-at-the-dallas-art-museum-on-february-5-2026/) - I just spent 3 days getting to and from Dallas (from Austin, Texas) in order to take in an exhibit of the Surrealist painters. What I know (knew) about the Surrealists would literally rattle within a pea, but I do vaguely remember that Freud's dream psycho-analysis methods. when they became popular and emerged upon the - [Dr. William H. Foege, Eradicator of Smallpox, Dies at 89.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dr-william-h-foege-eradicator-of-smallpox-dies-at-89/) - William Herbert Foege[1] (/ˈfeɪɡi/ FAY-ghee;[2] March 12, 1936 – January 24, 2026) was an American physician and epidemiologist who is credited with "devising the global strategy that led to the eradication of smallpox in the late 1970s".[3] From May 1977 to 1983, Foege served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foege also "played a central role" in efforts that greatly increased immunization - ["Seized"(But Not Silenced): First Amendment Rights in Marion, Kansas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/seizedbut-not-silenced-first-amendment-rights-in-marion-kansas/) - The 94-minute documentary “Seized,” directed by Sharon Liese, which screened at Sundance, is a timely story out of Marion, Kansas (population 1,890). On August 11, 2023, local police chief Gideon Cody raided the offices of the Marion County Record, demanding all electronic devices be handed over. The police chief and several other officers also went - [Text of Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, at Davos](https://www.weeklywilson.com/text-of-mark-carney-prime-minister-of-canada-at-davos/) - This blog contains the full transcript of a special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, delivered at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos. Carney emphasized the end of the rules-based international order and outlined how Canada was adapting by building strategic autonomy while maintaining values like human rights and sovereignty. - [Politics Resurfaces: Views from Around the Globe](https://www.weeklywilson.com/politics-resurfaces-views-from-around-the-globe/) - I've been reporting on Sundance non-stop for the past week. As the stated topic(s) on WeeklyWilson are movies/TV AND politics, it's time to condense for you some world views of the situation with our current administration, as articulated by various international political commentators. With close friends in Minneapolis (who have an adopted South Korean son - ["Nuisance Bear" Wins Documentary Prize at Sundance 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nuisance-bear-wins-documentary-prize-at-sundance-2026/) - In 2021 Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Weisman made a short about polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, which is known as the Polar Bear Capitol of the World. The remote and frigid area first caught the attention of the filmmakers in 2015 and their 2021 short has now become a 90-minute documentary. I - ["Hanging by a Wire" Screens at Sundance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hanging-by-a-wire-screens-at-sundance/) - “Hanging by a Wire,” a 77‑minute documentary by Mohammed Ali Naqvi, follows the terrifying ordeal of eight passengers—six of them teenagers—left suspended in a cable car after one of two supporting cables snapped. What began as an ordinary school commute across the mountains of northern Pakistan on the morning of August 22, 2023, became a - ["Joybubbles" Brings Joy to Sundance Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/joybubbles-brings-joy-to-sundance-film-festival/) - Joe Engressia is a name that you might not recognize. Joybubbles, which legally became Joe’s name in 1991,is a name that might also leave you in the dark. You can learn about Joybubbles in this Rachael J. Morrison documentary at Sundance and simultaneously take a look back at the telephone of yesteryear. BACKGROUND “In the - ["American Doctor" Screens at Sundance 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/american-doctor-screens-at-sundance-2026/) - “American Doctor” is a Sundance documentary that follows three physicians grappling with the unbearable gap between what they’ve witnessed in Gaza volunteering at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis and what the world is willing to acknowledge regarding the reality of what is going on in Gaza. As I watched this documentary I recognized the - ["Crisis Actor" Screens at Sundance on Sunday, January 25, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/crisis-actor-screens-at-sundance-on-sunday-january-25-2026/) - "Crisis Actor," written and directed by Lily Platt, highlights Sarah Steele, an actress whose face is instantly recognizable. Although the 13 minute Sundance short relates a message that there are people who thrive on drama, Steele carries the film on talented shoulders. She is ably supported by Philip Ettinger, who has 56 roles to his - ["Norheimsund" Screens at Sundance on January 26, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/norheimsund-screens-at-sundance-on-january-26-2026/) - "Norheimsund" is a 12-minute short from Cuban Writer/Director Ana Alpizar. It is making its North American Premiere at Sundance after its World Premiere on September 4, 2025 at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival's Sala Giardino. It premiered at 9 p.m.at the Park City Library Theatre at Sundance on 1/26/2026. Ana is a native of - ["Prime" Midnight Short at Sundance on January 25, 2026](https://www.weeklywilson.com/prime-midnight-short-at-sundance-on-january-25-2026/) - The midnight short “Prime,” written and directed by Meagan Coyle, has some gorgeous images shot on McEnroe Organic Farm. According to Coyle, the entire film started out as a comedy, but morphed into a meditation on the director’s guilt over eating meat. As the press notes say, “The director still eats meat, and she still - ["Together, Forever" at Sundance on Saturday, January 24, 2026.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/together-forever-at-sundance-on-saturday-january-24-2026/) - “Together Forever” is a 14-minute film that deals with a young Mormon couple on their wedding night. It focuses on all of the awkward “first time” sexual shenanigans. It would have helped me to have been raised Mormon, as the very concept of “roping” was foreign to me. To be brutally honest, it is still - ["28 Years Later: The Bone Temple:" Never Boring, But Very Bloody](https://www.weeklywilson.com/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-never-boring-but-very-bloody/) - (The voice-over on the trailer is Arthur C. Clarke from a BBC Horizon program, September 21, 1964.) “28 Days Later: The Bone Temple” is directed by Nia DeCosta, who was the first Black woman (and also the youngest) to direct a Marvel Studios film. Also known for this year’s “Hedda,” 2021’s “Candyman,” and 2018’s “Little - [ROB REINER REMEMBERED](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rob-reiner-remembered/) - The senseless murder of actor/director Rob Reiner, apparently by his son Nick, is some of the worst news of the year. I met Rob Reiner on two occasions. The first time I met him was when I was a "Deaniac" during the run for President of Dr. Howard Dean, back in the "sleepless summer" of - [Random Thoughts for Today](https://www.weeklywilson.com/random-thoughts-for-today/) - I've been assigned to conduct an interview with an Irish writer, Adrian McKinty, and what a pleasure THAT is going to be. If you haven't read any of his 12 books, immediately download or go buy a paperback copy of any of his titles, which include(s) "The Cold, Cold Ground" and "I Hear Sirens in - [Gold Coast Art Show, 2024, Is A Hot One!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/gold-coast-art-show-2024-is-a-hot-one/) - Today was Sunday, June 16, 2024, the last day of the 2024 Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago. I only learned that it was going on this weekend when we drove by Grant Park on our way to see Seth Meyer's stand-up show at the Vic. I immediately began saying I wanted to go. The - [Mamdani's NYC Message to Dems: BE NEW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mamdanis-nyc-message-to-dems-be-new/) - Zohran Mamdani, a thirty-three-year-old left-wing state assemblyman from Queens, on Tuesday night, seemingly defeated the better-known Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City. That doesn't mean that Cuomo can't run as an Independent in the actual election against the scandal-plagued incumbent (Eric Adams); only time will tell. Most of Mamdani's - [Volleyball for Four Days in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/volleyball-for-four-days-in-chicago/) - There is a volleyball tournament ongoing here in Chicago at McCormick Place. My 14-year-old granddaughter, Elise, was drafted to play with a Texas team coming to the tournament. She played an entire season back in Austin with a different team, so tonight’s team seemed as though playing as an ensemble was still in the “gelling” - ["The Christmas Cats Chase Christmas Rats" Appearance Schedule, to Date](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-christmas-cats-chase-christmas-rats-appearance-schedule-to-date/) - The website is now up for the Christmas Cats series of illustrated children's Christmas books. See it at www.TheXmasCats.com. If you can't make it out to any of the events listed below, you can order an autographed copy from the website using Paypal. The book is also available at Amazon, any of the independent bookstores - [Saturday,April 15, 2011: Cancun's Royal Islander](https://www.weeklywilson.com/saturdayapril-15-2011-cancuns-royal-islander/) - Cancun, Mexico, Royal Islander Resort: We’ve moved down the street now, to the 9th floor penthouse digs at the Royal Islander Resort. I’m sitting outside enjoying a balmy, slightly windy day, as groceries are being purchased from the downstairs store. We brought at least 7 bags of groceries with us. While we were assured - [Five Interesting Oscar-Qualifying Shorts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/five-interesting-oscar-qualifying-shorts/) - Five Oscar-eligible shorts have come to me recently. They are “Tea,” “Corpse Fishing,” “Anuja,” “Heart of Texas” and “Deck 5B.” There are more to come, but here’s how the first five struck me, listed in the order I enjoyed them: “Tea” was directed by Blake Rice and starred Michael Gandolfini (“The Many Saints - [Some Blog Tour Stops for "The Color of Evil" & "Hellfire & Damnation II" in December](https://www.weeklywilson.com/some-blog-tour-stops-for-the-color-of-evil-in-december/) - "The Color of Evil" will be FREE on December 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, just in advance of the release after the first of the year of the second book in "The Color of Evil" series, entitled "Red Is for Rage." Be sure to download it for free on those dates and keep your - ["Relative" Shows at Alamo Drafthouse in Wrigleyville for Final Time on May 22nd, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/relative-shows-at-alamo-drafthouse-in-wrigleyville-for-final-time-on-may-22nd-2023/) - Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith of "Relative." Chicago filmmaker Michael Glover Smith, (awarded the Gene Siskel Film Center’s Star Filmmaker Award in 2017), has written and directed four feature films since 2015. The newest film, “Relative,” was screened at Wrigleyville’s new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on May 22nd for what may be the last time. However, negotiations - [International Thriller Writers: Visiting New York City (July 10-14)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/3665/) - Attended ThrillerFest in New York City, July 10-14. Left for O'Hare at 8 AM on Wednesday for an 11 AM flight. First plane had mechanical difficulties; was canceled at 12:30. Second and third flights: weather-related cancellations. Spent TWELVE HOURS at O'Hare Airport. My luggage went on ahead. The women behind me had play tickets for - [Australian Short "Stranger, Brother" Screens at Sundance on September 25, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/australian-short-stranger-brother-screens-at-sundance-on-september-25-2025/) - Tiaki Teremoana of "Stranger, Brother" (Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival). The opening sequence at Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, for “Stranger, Brother,” an Australian short directed by Tongan/Australian director Annelise Hickey, is a beautiful ocean scene, silhouetting charismatic lead Tiaki Teremoanna who plays Adam. The music (Will Morrissey composed) is good. The - [Reasons Why Obama Won & Mitt Lost: Two Liberals Discuss, Post-Election](https://www.weeklywilson.com/reasons-why-obama-won-mitt-lost-two-liberal-independents-discuss-post-election/) - 1) The technical wizardry and knowledge of the young Obama workers far outstripped the more pedestrian team working for Romney, just as it overpowered the Clinton candidacy in 2008. (Look for Obama to "help" Hillary to run, should she gear up, in 2016, and that will be all it will take, even if we don't - [Bette Midler Plays United Center on June 18, 2015](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bette-midler-plays-united-center-on-june-18-2015/) - Bette Midler peered out at the crowd of all ages and said, "It's nice to see so many of my fans are still able to drive at night." I laughed out loud. Bette and I are contemporaries, and there is much truth in her meant-to-be-funny remark. Later, when she said that a new Apple Watch - [Sydney, Australia Museum of Modern Art Anish Kapoor Exhibit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sydney-australia-museum-of-modern-art-anish-kapoor-exhibit/) - February 3, 2013 - Anish Kapoor designed what is popularly known as "The Bean" which graces Chicago's Millennium Park. He is best-known for his sculptures involving mirrored surfaces, and is one of the British sculptors along with Tony Cragg, Richard Deacon, Shirazeh Houshiary and Antony Gormley. The exhibit of Kapoor's work began December 20, 2012 - [Silver Cleo Award Presented to Actress Joan Allen on October 14th, 2012 at Chicago Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/silver-cleo-award-presented-to-actress-joan-allen-on-october-14th-2012-at-chicago-film-festival/) - Actress Joan Allen was given a Career Achievement Award on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the 48th Annual Chicago Film Festival. Interviewed by Chicago “Tribune” film critic Michael Phillips, Allen recounted how it was “4 or 5 years before the penny really dropped for me in film. It took me a while.” Allen was born - [The Documentary “The Experimental City”](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-documentary-the-experimental-city/) - The documentary “The Experimental City,” written and directed by Chad Freidrichs (“The Pruitt-Igoe Myth) brings the fascinating true story of the MXC (Minnesota Experimental City) to the 53rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival for its World Premiere. In the 1960’s, a visionary American scientist named Dr. Athelstan Spilhaus and a team of experts set out - [Beto O'Rourke Speaks in Davenport at the River Music Experience on May 20, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beto-orourke-speaks-in-davenport-at-the-river-music-experience-on-may-20-2019/) - Beto O'Rourke, potential Democratic presidential nominee, came to Davenport (IA) on May 20, 2019, and spoke to a crowd of about 200 enthusiastic supporters at the River Music Experience. Introduced by former Iowa Congresswoman Alesia Gaiman, Beto entered, stage left. He may have thanked her with a wrong first name (sounded like a different first - [Beto O'Rourke HBO Documentary "Running with Beto" World Premiere on March 9, 2019, at SXSW: Crowd Wants to Know: Is He Running for President in 2020?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beto-orourke-hbo-documentary-running-with-beto-world-premiere-on-march-9-2019-at-sxsw-crowd-wants-to-know-is-he-running-for-president-in-2020/) - “Running with Beto,” the HBO documentary that will air on HBO in early spring (May 28 release date), was screened at a World Premiere at the Paramount Theater in Austin this morning (March 9 at 11:30 a.m.) and a rapt crowd of supporters got to see Beto O’Rourke, his wife Amy, and their daughter Molly - [CraftCrawl in River North Area of Chicago on Saturday, May 18th, 2013](https://www.weeklywilson.com/craftcrawl-in-river-north-area-of-chicago-on-saturday-may-18th-2013/) - I ended up with 6 "Passes" to CraftCrawl in the River North area of Chicago, which took place from noon to 9 p.m. today. We began the journey at John Barleycorn's, which was planning on opening its new sky roof for the first time. It was 83 degrees out and did not rain---a beautiful day, - [National Federation of Press Women Conference Winds Down as June Ends](https://www.weeklywilson.com/national-federation-of-press-women-conference-winds-down-as-june-ends/) - Attending the National Federation of Press Women conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was an informational experience. We were treated to a keynote address from Peter Kovacs, editor of The Advocate, Baton Rouge's local newspaper, and a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Walt Handelsman. Also featured as speakers were Jeff Cowart of San Antonio, who talked about - [Saturday, February 2, 2013 in Sydney, Australia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/saturday-february-2-2013-in-sydney-australia/) - A gray day here in Australia with temperatures near 70 Fahrenheit. We watched "Network" and "Midnight Express" till 3:30 a.m.. so we got a late start. Stacey joined us at 3 p.m. and we took off for Circular Quay Theater, 2 blocks away and saw "Silver Linings Playbook." Cost of an adult ticket? $18. Cost - [ThrillerFest in New York City & Other Things That Have Kept Me Away from the Blog](https://www.weeklywilson.com/thrillerfest-in-new-york-city-other-things-that-have-kept-me-away-from-the-blog/) - I've been away from the keyboard for a variety of reasons: 1) I attended ThrillerFest in New York City July 11-14 and had the opportunity to hear wisdom from many great writers. Pictures are a few. The HWA's own W.D. Gagliani was on one panel, as was Nate Kenyon ("Diablo: The Order"). I had the - [Red Is for Rage is FREE on Kindle Aug. 5 through Aug. 9th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/red-is-for-rage-is-free-on-kindle-aug-5-through-aug-9th/) - Just to let fans know, the second book in THE COLOR OF EVIL series (www.TheColorOfEvil.com) entitled RED IS FOR RAGE will be FREE as part of the Kindle KDP free give-away program (and for the first time) August 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, which is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The book picks up - [Cathedral of Notre Dame Pictures Depicting The View from the Top](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cathedral-of-notre-dame-pictures-depicting-the-view-from-the-top/) - I promised to post pictures that my good friend (and former college roommate) Pam Rhodes took within Notre Dame Cathedral and from the uppermost levels of Notre Dame Cathedral when she was there studying in 2007. I can't imagine that the gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral depicted and the view from the top-most parapets will - [Australia, Here We Come!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/australia-here-we-come/) - Drove for 3 and 1/2 hours to Chicago, then flew from Chicago to San Francisco for departure (4+ hours). Began trek to Australia (13 and 1/2 hours) and was happy to find out that I was on an aisle seat and there was nobody in the middle between me and a nice girl from Canada - ["Chicago" Plays Moline; Gives Local Musician Chance to Open Show](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chicago-plays-moline-gives-local-musician-chance-to-open-show/) - “Chicago,” the band, played the IWireless Center in Moline, Illinois last night (June 17, 2013) to a roughly half-full house. Local singer/songwriter Tim Stopulos (Tim Stop) opened for them, singing five original songs. The young Bettendorf Assumption graduate who has been following his dream since graduating from Wake Forest. did a fine job displaying poise - [Emerald Bay, Mazatlan, Mexico: January 11, 2012](https://www.weeklywilson.com/emerald-bay-mazatlan-mexico-january-11-2012/) - We've been here now since Saturday, and I have learned that it is not a good idea to mix wine, Bloody Marys, octopus, squid, pina coladas and Mexican coffee, which is set on fire tableside and contains tequila, in the same day. I learned this the hard way. (And I don't even LIKE octopus!) We - [Danny Glover Accepts Visionary Award at Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/danny-glover-accepts-visionary-award-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Danny Glover appeared in Chicago to promote the Nigerian film "93 Days" and accept a Visionary Award from Festival Founder Michael Kutza.The film "93 Days," based on real-life events, follows the Nigerian effort to stop the Ebola virus from spreading, when it was introduced into the capital city of Lagos (21 million people) in 2014. - [Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia, on February 9th, 2013](https://www.weeklywilson.com/manly-beach-sydney-australia-on-february-9th-2013/) - Today, we set off for Manly Beach by ferry. A short walk down Young Street to the ferry station and we set sail for Manly Beach with Stacey. We learned at the Sydney Museum across the street that the beach got its job when the aborigine natives approached the British ships and were found, by - [Australia Trip Down Under](https://www.weeklywilson.com/australia-trip-down-under/) - Wednesday, January 16, 2013: First day on the ship. We do not sail until tomorrow. We ended up sitting out by the pool, but Dad’s suitcase did not come very promptly, so he did not get to get in the hot tub with us. Our evening meal was shrimp cocktail, prime rib, mushroom soup and - [New Review in for THE COLOR OF EVIL series](https://www.weeklywilson.com/new-review-in-for-the-color-of-evil-series/) - Some time ago, I was asked to send in THE COLOR OF EVIL series for review by the Midwest Book Review. Today, the review arrived in the mail, noting that it would appear in the August, 2014, issue of the "Small Press Bookwatch." It has also been posted with the Cengage Learning interactive CD-ROM series - [View From Atop Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, Pre-Fire](https://www.weeklywilson.com/view-from-atop-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-france-pre-fire/) - The world has reacted as you would have expected to the news that Notre Dame Cathedral was on fire. There was shock, sadness and, ultimately, a desire to help rebuild. I read that Salma Hayek's billionaire husband has pledged $139 million dollars to the reconstruction efforts. Observers on the ground commented on the steeples that - ["Locals Love Us" Website Awards Watermark Gift Shop As #1 Crowd Favorite on Nov. 4th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/locals-love-us-website-awards-watermark-gift-shop-as-1-crowd-favorite-on-nov-4th/) - Swing by Watermark Corners in Moline on Friday, between 4:00 and 7:30 p.m. and pick up a new illustrated children's book in the Christmas Cats series and, while supplies last, receive a FREE copy of Book #1, "The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats." Watermark Corners employees, l to r, Beth (Sallak), June (Kalemkarian), Amy (Trimble), - [Presenting at the Hawaii Writers' Conference (aka Spellbinders Conference)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/presenting-at-the-hawaii-writers-conference-aka-spellbinders-conference/) - We are now in Hawaii, but, before leaving Chicago, I had the distinct pleasure to meet John Teehan (Publisher, "The Merry Blacksmith"), a wonderful layout artist and publisher extraordinaire, who was in Chicago. (He took the train!) John will be attending WorldCon in the Windy City, while I will be taking on the 50th (and - [Galaxy Bookstore Hosts Book Signing "Down Under" in Sydney, Australia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/galaxy-bookstore-hosts-book-signing-down-under-in-sydney-australia/) - The Galaxy Bookstore at 131 York Street in Sydney, Australia, hosted a book signing on Thursday night, February 7th, from 5 to 8 p.m. A paranormal romance book club meets at that time, and I had the opportunity to speak with some of the members as they began their group discussion at 6:30 p.m. I - [Heavy Rain, High Winds, Tornados Hit Quad City Area on Monday, June 24, 2013](https://www.weeklywilson.com/heavy-rain-high-winds-tornados-hit-quad-city-area-on-monday-june-24-2013/) - Storms swept through the Illinois Quad Cities on Monday, June 24, around 4 p.m. There was rain in the Iowa Quad Cities, but nothing like what a swath of East Moline, Moline and other sections experienced. I should know. I came out of the UPS Store in Ridgewood Shopping Center to the sound of the - ["The Birds" Scene Causes Granddaughters to Comment](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-birds-scene-causes-granddaughters-to-comment/) - The Birds in "The Final Victim" (Hellfire & Damnation III) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgyyPWy1tCA&feature=youtu.be http://youtu.be/RgyyPWy1tCA This video was shot some time ago, while driving home from a trip to the Children's Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa. It was shot on 16th Avenue in East Moline, Illinois, and the birds subsequently were identified as European starlings by research - ["Sandman" Dennis Massoud Has Been Sand Sculpting-for-Dollars for Decades](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sandman-dennis-massoud-has-been-sand-sculpting-for-dollars-for-decades/) - Sand In Your Eyes (www.sandinyoureyes.com) is the longest running Australian sand sculpting company. It was formed by Master sculptor Dennis Massoud more than 20 years ago. The team is currently sculpting a Qantas airplane. complete with tail fin and passengers in seats, in front of Sydney, Australia's Common House at the foot of Young Street. - ["Passing" Brings Rebecca Hall to the 57th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/passing-brings-rebecca-hall-to-the-57th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Rebecca Hall screened her directorial debut, “Passing,” on October 20, 2021, in Chicago and was presented with an Artistic Achievement Award by the Chicago International Film Festival. It was the second award she has received in Chicago—the first being a Silver Hugo for her lead in the biographical picture “Christine” in 2016. “Passing” stars Ruth - [Australian News for Wednesday, February 6th, 2013: Posts from "Down Under"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/australian-news-for-wednesday-february-6th-2013-posts-from-down-under/) - There are many of the same food chains here in Australia that we have in the United States, but they sometimes go by different names. For instance, Burger King, here, is Hungry Jack’s. Of course, there’s been a bit of a flap here lately over the admission that there is horsemeat contained in the burgers - [Ed Helms, Jason Segel & Susan Sarandon Light Up the Screen in the Comedy "Jeff, Who Lives at Home"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ed-helms-jason-segel-susan-sarandon-light-up-the-screen-in-the-comedy-jeff-who-lives-at-home/) - “Jeff, Who Lives At Home,” a film by the Duplass brothers, was screened at the Chicago Film Festival on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 to an enthusiastic crowd anxious to see Ed Helms (“The Office,” “The Hangover”), Jason Segel (“Knocked Up,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “I Love You, Man”) and Susan Sarandon (“Dead Man Walking,” “The Rocky - ["We Do Our Best" Screens at HollyShorts Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/we-do-our-best-screens-at-hollyshorts-film-festival/) - Hannah Rose Ammon wrote and directed the 13:41 film “We Do Our Best,” her first directorial/writing effort after five roles as an actress. She enlisted veteran actress Jennifer Esposito to star in this moody mother/daughter study. Esposito portrays Liv and Madalynn Mathews, who graduated from Rutgers with a BFA in Acting two years ago, plays - [LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin (TX) Alive in Spring](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ladybird-johnson-wildflower-center-in-austin-tx-alive-in-spring/) - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. All of the gardens feature plants native to Texas, from the mountains in the West to the Gulf Coast. The practices focus on conserving resources, providing wildlife habitat, protecting native plants and creating a sense of place. This is the - [Jason V Brock's 1st Short Story Collection: "Simulacrum & Other Possible Realities"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jason-v-brocks-1st-short-story-collection-simulacrum-other-alternate-possibilities/) - When I asked Jason V (no period) Brock to write the Introduction to “Hellfire & Damnation II,” it was because I had read a touching story within his and William F. Nolan’s anthology “The Devil’s Coat Tails” that he wrote about the death of a loved one, and it was wonderful---just as wonderful as the - ["The Disappearance of Shere Hite" Shines @ Nashville Film Festival on 9/30/23](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-disappearance-of-sherrie-hite-shines-nashville-film-festival-on-9-30-23/) - Author Shere Hite wrote a bestselling book in 1976 entitled "The Hite Report." Her G-Spot research rocked America and provided an entry point for conversations about gender, sexuality, bodily autonomy and female empowerment. The biggest revelation of "The Hite Report" concerned the need for clitoral stimulation for most women to achieve orgasm, with or without - ["Okie" Is Great Find @ CIFF This Weekend](https://www.weeklywilson.com/okie-is-great-find-ciff-this-weekend/) - The first thing that struck me about “Okie” were the gorgeous cinematic images. Kudos to Director of Photography Wojciech Kielar. There are so many panoramas and rural vistas that are shot with wide lens beauty. Creston, Illinois, never looked better. The music is good and the acting is top-notch, with Scott Michael Foster (“Greek,” “Crazy - ["A Useful Ghost:" Thailand's Oscar Entry Shows at 61st Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-useful-ghost-thailands-oscar-entry-shows-at-61st-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “A Useful Ghost” is Thailand’s official submission for the 98th Oscar ceremony for Best International Film Feature. The film is the first feature length effort by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, after his shorts “Red Aninsri” and “Tiptoeing on the Still Trembling Berlin Wall.” The director, who writes for Thailand television, is competing for the Gold Hugo award - [Shaking It Up: The Life & Times of Liz Carpenter- World Premiere at SXSW on March 10th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/shaking-it-up-the-life-times-of-liz-carpenter-world-premiere-at-sxsw-on-march-10th/) - Liz Carpenter was a force of nature who, throughout her 89 years (1920-2010), was often front and center where history was unfolding. leaving her own indelible mark on events. She was a journalist, White House official, Women's Rights activist, best-selling author, and humorist. Directors Christy Carpenter, Liz's daughter, and Abby Ginzberg weave candid modern-day interviews - [Five Oscar-Eligible Shorts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/five-oscar-eligible-shorts/) - Here are 5 more Oscar-eligible shorts in an attempt to acquaint audiences with some of the contenders for this year's Academy Awards: "Moeder," "Then Comes the Body," "Fireline," "Will I See You Again?" and "Sunflower." “Moeder” – This 20 minute film, directed by Salomon Ligthelm focused on the deaths of 298 civilian passengers when the - ["Blueprint" Film at Chicago International Film Festival Examines Gun Violence on Chicago's South Side](https://www.weeklywilson.com/15636/) - “Blueprint”, directed by Daryl Wein, and co-written by Daryl Wein and the film’s star, Jerod Haynes, is a close look at the issue of gun violence in Chicago---specifically, Chicago’s South Side. The film includes a citing of the May total of 486 shooting that resulted in 52 deaths. (*Note: WGN news of 10/1/2017 did report - [Steve James' "A Compassionate Spy" Opens 58th Chicago International Film Festival on October 12th, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/steve-james-a-compassionate-spy-opens-58th-chicago-international-film-festival-on-october-12th-2022/) - A Compassionate Spy 101 min | Documentary The incredible story of Manhattan Project scientist Ted Hall, who shared classified nuclear secrets with Russia. Director: Steve James Producers: Steve James/David Lindorff/Mark Mitten Cinematographer: Tom Bergmann “A Compassionate Spy” opened the 58th Chicago International Film Festival at the Music Box Theater on Wednesday, October 12th. The 101 - [Cancun, 2024, Is In the Books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-2024-is-in-the-books/) - This will be a stream-of-consciousness column from Cancun---sunny, windy Cancun, Mexico. This is either our 29th or 30th straight year of spending two weeks in Cancun at Royal Resorts time shares we purchased in the nineties. Last year was our last year at the Penthouse 9th floor digs (#4492) and the Royal Islander has been - [Jeb Bush Campaigns in Iowa on Aug.13, 2015](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jeb-bush-campaigns-in-iowa-on-aug-13-2015/) - Jeb Bush came to the St. Ambrose University Student Union in Davenport, Iowa ("the Beehive"), to speak at something billed as APPS: Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security - ["Life and Other Problems" Screens at the Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/life-and-other-problems-screens-at-the-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Ten years ago in 2014, the news that Marius the giraffe was being put down by the Copenhagen Zoo went viral all the way from Hollywood to Chechnya. This Matt Kestner directed 98-minute documentary about that Marius controversy is a nominee for the Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival. It’s a philosophical - ["The Natural History of Destruction" at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-natural-history-of-destruction-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Perhaps the most succinct thing that can be said about “The Natural History of Destruction,” a film that screened at Cannes by Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa, is that there is nothing “natural” in destroying what has taken civilization centuries to build. There is nothing “natural” about massive civilian loss of life. This screening was - [Paul McCartney at the United Center (Chicago) on Nov. 24, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/paul-mccartney-at-the-united-center-chicago-on-nov-24-2025/) - I just returned to Austin from Chicago. I traveled to the Windy City to see Paul McCartney in concert at the United Center on Monday, November 24, 2025. Chicago was the last stop on McCartney's "Got Back" tour. The place was packed and nobody left early. Paul came onstage about 8:20 p.m. and sang until - [HollyShorts Concludes Second UK Edition](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hollyshorts-concludes-second-uk-edition/) - HollyShorts brought a dose of Hollywood to London this week as its second U.K. edition wrapped with a sold-out awards ceremony at Vue Cinemas West End, where Franz Böhm’s Rock, Paper, Scissors and Sam Davis’ The Singers emerged as the night’s top winners. The Oscar-qualifying short film festival, now growing a sizable satellite presence in - [On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are: HollyShorts 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/on-the-internet-nobody-knows-who-you-are-hollyshorts-2025/) - HollyShorts 2025 has many shorts in competition this past three days (most of which I spent on the road to Texas). Last year, the count was 427. The short that caught my eye was "On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are," a 23 minute, 26 second offering from J.M. Logan that starred Jesse Einstein - [Buffalo in Kansas? From Snow to Eighties](https://www.weeklywilson.com/buffalo-in-kansas-from-snow-to-eighties/) - The pictures above were taken in Kansas. It was incredibly cold (said it felt like 28 because of the wind, but was technically in the thirties). The "buffalo" are not real. Until Kansas the first snow of the winter season was pummeling Indiana and Chicago and parts north. The Northern Lights were even visible in - ["Deliver Me from Nowhere:" Jeremy Allen White As Bruce Springsteen](https://www.weeklywilson.com/deliver-me-from-nowhere-jeremy-allen-white-as-bruce-springsteen/) - The Jeremys have triumphed in “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” even if the movie isn’t burning up the charts. (So much for “I’m on Fire” and the frequent script references to burning the house down.) This October was the worst October for theaters in 30 years. When "Deliver Me from Nowhere" begins streaming it should do - [From Substack: This Will Hold](https://www.weeklywilson.com/from-substack-this-will-hold/) - Breaking the American Spirit: Trump's Recreational Depravity Has An Agenda To Christian Nationalists, Even Hitler Was Forgiven This Will Hold Oct 29 Evil on Steroids To be clear, when we say “Trump,” understand we’re talking about the Heritage Foundation’s agenda. Trump and his tigers, elephants, and giraffes are not the ones steering this country, although - ["Eternity" Closes Out 61st Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/eternity-closes-out-61st-chicago-international-film-festival/) - The closing night film of the 61st Chicago International Film Festival was an homage to films of the 80s and 90s, romantic comedies like “Notting Hill,” written by Patrick Cunnane (his first feature screenplay) and Director David Freyne (“Dating Amber,” 2020). During the Q&A onstage following the showing on October 26th, Trevor White, a producer - [61st Chicago International Film Festival: Decidedly Irish for Me](https://www.weeklywilson.com/61st-chicago-international-film-festival-decidedly-irish-for-me/) - In other years of the Chicago International Film Festival, a specific country or group of countries has been selected for a focus of the festival, featuring films from that country or area. I remember the Nordic countries having their day in the sun. There was also one year where the Middle East was highlighted. A - [The Growing Need to Keep Lobbying Out of American Healthcare](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-growing-need-to-keep-lobbying-out-of-american-healthcare/) - Healthcare in the United States has always been a complex web of policy, profit, and patient needs. While the system is designed to heal and protect lives, corporate lobbying has quietly tilted the scales in favor of powerful interests. Instead of focusing on affordable care and patient safety, healthcare lobbying often centers around profit - ["Child of Dust" Screens at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/child-of-dust-screens-at-the-61st-chicago-international-film-festival/) - This 92-minute documentary that screened at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival was a Polish, Vietnamese, Czech and Swedish production, directed and produced by Weronika Mliczewsta. It is the story of a 55-year-old man fathered by an American G.I while serving in Vietnam in 1966-1967 and the son’s life-long attempt to meet his biological father. - ["The Plague" Is Tour de Force Debut Feature Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-plague-is-tour-de-force-debut-feature-film/) - “The Plague” showed Saturday night in a crowded theater at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, the debut feature film for Writer/Director Charlie Polinger. It was everything I hoped it would be. I’ve heard great things about this film. The director remained true to his vision and assembled an outstanding cast of 12 to - ["The Mastermind" Proves Crime Doesn't Pay at 61st Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-mastermind-proves-crime-doesnt-pay-at-61st-chicago-international-film-festival/) - The last three days of the 61st Chicago International Film Festival have been three days of an embarrassment of riches, with the screenings of Gus Van Sant’s “Dead Man’s Wire”, Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia,” and Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.” Reichardt and Van Sant are present in Chicago in person to accept - ["Reedland" Screens at 61st Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/reedland-screens-at-61st-chicago-international-fi/) - “Reedland,” written and directed by Sven Bresser, is a Norwegian/Dutch film screening at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival. It is in competition for the Gold Hugo award in Chicago and was nominated for 7 other awards at other film festivals. It will be submitted for potential inclusion in the 2026 Oscar foreign film category. - [Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" Dazzles at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/guillermo-del-toros-frankenstein-dazzles-at-the-61st-chicago-international-film-festival/) - I saw Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" today, in a screening room packed with critics. I'm very glad I did see it on the big screen because it is only going to play in theaters beginning October 17th through November 5th and then will head to Netflix on November 7th. I am going to share some - ["Luisa" Screens at 61st Chicago International Film Festival, Oct. 16-26](https://www.weeklywilson.com/luisa-screens-at-61st-chicago-international-film-festival-oct-16-26/) - Luisa, which is showing at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, follows the path of a resident of a home for people with disabilities. Written, directed and produced by German director Julia Roesel on a budget of $10,000, the lead character, Luisa Shulze (Celina Scharff) is, herself, a person with developmental issues and mild disabilities. - ["Money Talk$:" Anthony Scarmucci, Jr.'s Shorts Directorial Debut](https://www.weeklywilson.com/money-talk-anthony-scarmucci-jr-s-shorts-directorial-debut/) - The short “Money Talk$” boasts an impressive cast and Director/Writer Tony Mucci has 33 directing credits for music videos. The director’s full name is Anthony Scaramucci, Jr. If you wondered if he was the son of “the Mooch” (who was infamously fired in 2017 after a very brief stint working for DJT), yes, he is. - ["Dead of Winter" Stars Emma Thompson in A Winning Thriller](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dead-of-winter-stars-emma-thompson-in-a-winning-thriller/) - Emma Thompson has a new movie out, “Dead of Winter” that is a thriller and showcases her considerable talent. Irish director Brian Kirk directed Chadwick Boseman in “21 Bridges” previously and has done an equally good job with this story of a grieving widow (Emma Thompson) who travels to a remote lake in northern - [Important Message from Professor Emeritus Dr. James Greenberg](https://www.weeklywilson.com/important-message-from-professor-emeritus-dr-james-greenberg/) - Please read this insightful and informational warning about the Rule of Law and our Justice system, from legal Professor Emeritus, Dr. James Greenberg. James Greenberg Justice in America is breaking. Not in its statutes or codes, which still sit on the books, but in the trust that makes them real. Prosecutors are supposed to pursue - ["Kiss of the Spider Woman" Closes 56th Nashville Film Festival on 9/24/2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kiss-of-the-spider-woman-closes-56th-nashville-film-festival-on-9-24-2025/) - Writer/Director Bill Condon (“Dreamgirls”), who wrote and directed the closing film of the 56th Nashville Film Festival, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” told interviewer Jeremy Smith (Slashfilm.com) that without Jennifer Lopez, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” would not have gotten made. His exact words, "Jennifer Lopez is the reason this movie got made. There's only - [56th Nashville Film Festival Closing Night Tonight](https://www.weeklywilson.com/56th-nashville-film-festival-closing-night-tonight/) - Here in Nashville, we could not get the Jimmy Kimmel Show last night (Tuesday, September 23). It was one of the states where station owners refused to carry the program. Very sorry that we were bombarded, instead, with a boring montage of Tennessee historic footage. Couldn't find Kimmel on my computer, either. Spent most of - ["Matter of Time" Documentary at 56th Nashville Film Festival Features Eddie Vedder](https://www.weeklywilson.com/matter-of-time-documentary-features-eddie-vedder-at-nashville-film-festival/) - In 2014, musician Eddie Vedder and Jill Vedder co-founded the EB Research Partnership ,a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for the genetic skin disorder epidermolysis bullosa.[135] Director Matt Finlin’s one hour and 46 minute documentary follows Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam fame as he gives a series of fund-raising concerts in Seattle - ["Boundary Waters" Is Outstanding Debut Feature at 56th Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/boundary-waters-is-outstanding-debut-feature-at-56th-nashville-film-festival/) - Boundary Waters,” directed by Tessa Blake and written and directed by Blake (in collaboration with Jennifer Manocherian), is a coming-of-age drama set in the Iron Range of Minnesota. The film contained outstanding cinematography of the geographic area. Carlo Rinaldi was the cinematographer, but nature shots from a museum in Ely, Minnesota, were donated to the - ["John Candy: I Like Me" Is Immensely Enjoyable at 56th Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/john-candy-i-like-me-is-immensely-enjoyable-at-56th-nashville-film-festival/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrcQRsrBcCk John Candy: I Like Me, a documentary film about Candy's life and career, was directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds. It premiered on September 4, 2025, as the opening film of the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary screened at the 56th Nashville Film Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025. It - ["Breaking Bad" Meets "Ozark" in "Never Get Busted" at the 56th Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/breaking-bad-meets-ozark-in-never-get-busted-at-the-56th-nashville-film-festival/) - Director and Screenwriter David Anthony Ngo and Producer/Writer Erin Williams-Weir appeared at the 56th Nashville Film Festival in support of their film, “Never Get Busted,” an Australian film about an American ex-narcotics officer, Barry Cooper. Also listed as director was Stephen McCallum for the 105 minute docu-drama that is described as “a rootin’ tootin’ - ["Man On the Run:" Paul McCartney's Post Beatles Life & Work Kicks Off 56th Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/man-on-the-run-paul-mccartneys-post-beatles-life-work-kicks-off-56th-nashville-film-festival/) - ”Man on the Run” opened the 56th Nashville Film Festival on Thursday, September 18th at the Green Hills Regal Theaters. Based on access to never-before-seen archives of Paul and Linda's home videos and photos, as well as new interviews with Paul’s children Mary and Stella and insights from John Lennon's son Sean, director Morgan - [Mother Jones & Union Activism in the U.S.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mother-jones-union-activism-in-the-u-s/) - We're on the way to the 56th Nashville Film Festival. Driving 7 hours to Paducah, Kentucky was the start. On the way, we stopped at a rest stop in Southern Illinois, where I communed with Mother Jones, patron saint of the magazine for the reasons you can read here for yourself. Mother Jones was a - [56th Nashville Film Festival Screens September 18-24, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/56th-nashville-film-festival-screens-september-18-24-2025/) - If you are planning on attending the 56th Nashville Film Festival to view any of the 150 or so feature films, shorts, animated shorts or documentaries (Sept.18-24, 2025) check out some reviews of a few of the offerings that have appeared on this blog and on The Movie Blog previously, usually after having seen them - ["Omaha:" A Film For Our Times](https://www.weeklywilson.com/omaha-is-a-film-for-our-times-from-debut-feature-film-director-cole-webley/) - “Omaha” is the first feature film from working cinematographer Cole Webley, who has numerous IMDB credits for shorts and commercial work. He told Kate Erland of “IndieWire:” When you’re in this business, when a script comes along that everybody knows just needs to be made into a film, the writing’s on the wall.” That - ["Retirement Plan:" The 7-Minute Short That Tells the Truth](https://www.weeklywilson.com/retirement-the-7-minute-short-that-tells-the-truth/) - I recently had the pleasure of viewing a 7-minute short that is to screen at SXSW in March entitled “Retirement Plan." From Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, It was written by John Kelly and Tara Lawall and was an absolute delight. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it. It is narrated by Domhnall Gleason (Bill Weasley - ["Ben's Sister" Screens at 56th Nashville Film Festival on September 20, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bens-sister-screens-at-56th-nashville-film-festival-on-september-20-2025/) - Emma Weinswig, is a talented Writer/Director/Actress who took home the SXSW Audience Award for "Ben's Sister," an 18-minute film that won the Narrative Shorts Competition at SXSW in 2025. The film depicts the high school antics of a group of teen-aged boys who are attempting to win the award for the Senior Scavenger Hunt. The - ["The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick" at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-true-beauty-of-being-bitten-by-a-tick-at-nashville-film-festival/) - I missed “The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick” when it premiered at SXSW. As it turns out, that was probably for the best. Director Pete Ohs is having much more success with his newest film, “Europcja,” starring Charlie Xcx at TIFF in Toronto, where it has been described as “delightful.” When “The - ["Blondi," (Hitler's Dog), Takes Us On An 18-Minute Tour of the 3rd Reich at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/blondi-hitlers-dog-takes-us-on-an-18-minute-tour-of-the-3rd-reich-at-nashville-film-festival/) - The 18 minute short “Blondi” by Writer-Director Jack Salvadori follows Hitler’s dog in 1940s Germany. The log line says, “Can a dog still be man’s best friend if that man is the Führer? Blondi explores the bizarre bond between Hitler and his beloved German Shepherd. From eating the crumbs under the table at the Führer’s - ["Bark" Short to Screen at Nashville Film Festival on September 19, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bark-short-to-screen-at-nashville-film-festival-on-september-19-2025/) - Directors Steven Lai and Leonardo Giovenazzo wrote and directed an 11-minute short entitled “Bark.” It will have its Southeast Premiere at the 56th Nashville Film Festival on Friday, September 19th at 9 p.m. in Regal Green Hills Theater #4. The film features veteran actor Eric Roberts as Albert, the father of Roger (Kiser Shelton). Roger - ["Color Book" To Screen At 56th Nashville Film Festival on September 19, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/color-book-to-screen-at-56th-nashville-film-festival-on-september-19-2025/) - Will Catlett and Jeremiah Daniels in "Color Book" at the 56th Nashville Film Festival. (Photo by Autumn Bailey Entertainment). “Color Book” premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival and has garnered over 20 jury and audience awards at festivals, including the Austin Film Festival, Deauville American Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Denver Film Festival, - [Printers' Row on Saturday & Sunday, 9/6 and 9/7/2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/printers-row-on-saturday-sunday-9-6-and-9-7-2025/) - Today was the final day of Printers' Row 2025. It is the third largest outdoor book sales event in the United States. I've done Printers' Row at least 5 times, always with limited success, because the expense to participate is substantial and most of the other vendors are offering books for as low as $5. - ["Little Bird" & "The Stand" At HollyShorts Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/little-bird-the-stand-at-hollyshorts-film-festival/) - Vietnamese filmmaker and AFI Conservatory MFA Graduate Oanh-Nhi Nguyen is the only filmmaker to have two films accepted into the HollyShorts Film Festival, taking place August 7-17th in Hollywood, California, "Little Bird" and "The Stand." Oanh-Nhi Nguyen collaborated on writing the screenplay with Ysabeaux Ng. Timothy Shin was the cinematographer. Nguyen’s goal is to - ["11:11" Screens at Holly Shorts Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/1111-screens-at-holly-shorts-film-festival/) - Mahnoor Euceph wrote and directed the short (15:27 mins.) “11:11”that will screen at the HollyShorts Festival from August 7th to the 17th in Hollywood, California. [Among those listed as Executive Producer for the film was Cate Blanchett]. The short follows a 9th grade Pakistani Muslim girl Noori as she moves to Palos Verdes, California - [Kyle Langford Poses Outside Auschwitz in GOP Run for California Governor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kyle-langford-poses-outside-auschwitz-in-gop-run-for-california-governor/) - Did Kyle Langford, a Republican candidate for governor of California, post a photo of himself in front of Auschwitz as an advertisement for "My 0% unemployment Plan." Yahoo fact checked it and here's the truth:] - ["Weapons" Horror Movie Hits The Mark](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weapons-horror-movie-hits-the-mark/) - One of the best films of the summer is “Weapons,” written, directed and partially scored by Zach Cregger. While there are credits for music ("Beware of Darkness," "Gotta' Get Up" et. al) Cregger collaborated with Hays Holladay and Ryan Holladay on sounds used. Cregger’s previous film, “Barbarian” (2022) marked him as a talent to watch. - ["The Week" Nails DJT Kakistocracy as "Ship of Fools"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-week-nails-djt-kakistrocracy-as-ship-of-fools/) - By William Falk, Editor, “The Week” [ August 8, 2025 edition of “The Week” magazine]: “It’s a fierce competition, with no winners and only losers. Which of the unqualified kooks and fawning toadies working for Donald Trump is the most incompetent? Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are currently the most visible - ["Mercenaire" Is Riveting 15-Minute Short At HollyShorts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mercenaire-is-riveting-15-minute-short-at-hollyshorts/) - Out of the 427 short films being screened at HollyShorts---one that will stand out for me--- is the Canadian offering “Mercenaire,” which also showed at TIFF in 2024. University of Montreal Graduate Writer/Director Pier-Philippe Chevigny has directed Marc-Andre Grondin as Dave, an ex-convict, in a totally absorbing 15 minute film about a parolee who - ["Sunday Sauce" Bubbles Up at Holly Shorts 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sunday-sauce-bubbles-up-at-holly-shorts-2025/) - "Sunday Sauce" is a Holly Shorts entry from Matt Campanella, who both directed, wrote and stars as Marco. Anthony Campanella produced and Matt's real life grandmother, Vincenza Campanella, plays his grandmother at the Italian dinner party that is the center of the story. If a dinner party sounds drab and dull, now might be the - [Emil Bova: Another DJT Tool to Take Over](https://www.weeklywilson.com/emil-bova-another-djt-tool-to-take-over/) - Anyone who doubts that DJT is, slowly but surely, moving towards seizing control of all the levers of power in government and transforming the United States from a democracy to an autocratic Russian-style autocracy should pay special attention to the Senate’s confirmation of Trump’s personal lawyer, Emil Bova, to a lifetime post on the federal - [Francis Ford Coppola in Chicago with "Megalopolis" on July 25, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/francis-ford-coppola-in-chicago-with-megalopolis-on-july-25-2025/) - As part of my Birthday Tour (7/23), I purchased tickets to see "Megalopolis" (for the second time) with Francis Ford Coppola in attendance. He was coming to the Chicago Theater in downtown Chicago. I was in town celebrating a big birthday, with tickets to see Caitlin Clark play on Sunday (probably injured and not playing---and - [The Experts Weigh In On Stephen Colbert's Firing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-experts-weigh-in-on-stephen-colberts-firing/) - The Washington Post (Emily Davies) asked some prominent authorities in the field of television about the likelihood that the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show was just based on financial considerations, as Paramount maintains. The experts aren't buying it; neither should we. Forty-eight hours after Colbert called the $16 million payment to Trump by Paramount - [FBI Told to Erase All Mention of Trump in Epstein Documents](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fbi-told-to-erase-all-mention-of-trump-in-epstein-documents/) - BREAKING: Senator Dick Durbin drops a massive bombshell and reveals that Attorney General Pam Bondi "pressured" roughly 1,000 FBI personnel to sift through tens of thousands of Epstein documents to flag all mentions of Donald Trump. And it gets so much worse... In letters sent to Bondi, MAGA FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy FBI - [FBI Agent Says FBI Is Being Destroyed From Within](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fbi-agent-says-fbi-is-being-destroyed-from-within/) - From David Frum's podcast entitled "The Wrecking of the FBI," sub-titled "How President Donald Trump is destroying U.S. counter-intelligence from the inside, published in "The Atlantic" on July 16th comes a disturbing picture of the FBI in Trump 2.0. The interview lasted an hour (and can potentially be heard in its entirety on YouTube.) This is - [Stephen Colbert Is Canceled By CBS](https://www.weeklywilson.com/steven-colbert-is-canceled-by-cbs/) - At 7 p.m. (CDT) on Thursday (7/17) comes the news that Stephen Colbert's Late Night Show has been canceled. He has until May before we will have to do without Colbert's brand of intelligent humor and his insightful interviews of informed celebrities. Lately, Colbert himself had made jokes about the possibility that his show, which - [Department of Education Is Latest on the DJT Chopping Block](https://www.weeklywilson.com/department-of-education-is-latest-on-the-djt-chopping-block/) - “As Justice Sonia Sotomayor stated in her dissent to the decision that allows DJT to destroy the Department of Education, ‘When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it.’ Right now, the law is whatever - ["Jurassic World: Rebirth": Is the Series Over?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jurassic-world-rebirth-is-the-series-over/) - I tried very hard to go into "Jurassic World: Rebirth" without reading any of the reviews beforehand. Therefore, when I saw Rupert Friend onscreen, at first I thought it was Orlando Bloom. As I discovered during the "check on that" phase of the festivities, the "bad guy" was actually Rupert Friend (pictured below). Given the - [Trump As Sociopath: Check the Signs](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-as-sociopath-check-the-signs/) - by Brent Molnar ( Voice of Reason ~ "The Man-Child in Chief: Why Donald Trump’s Behavior Isn’t Just Alarming—It’s Clinical" "At this point, calling Donald Trump a sociopath feels like stating water is wet. But throw that term around too loosely and people stop hearing it. So let’s be precise. What if the erratic cruelty, - [We Need to Act on Weather Issues NOW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/we-need-to-act-on-weather-issues-now/) - [Excerpts from “Flash Floods and Climate Policy in the New Yorker, by Elizabeth Kolbert (7/12/2025)] As anyone who has read my blog knows, I am with Greta Tunberg, the Swedish activist for climate awareness, in feeling that we must do what we can to stop the frightening proliferation of weather catastrophes, brought on by the - [Flash Flooding: Iowa Quad Cities, July 11th, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/flash-flooding-iowa-quad-cities-july-11th-2025/) - Flash flooding in Davenport, Iowa According to the Scott County Emergency Management team, over 100 houses are affected and there are numerous 9-1-1 calls. I was on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River until about 5 p.m., but the downpour came later. I noticed that the atmosphere seemed to be getting hotter close to - ["2024:" Trump Threatens to 'Bomb the S***' Out of Moscow/Beijing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2024-trump-threatens-to-bomb-the-s-out-of-moscow-beijing/) - There’s a new book out entitled “2024,” It is written by 3 co-authors who appeared on CNN to shill for this new book. The book is subtitled: “How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.” The authors are Josh Dawsey of the Wall Street Journal, Tyler Pager of the New York Times, - [What's Best at the Multi-Plex?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/whats-best-at-the-multi-plex/) - Perhaps the title shouldn’t mention the multiplex, since one of the three movies I’m going to address is already streaming on HBO Max. (“Sinners” directed by Ryan Coogler). To put this in perspective, three films that I’ve taken in since fleeing the heat (and floods) of Austin are “Sinners” (now streaming), “28 Years Later,” and - [We Ride to Red Lobster to Check Out Its Rebirth](https://www.weeklywilson.com/we-ride-to-red-lobster-to-check-out-its-rebirth/) - Just returned from dining at the Red Lobster. I want the Red Lobster to come back as a business---I really do. (For one thing, I have stock.) I’ve recently seen the ads featuring a tall, good-looking young Black gentleman, Damola Adamolekun, their new CEO. He is the youngest CEO in Red Lobster history at - [Is the Trump Administration Looking Out for You During Weather Crises?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/is-the-trump-administration-looking-out-for-you-during-weather-crises/) - In the wake of the Texas flash flood catastrophe that has, so far, claimed 68 lives, with over 41 still missing, 27 of them (originally) young girls at a campsite (Camp Mystic) along the Guadalupe River, this seems like a good time to mention how the current GOP administration is taking care of Americans facing - [What The Bill Will Do: What We Need To Do](https://www.weeklywilson.com/what-the-bill-will-do-what-we-need-to-do/) - (By Patricia Hoffman, with updates from the blog.) For the people that didn't have the time to read the entire bill that Trump just signed..here's the worst of the worst... UNTIL IT HITS HOME, TRUMP VOTERS WILL KEEP LOOKING AWAY— Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” isn’t a budget—it’s Project 2025 turned into law. A blueprint for - ["The Manchurian Candidate:" From Fiction to Fact?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-manchurian-candidate-from-fiction-to-fact/) - "The story begins in March 1986, when Soviet ambassador Yuri Dubinin and his daughter Natalia walked into Trump Tower and requested a meeting with Donald Trump. Natalia told Politico years later that their mission was to “hook” the assumed billionaire, and “Trump melted at once.” This was the beginning of the KGB’s recruitment of Donald - [Iran Nuclear Program: Obliterated or Ongoing?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/iran-nuclear-program-obliterated-or-ongoing/) - Did the United States just poke a stick into the wasps' nest? Is Trump telling the truth (for a change) when he tells us from the White House that our strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities had "totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear program, or are we going to have to buckle up for an extremely bumpy future - [Trump Orders Bunker Buster Bombs Be Dropped on Iran on 6/21/25](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-orders-6-buster-bunker-bombs-be-dropped-on-iran/) - Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, framed the risks this way: “While we all agree that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon, Trump abandoned diplomatic efforts to achieve that goal and instead chose to unnecessarily endanger American lives, further threaten our armed forces in the region and risk pulling America into another long - [The King of Chaos: Donald J. Trump](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-king-of-chaos-donald-j-trump/) - The United States has had 47 Presidents. To the best of my memory, we have never had one who thrives on chaos and seeks to create it. Now we have one who is a divider, not a uniter. One late night host dubbed Donald J. Trump the King of Chaos. Trump’s admiration for strong - [Is Trump A Russian Asset?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/is-trump-a-russian-asset/) - Nato Ambassador Nominee is questioned by Oregon Senator Phil Merkley on March 4, 2025. Jeff Merkley has been Oregon’s Senator since 2008. From Wikipedia: "In June 2018, Merkley received national attention when he attempted to visit a facility holding the children of jailed adults who had attempted to cross the border to seek asylum. Children - [Was 2024 Rigged? More Strange Days Ahead.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/was-2024-rigged-more-strange-days-ahead/) - Has it ever occurred to you that Elon Musk, with his Starlink expertise, may well have “fixed” the vote for DJT in 2024? I’m sure it has. Certain irregularities were noted in some of the swing states. Investigation of this has been ongoing and a Substack writer has assembled the article below. If I could - [No Kings Protest, Davenport, Iowa 6/14/2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/no-kings-protest-davenport-iowa-6-14-2025/) - Today, while dining in Iowa at an establishment known to be Trump-friendly, I witnessed parts of the Trump parade, despite my intention to ignore this $43 million DJT birthday celebration. The parade masqueraded as a celebration of the birthday of the U.S. Army, just as our rejection of centuries of Canadian friendship and alliance was - [Israel Bombs Iran](https://www.weeklywilson.com/israel-bombs-iran/) - Today is Thursday and I drove from Chicago to the Quad Cities today. There was extensive road work near Minooka and, again, about 58 miles from the Quad Cities on Interstate 80, but the drive was relatively uneventful. I left Chicago at 2 p.m. and arrived home at 5:30 p.m., which is exactly the time - [The Presidency](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-presidency/) - Armed troops sent in by Mayor Daley during the Chicago riots of 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King. In a March 29th, 1968 editorial entitled "The Presidency," in LIFE magazine, Hugh Sidey wrote, "There remain people who are wistful over what is happening, who feel that the United States Presidency is a - [DJT's Budget: "Beautiful" or "An Abomination"?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/djts-budget-beautiful-or-an-abomination/) - The House passed the budget bill that Donald J. Trump chooses to call the “big beautiful tax bill." They passed it on to the Senate, which now has to decide whether to pass an unconscionable bill that will throw about 11 million people off Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to the richest percentage - [Ukrainian Drones Stage Successful Attacks on Russian Airports](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ukrainian-drones-stage-successful-attack-on-russian-airports/) - [From the BBC Report on the successful Ukrainian attacks on Russian airports.] "It was an attack of astonishing ingenuity – unprecedented, broad, and 18 months in the making. On 1 June more than 100 Ukrainian drones struck air bases deep inside Russia, targeting nuclear-capable long-range bombers. The scale of the operation dubbed "Spider - ["The Sentry" to Play at SXSW London in June](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-sentry-to-play-at-sxsw-london-in-june/) - I reviewed films---long and short---at SXSW this past March, but missed “The Sentry,” from Director Jake Wachtel. “The Sentry” is going to play June 2-7 at SXSW London, followed by Raindance (6/18-6/27) and the Palm Springs Shortsfest (6/24-6/30) so, I received an offer to review this 17 minute 07 second genre-bending look at a secret - [DJT Versus Presidents of Yester-Year](https://www.weeklywilson.com/djt-versus-presidents-of-yester-year/) - By Charles Pierce “In my life, I have watched John Kennedy talk on television about missiles in Cuba. I saw Lyndon Johnson look Richard Russell squarely in the eye and and say, "And we shall overcome." I saw Richard Nixon resign and Gerald Ford tell the Congress that our long national nightmare was over. I - [Make the Department of Health & Human Services Healthy Again: RFK, Jr. Report Fails](https://www.weeklywilson.com/make-the-department-of-health-human-services-healthy-again-rfk-jr-report-fails/) - By Joseph Gedeon/Airmail News May 31, 2025 Reading Time: 2 minutes Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s flagship health commission report contains citations to studies that do not exist, according to an investigation by the US publication NOTUS. The report exposes glaring scientific failures from a health secretary who earlier this week threatened to ban government scientists from - [We Are Living in the Time of Nero](https://www.weeklywilson.com/we-are-living-in-the-time-of-nero/) - Written by the the highly respected Canadian journalist, Andrew Coyne: “Nothing mattered, in the end. Not the probable dementia, the unfathomable ignorance, the emotional incontinence; not, certainly, the shambling, hate-filled campaign, or the ludicrously unworkable anti-policies. The candidate out on bail in four jurisdictions, corrupt, the stooge of Vladimir Putin, the man who tried - [Tariff or Not-to-Tariff: That Is the Question](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tariff-or-not-to-tariff-that-is-the-question/) - From the New York Times reporters Tony Romm and Ana Swanson on 5/29/2025, comes this introduction to a day that has seen its share of pronouncements that could significantly impact the U.S. economy, with a Maggie Shannon photo of ships in harbor waiting to unload: "A head-spinning series of court rulings over President Trump’s signature - [Trump Implicated in Laundering Russian Mafia Money](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-implicated-in-laundering-russian-mafia-money/) - Courtesy of Anti-MAGA Americans Sean McDonald On May 10, 2010, former employees at Donald Trump’s real estate development company blew the whistle on the entire operation. The company, they said, was owned and operated by the Russian mafia and bankrolled by Russian oligarchs – billionaires with influence in the Kremlin (the Russian government). The employees - [Trump 2.0 and Surviving It](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-2-0-and-surviving-it/) - "Trump’s impatience makes him not only an unreliable negotiator; it makes him a weak one." When he spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month, Trump was desperate to notch a win, having already claimed without any evidence to have struck 200 trade deals (more than the number of countries the U.S. recognizes in the - [Are You A Member of the Resistance? We All Need to Speak Up!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/are-you-a-member-of-the-resistance-we-all-need-to-speak-up/) - [From Opinion Columnist M. Geesen in the “New York Times” (5/28/2025)]: Columnist Geesen first sketched his background and experiences watching Russia become an autocratic state: “ “Living in and reporting on Russia when Vladimir Putin took and consolidated power, I was shocked many times. I couldn’t sleep in September 2004, after tanks shelled a school - [Dana Milbank Nails Trump's Actions in the "Washington Post"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dana-milbank-nails-trumps-actions-in-the-washington-post/) - Dana Milbank in "The Washington Post" nailed the embarrassing, cruel and lawless tack our current Chief Executive continues on, undeterred by public opinion or accepted norms of behavior. By all means, disparage your predecessor at a time when he has just been announced with a life-threatening cancer. Go ahead and invite the leader of another - [A Nation In Peril: Political Experts Weigh In](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-nation-in-peril-political-experts-weigh-in/) - New York Times Op Ed Page, May 20, 2025 Thomas B. Edsall has been a contributor to the New York Times Opinion section since 2011. His column on strategic and demographic trends in American politics appears every Tuesday. He previously covered politics for The Washington Post. He polled experts for their opinions on Trump’s actions, so - [1,000 Miles (Texas to Illinois) May 13-May15, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/1000-miles-texas-to-illinois-may-13-may15-2025/) - We departed Austin, Texas, and headed for the Midwest on Tuesday. It was tough to leave the beautiful blue skies of Austin. It was warm. Very warm. It was unseasonably warm in the 90s all the way to Joplin, Missouri, where we ended up Night One after driving for 10 hours. Our choices for lodging - [Trump's Preferential Treatment of White Afrikaaner Immigrants](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trumps-preferential-treatment-of-white-afrikaaner-immigrants/) - In reading an article in the "Washington Post" on May 18th about how character matters in our leaders, (a paper whose motto is "Democracy Dies in Darkness"), it came to my attention that President Trump has arbitrarily decided to welcome one particular group to the U.S.: White Afrikaaner immigrants from South Africa. While DJT turned - [Trump 1.0 & 2.0](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-1-0-2-0/) - I’ve been critical of the Trump presidency these last four years, and am still exhausted from the experience. But to be fair, President Trump wasn’t that bad, other than when he incited an insurrection against the government, Mismanaged a pandemic that killed over a million Americans, Called neo-Nazis “very fine people,” Separated children from their - [The Goodbye Line: Say Hello!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-goodbye-line-say-hello/) - BACK STORY Many years ago, when I was pondering writing a novel (before I actually wrote four of them) I had a “Eureka!” moment where I thought of what would be the perfect plot device. My nascent novel would feature a pay phone booth. It would follow the different people who used this pay - [National Labor Relations Board Computer Data in Russia's Hands](https://www.weeklywilson.com/national-labor-relations-board-computer-data-in-russias-hands/) - "A whistleblower told Congress and CNN that DOGE staffers secretly used Starlink (Musk's satellite network) to export vast amounts of sensitive worker, union and employer data from the records of the National Labor Relations Board. Russian hackers then logged onto the NLRB's computers, USING THE RIGHT PASSWORDS, the whistleblower said." Where does your mind go when - [Cancun, Easter, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-easter-2025/) - I admit that I have been on vacation. Cancun beckoned, but, sadly, the perfect weather and laid-back vibe at the Royal Resorts is giving way to the advancing heat of Texas, where a giant rat snake was recently pictured climbing a wall near our house. I enjoyed the remarks from the neighborhood group, who pointed - [Thanks, Feedspot: Celebrating in Cancun](https://www.weeklywilson.com/thanks-feedspot-celebrating-in-cancun/) - Before posting some photos from the vacation week of last week in Cancun, I'd like to call your attention to the new "badge" on the right of my blog, which names WeeklyWilson to the Top 100 Movie Blogs. My thanks to Feedspot, which contacted me regarding this and, as of right now, has not - ["The Tallest Dwarf" Rises: Free Speech Is Exercised While It Still Exists](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-tallest-dwarf-rises-free-speech-is-exercised-while-it-still-exists/) - “The Tallest Dwarf” was a 92 minute documentary helmed by Julie Forrest Wyman, who directed and produced. Debra Schaffner wrote and edited the film, and many Little People populate the scenes as Julie and other members of the group bond and talk about their feelings towards being far shorter than average. The Octopus Project - ["The Pearl Comb" Marries Mysticism, Misogyny and Mermaids](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-pearl-comb-marries-mysticism-misogyny-and-mermaids/) - "THE PEARL COMB" from writer, director and star Ali Cook is a 20 minute short that has a message about female empowerment (or lack of same). It is set in 1893 Cornwell with beautiful cinematography of the area. The Victorian period sets and costumes, cinematography and music were also excellent. But, best of all, the - ["We Bury the Dead" at SXSW 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/we-bury-the-dead-at-sxsw-2025/) - From Australian writer/director Zak Hilditch (1922, These Final Hours), comes a terrifyingly realistic new zombie movie, "We Bury The Dead." PLOT As the synopsis says, “We Bury the Dead’ is a gripping and emotional thriller set after a military experiment decimates the people of Tasmania.” It is the United States that is responsible for the - ["On Swift Horses" on March 13th, 2025 at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/on-swift-horses-on-march-13th-2025-at-sxsw/) - The closing night film at SXSW in Austin at the Paramount Theater on March 13, 2025 was “On Swift Horses.” Director Daniel Minahan (“Six Feet Under”) was present with cast members Daisy Edgar-Jones (Muriel), Diego Calva (Henry), and Sasha Calle (Sandra). Missing from the stage was the cast member most came to see, newcomer Jacob - ["The Home," Swedish Horror Film, Premieres at SXSW on March 10, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-home-swedish-horror-film-premieres-at-sxsw-on-march-10-2025/) - “The Home,” a Swedish horror movie, based on the novel by Mat’s Strandberg, premiered at SXSW on March 10, 2025, with its Director Matthias Skoglund and stars Gizem Erdogan and Philip Oros present. The movie focuses on a son (Joel, played by Philip Oros) putting his ailing mother, Monika (Anki Liden) in a nursing home - ["The Age of Disclosure"---Or Is It?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-age-of-disclosure-or-is-it/) - Director Dan Farah worked 2 and ½ years on his documentary “The Age of Disclosure.” Previously Farah had produced Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” and has numerous other credits on IMDB.com. In "The Age of Disclosure," which premiered at SXSW on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at the Paramount Theater in downtown Austin, 34 government, military - ["My Uncle Jens" @SXSW Paints A Portrait of Immigrant Woes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/my-uncle-jens-sxsw-paints-a-portrait-of-immigrant-woes/) - “My Uncle Jens” is a joint Norwegian/Romanian production which marks the feature film debut at SXSW 2025 of Screenwriter/Director Brwa Vahabpour. Uncle Jens might more accurately be dubbed Uncle Khdr, as the main character has come to Oslo from the Iranian part of Kurdistan. He adopts the alias Jens. Brwa Vahabpour is writing about a - ["The Beguiling" Screens at SXSW on March 9, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-beguiling-screens-at-sxsw-on-march-9-2025/) - A United States Premiere of “The Beguiling,” a 15 and ½ minute short about native American Indians, premieres at SXSW Film and TV Festival Sunday, March 9, at the Rollins Theater at the Long Center. The shorts start at 9:45 and run until 11:30 p.m. A second showing will be held at the Alamo on - ["The Studio" Screens at SXSW 2025 on Opening Night](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-studio-screens-at-sxsw-2025-on-opening-night/) - Seth Rogen and friends came to downtown Austin in golf carts for the Premiere of their new television series “The Studio.” Accompanied by Evan Goldberg, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn and Executive Producer Peter Huyck, the first two episodes of the new series gave me the most laughs since Bob Odenkirk in “Lucky - ["Another Simple Favor" Opens SXSW on March 7, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/another-simple-favor-opens-sxsw-on-march-7-2025/) - Opening night of SXSW 2025 was a star-studded affair. Paul Feig, Director of "Another Simple Favor" was present with Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick and numerous co-stars in attendance. He was fashionably attired in a very western fringed soft leather look. Suffice it to say that the true fans in the audience seemed happy. Among the - [Justin Trudeau Addresses Tariffs on Canada on March 4, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/justin-trudeau-addresses-tariffs-on-canada-on-march-4-2025/) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unleashed a historic speech scorching Donald Trump's idiocy over his disastrous new tariffs: "This is a very dumb thing to do." "The United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they're talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing - [How's the Insurrection Coming Along, Then?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hows-the-insurrection-coming-along-then/) - by Mark Gimein, Managing Editor of "The Week" "Am I the sucker? For as long as I can remember I thought that the United States stood for democratic values and individual liberty. These were supposed to be the guiding lights of American foreign policy, even if the principles might not always be absolute or the - [2025 Oscars Are In the Books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2025-oscars-are-in-the-books/) - The 97th Academy Awards are in the books. "Anora" came on strong at the finish to snag a Best Actress award for new-comer Mikey Madison.The shift towards "Anora" prompted the best line of the evening, when Conan O'Brien (the host) said, "Apparently Americans like seeing someone stand up to a powerful Russian." Anora won five - [Last-Minute Musing(s) on the 2025 Oscars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/last-minute-musings-on-the-2025-oscars/) - Since this is Oscar Sunday, I am going to (stream-of-consciousness) run through the nominees, in the hopes that some of you are doing the same thing right about now. The Red Carpet is about to start, and who is going to win? (The tension mounts.) Our ballots are distributed to the Usual Suspects and the - [A.I. Analyzes the 2/28/2025 Meeting Between Trump & Zelenskyy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/21436-2/) - An intriguing analysis has been circulating online regarding the psychological aspects of Zelensky’s meeting with Trump and Vance, conducted using ChatGPT. From this analysis, it becomes evident that we have witnessed a true masterclass in gaslighting, manipulation, and coercion on the part of Trump and his entourage. Let’s break down the key points: 1. Blaming - [Best of the 2025 Nominated Films](https://www.weeklywilson.com/best-of-the-2025-nominated-films/) - BEST PICTURE Here are my thoughts on this year’s Oscar nominees: Full disclosure: I’ve only seen 9 of the 10 nominated films. I did not see “I’m Still Here.” But, still 90% is higher than the average viewer. My personal favorite of the nominated films is “The Brutalist.” I was amazed at the fact - [Feb. 28, 2025: Democracy in Peril](https://www.weeklywilson.com/feb-28-2025-democracy-in-peril/) - There are moments in history where you can feel the tectonic plates of power shifting under your feet, the precise seconds when empires declare themselves rotten and ready to collapse. February 28, 2025, was one of those moments—a grotesque display of unchecked narcissism, geopolitical idiocy, and the full-throttle transformation of American foreign policy into a - ["You Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/you-dont-know-what-you-got-till-its-gone/) - By Susan Caskle Big, if true. Elon Musk claims DOGE is uncovering all kinds of waste and fraud, outrageous scams perpetrated on the American people. These scams are so blatant and obvious that even youngsters untrained in forensic accounting can find them in moments. The implication is that federal workers, who are experts in - [Trump Data: The Past Is Predictive of the Future](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-data-the-past-is-predictive-of-the-future/) - A real question from a Trump supporter: ‘Why do many say Trump supporters are stupid?’ (from Adam Troy Castro) THE SERIOUS ANSWER: Here’s what the majority of anti-Trump voters honestly seem to feel about Trump supporters: That when you saw a man who had owned a fraudulent University, intent on scamming poor people, you thought "Fine." - [Writing: The Art of Creative Invention](https://www.weeklywilson.com/writing-the-art-of-creative-invention/) - Based on a true story – The art of creative invention to tell a complete story By Lisa Montalto As we all know, an autobiography or memoir is based on a true story, but there are also other forms of writing where the story happened. When a novel is written based on a true - [We're In the Middle of A Hostile Government Take-Over](https://www.weeklywilson.com/were-in-the-middle-of-a-hostile-government-take-over/) - ["Sorry, Baby" at Sundance 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sorry-baby-at-sundance-2025/) - One of the films that “sold” at Sundance 2025 (to A24) was the 103 minute comedy/drama feature “Sorry, Baby,” which went for $8 million. Shot in Massachusetts, it was also one of the films I had been looking forward to the most, because Lucas Hedges (Oscar-nominated for his role as Patrick Chandler in 2016’s “Manchester - [Houston Art Museum: February 8th, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/houston-art-museum-february-8th-2025/) - A few of us from the OLLI bridge group traveled from Austin to Houston over the weekend to take in the Gauguin exhibit that is only going to be featured there. The sculpture gardens outside the museum and the standing collection(s) were also extremely nice, and it was a beautiful 83 degree day (in February!). - ["Mr. Nobody Against Putin" Screens at Sundance Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mr-nobody-against-putin-screens-at-sundance-film-festival/) - “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” about the Putin-dictated shift in Russia’s schools was made possible by a young Russian schoolteacher named Pavel (“Pasha”) Talankin. At the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pasha was serving as the school videotographer and event coordinator for Karabash Elementary School, the biggest school in what is a very small - [Character Matters, But Does It Matter in 2025?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/character-matters-but-does-it-matter-in-2025/) - Something that the MAGA group seems to need to be reminded about is that CHARACTER MATTERS. A person's past actions are the single best predictor of their future actions, as I was once told by a job recruiter running "mock" interviews for my Rhetoric students at Eastern Iowa Community College, CHARACTER, DOES INDEED MATTER. A - [America, We Have A Problem. WAKE UP!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/america-we-have-a-problem-wake-up/) - “Why Musk’s Nazi Salute Matters” –from Zach Beauchamp of “Vox” “Elon Musk doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt,” said Zack Beauchamp. While speaking at President Trump’s inauguration, Musk twice thrust his arm out in a Nazi salute---there’s “no other plausible interpretation of his gesture.” Some tried to dismiss it as merely an awkward moment, - ["Andre Is An Idiot" Sundance Film Promotes Colonoscopies at 45](https://www.weeklywilson.com/andre-is-an-idiot-sundance-film-promotes-colonoscopies-at-45/) - Andre Ricciardi was an eccentric advertising man who lived an interesting and unusual life. Even one of his daughters (Tallula and Delilah) described her father as “he looks like someone who lives on the street.” In this 88-minute film we learn that Andre has dubbed himself an idiot because he rejected his best friend Lee’s - ["Train Dreams" is Break-Out Film at Sundance 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/train-dreams-is-break-out-film-at-sundance-2025/) - One of the big break-out success stories of Sundance 2025, so far, is “Train Dreams,” the 102 minute film based on Denis Johnson’s novella. Director Clint Bentley premiered the film on January 26th at the Library Center Theatre in Park City and it has since been snapped up by Netflix for a figure said to - ["2000 Meters to Andriivka" Premieres at Sundance, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2000-meters-to-andriivka-premieres-at-sundance-2025/) - AP journalist Mstyslav Chernov filmed “20 Days in Mariupol” two years ago. His first documentary showing the Russian invasion of Mariupol won the Oscar as Best Documentary of the year at the 2024 Academy Awards. At Sundance this year the 97-minute documentary “2000 Meters to Andriivka” embeds Chernov and Cinematographer Alex Babenko with troops advancing - ["Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore" at Sundance 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/marlee-matlin-not-alone-anymore-at-sundance-2025/) - Deaf actress and activist Marlee Matlin was born 58 years ago in Morton Grove, Illinois. When asked to do a PBS Masters biography of her life, she requested a deaf director. Shoshanna Stern became the guiding force behind this autobiographical recounting of Matlin’s life and career. She lost her hearing at 18 months of - ["Sally" & "Marlee Matlin" Screen at Sundance, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sally-marlee-matlin-screen-at-sundance-2025/) - The first two Sundance 2025 offerings I watched turned out to have very similar themes, although focused on two very different people. “Sally,” was a 103 minute documentary helmed by Cristina Costa, which screened at the Ray Theatre in Park City at Sundance 2025 on January 28th, 2025. The second 97-minute documentary, directed by deaf - ["Inkwo for When the Starving Return" at Sundance, 2025](https://www.weeklywilson.com/inkwo-for-when-the-starving-return-at-sundance-2025/) - "INKWO FOR WHEN THE STARVING RETURN" debuted January 24th at Sundance in the Animated Shorts Film Program with three additional in-person screenings to follow. The film will also screen online across North America January 29th, 7:00 AM PST through February 3rd, 3:55 AM PST. The series is in development. It is being coproduced by Spotted Fawn Productions (SFP) and - ["Scarecrows: Appalachian Tales" by Steve Rasnic Tem](https://www.weeklywilson.com/scarecrows-appalachian-tales-by-steve-rasnic-tem/) - Steve Rasnic Tem has compiled a second new collection of short stories, “Scarecrows: Appalachian Tales,” that revisit the Appalachian states like Tennessee and Virginia, sketching memorable stories of the miners and kinfolk who live there. When I read the story “Willie the Philologist,” the third story of the twenty-six stories in the 180 page - [Key Considerations When Shipping Motorcycles Across the U.S.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/key-considerations-when-shipping-motorcycles-across-the-u-s/) - Key Considerations When Shipping Motorcycles Across the U.S. Shipping a motorcycle across the United States can be a convenient and efficient way to transport your bike, whether you're relocating, selling a motorcycle to a buyer in another state, or heading to a rally. However, it's not as simple as loading your bike onto a - ["Everyday Horrors:" Short Stories By Steve Rasnic Tem](https://www.weeklywilson.com/everyday-horrors-short-stories-by-steve-rasnic-tem/) - Steve Rasnic Tem has written over 500 published short stories. His stories have won awards from the International Horror Guild, the Horror Writers’ Association, and he has won the British and World Fantasy Awards. His novels and writing with his late wife Melanie Tem are also lauded. His short fiction has been compared to that - ["Ryan Can't Read" Is 2025 Oscar-Eligible Short](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ryan-cant-read-is-2025-oscar-eligible-short/) - “Ryan Can’t Read” is a depressing 2025 Oscar-eligible short that tells the story of Ryan, who, as the title suggests, is illiterate. Since there are estimated to be at least 8 million others in the United Kingdom who cannot read, Ryan is not alone. Lewis Ian Bray plays Ryan. Lewis is “neurodivergent” in real life. - ["Marion" Is 2025 Oscar-Eligible Short](https://www.weeklywilson.com/marion-is-2025-oscar-eligible-short/) - “Marion” is a story about the only female bull-jumper in France, Caroline Nogues-Larbere. Who knew that France had a sport called “La Course Landaise” which looks a lot like a bullfight, except that the bullfighters don’t kill the bull but simply jump out of the way of the charging animal? DIRECTORS Joe Weiland and - ["Sister Wives" Is 2025 Oscar-Eligible Short](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sister-wives-is-2025-oscar-eligible-short/) - “Sister Wives” – Director/Star Louisa Connolly-Burnham plays Kaidence, the wife of a polygamous husband (Mormon) who must welcome a new wife, 19-year-old Galilee, into her home. Galilee is played by Mia McKenna-Bruce. This is actually streaming on Channel 14, which, I assume, is British, as it has qualified for Best British film and Best Actress - ["Motherland" Is 2025 Oscar-Eligible Short from Jasmin Mozzafari](https://www.weeklywilson.com/motherland-is-2025-oscar-eligible-short-from-jasmin-mozzafari/) - “Motherland” – This 24 minute 21 second short dealt with a couple--an Iranian man and a girl from Iowa--- who are meeting the girl’s in-laws for the first time. The Jasmin Mozaffari film is set against the backdrop of the Iranian hostage crisis, which took place in 1979 and lasted for 444 days during - ["His Mother" Is 2025 Oscar-eligible Short](https://www.weeklywilson.com/his-mother-is-2025-oscar-eligible-short/) - “His Mother,” a 13 minute and 39 second short film that is Oscar eligible, stars Jennifer Lawrence look-alike Bethany Anne Lind as the mother of a young man who is threatening violence at his college, Southern Tech. Young Harrison Miller, age 19, 5’ 10”, has left a variety of clues that he is about to - ["Buscando Alma" Is 2025 Oscar-Eligible Short](https://www.weeklywilson.com/buscando-alma-is-2025-oscar-eligible-short/) - "Buscando Alma," a 15 minute 21 second short, has qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards in competition in Atlanta. It is also a timely subject, given the Trump administration's vow to deport millions of immigrants. It is directed by a woman and stars a trans-gender female, also topics that are current. "Buscando Alma" was written - [Scott Beck & Bryan Woods Talk "Heretic"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/scott-beck-bryan-woods-talk-heretic/) - One of the most interesting and well-scripted films out now is “Heretic,” a horror/suspense thriller written and directed by the boys from Bettendorf (Iowa), Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who gave us “A Quiet Place” back in 2018. During my interview with them at SXSW on March 10, 2018, I wrote, “I’m predicting ‘A Quiet - [Behind the Cards: Legendary Movie Moments Set in Casinos](https://www.weeklywilson.com/behind-the-cards-legendary-movie-moments-set-in-casinos/) - From the opulent halls of traditional land-based casinos to the digital world of online casino for real money platforms, gambling has adapted to a massive change in the broader social change in technology and accessibility. This evolution translates to gambling taking center stage in global cinematic storytelling, an irresistible backdrop. The casino scene from Monte - [Valor Team Is Working Towards State Berth on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/valor-team-is-working-towards-state-berth-on-tuesday-november-12th-2024/) - So it's one day post the presidential election, and I am turning my attention to the granddaughter's volleyball tournament action. Oddly enough, the Valor team played another Valor team tonight, after winning all of their regular season games to get to this night, They still have to win a game this coming Tuesday night at - [Requiem for a Dream: Trump Wins; World Loses](https://www.weeklywilson.com/requiem-for-a-dream-trump-wins-world-loses/) - I'm sitting here on election night, watching the blue wall fall and feeling dejected, but not as "taken off guard" as I felt in 2016 after Hillary Clinton lost her much-vaunted race against Agent Orange. I am convinced that Donald J. Trump (and cohorts) have bought the presidency (Thanks, Elon!, she said ruefully) and misogyny, - [What I Did to Help Kamala Harris Win the Presidency Over DJT](https://www.weeklywilson.com/what-i-did-to-help-kamala-harris-win-the-presidency-over-djt/) - Driving to Austin (Texas) from Illinois is always a multi-day trek. We generally spend one night in St. Louis with family. (Thanks, Mark!) After that, normally, we take our own sweet time, but my spouse decreed that we would not leave until Saturday (Nov. 2) and that has made all the difference. I don't know - ["Here" Closes the 60th Chicago International Film Festival with Director Robert Zemeckis "Here"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/here-closes-the-60th-chicago-international-film-festival-with-director-robert-zemeckis-here/) - Robert Zemeckis often produces movies at the fore-front of technology (Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Forrest Gump (1994), Contact (1997), The Polar Express (2004)). The Chicago native returned to his hometown for closing night of the 60th Chicago International Film Festival with “Here.” “Here” is also cinematically ground-breaking. Since the entire film is shot - ["Jenny Pen Rules" At the 60th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jenny-pen-rules-at-the-60th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - In 2021, when I was covering Sundance as Press, a small film entitled “Coming Home in the Dark” from New Zealand caught my eye. I watched this story based on an Owen Marshall short story and directed by James Ashcroft. It showed a family having a lovely time in a scenic pastoral setting - ["Blitz" is Steve McQueen Film Screened at CIFF 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/blitz-is-steve-mcqueen-film-screened-at-ciff-2024/) - “Blitz,” from British director Steve McQueen, depicts Londoners during the Blitz of World War II in 1940. The harrowing drama focuses on a young bi-racial boy (Elliott Heffernan) sent to the countryside by his mother (Saoirse Ronan) for safekeeping. Approximately 500,000 young children were sent to the countryside from London to protect them from the blitz. - [Finnish Film "Long Good Thursday" Screens at 60th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/finnish-film-long-good-thursday-screens-at-60th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - The Finnish film “Long Good Thursday” screened at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival on Wednesday, October star 23rd, with star Jaana Saarinen in attendance. Director Mika Kaurismaki is not the first to tell the story of the Grump, portrayed by Finnish comedy star Heikki Kinnunen. There are a series of novels concerning the - ["September 5" Is Timely Look at the Munich Massacre](https://www.weeklywilson.com/september-5-is-timely-look-at-the-munich-massacre/) - (Trailer is in German; Film is dubbed in English) On September 5th, 1972, 900 million viewers nationwide watched the first-ever live-and-in-color feed of the Olympics from Munich, Germany. A Palestine terrorist organization known as Black September chose this date, two weeks into the Olympic games, to send 8 operatives into the Olympic Village and - ["Nightbitch" Screens on October 21, 2024 at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nightbitch-screens-on-october-21-2024-at-the-60th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Marielle Heller walked the Red Carpet outside the Music Box Theater on Monday, October 21st at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival in support of “Nightbitch,” which she co-wrote and directed. The screenplay is based on the book by Rachel Yoder. Heller’s previous directing forays include “Diary of a Teen-aged Girl” (2015), “Can You Ever - [Director Antonio Piazza Discusses "Sicilian Letters" at 60th CIFF on October 20, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/director-antonio-piazza-discusses-sicilian-letters-at-60th-ciff-on-october-20-2024/) - Writer-Director Antonio Piazza ("Sicilian Ghost Story"), who spoke with me one-on-one on October 20, 2024. Directors Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza, who directed “Sicilian Ghost Story” in 2017, return to the screen with “Sicilian Letters,” the story of an attempt to capture real-life Mafia crime boss Matteo Messina Denaro. The crime boss known as the - ["Unstoppable" Screens at 60th Chicago International Film Festival on Oct. 17th, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/unstoppable-screens-at-60th-chicago-international-film-festival-on-oct-17th-2024/) - “Unstoppable,” the directorial debut of William Goldenberg, screened on October 17, 2024, at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival. The autobiographical story of the life of Arizona State champion wrestler Anthony Robles is based on "Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion" by Anthony Robles. Goldenberg read the book and realized it - ["The Piano Lesson" Opens 60th Chicago International Film Festival, October 16, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-piano-lesson-opens-60th-chicago-international-film-festival-october-16-2024/) - Opening night of the 60th Chicago International Film Festival kicked off at the Music Box Theater in Chicago on Wednesday, October 16th, with the appearance of John David Washington (“Tenet,” “Black Klansman”) and his brother Malcolm, who directed and co-wrote (with Virgil Williams) the screenplay for “The Piano Lesson,” based on an August Wilson play. - [60th Chicago International Film Festival Kicks Off Oct. 16-27](https://www.weeklywilson.com/60th-chicago-international-film-festival-kicks-off-oct-16-27/) - Chicago, Illinois (October 15, 2024) – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed tomorrow, October 16, 2024 as “Chicago International Film Festival Day” in the state of Illinois, in honor of the Opening Night of this year’s Festival, the 60th edition of the longest-running competitive film festival in North America. Opening Night will take place at the iconic Music - [Chicago International Film Festival: 2016-2023 (Con't).](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chicago-international-film-festival-2016-2023-cont/) - (*Photos are nearly all mine, taken at the respective film festivals. Installment #2 describing festivals of the past 21 years I've attended.) 2016: Damien Chazelle showed up to promote “La La Land.” He was very gracious and friendly. I anticipated “La La Land” winning for Best Picture (and so did most of the Academy when - [60th Chicago International Film Festival: A Stroll Down Memory Lane - 21 Years of CIFF](https://www.weeklywilson.com/60th-chicago-international-film-festival-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-21-years-of-ciff/) - My first memory of attending a Chicago International Film Festival was 2003’s “The Human Stain” at the Chicago Theater. The film was miscast from the get-go, featuring Anthony Hopkins as a (secretly) Black man and Nicole Kidman as a washer woman. I went to school with Nicholas Meyer ("Time After Time," "Star Trek II: The - ["Falling Stars" Presents a Creepy Witch World on October 11 (Just In Time for Halloween)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/falling-stars-presents-a-creepy-witch-world-on-october-11-just-in-time-for-halloween/) - “Falling Stars” is a film about witches written, directed and edited by Richard Karpala (co-directed by Gabriel Bienczycki). It releases on October 11th. The film begins with these words onscreen: “Every year by the full moon of late October witches from high use the night as cover to descend onto earth’s harvest. Skygazers say they - [Walz versus Vance on CBS in VP Debate on 10/1/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/walz-versus-vance-on-cbs-in-vp-debate-on-10-1-2024/) - I just watched the Vice Presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz.The Talking Heads are suggesting that Walz may have been "in over his head" in debating the slick and chameleon-like Vance, who seems to have made a career of being all things to all people. Vance described Donald J. Trump as "America's - [The Attorney-Client Relationship: How Legal Professionals Help You Win](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-attorney-client-relationship-how-legal-professionals-help-you-win/) - The attorney-client relationship is a cornerstone of legal success, serving as the bedrock upon which effective legal representation is built. This relationship is not just about the exchange of legal documents and courtroom appearances; it is fundamentally about trust, understanding, and collaboration. Legal professionals play a crucial role in guiding clients through the often complex - ["They All Came Out to Montreux" and "The Black Sea" at Nashville Film Festival 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/they-all-came-out-to-montreux-and-the-black-sea-at-nashville-film-festival-2024/) - Two documentaries at the Nashville Film Festival caught my eye on Sunday and Monday, September 22 and 23. The first was "They All Came Out to Montreux," followed by "The Black Sea."“They All Came Out to Montreux” was a love letter to the man responsible for creating, founding and sustaining the Montreux Jazz Festival, - [World Premiere of "Catch A Killer" on 9/21 at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/world-premiere-of-catch-a-killer-on-9-21-at-nashville-film-festival/) - The World Premiere of “Catch A Killer” took place at the Nashville Film Festival on Saturday, September 21st. The idea of a serial killer basing his (or her) kills on famous slasher movies was somewhat original, but the entire film needed work. There are low-budget horror movies out there that show signs of originality (“Cuckoo” - ["Saturday Night" Lights Up the Screen at the Nashville Film Festival on 9/21/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/saturday-night-lights-up-the-screen-at-the-nashville-film-festival-on-9-21-2024/) - Jason Reitman brought his newest film, “Saturday Night,” a re-enactment of the opening night (October 11, 1975) when “Saturday Night Live” went on the air “live” for the first time to the Nashville Film Festival on September 21, 2024. When “Saturday Night” played to a packed house at the Nashville Film Festival, Writer/Director Reitman - ["Bang Bang" with Tim Blake Nelson at Nashville Film Festival on 9/20/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bang-bang-with-tim-blake-nelson-at-nashville-film-festival-on-9-20-2024/) - Tim Blake Nelson Nelson at the 2016 Fantastic Fest Born Timothy Blake Nelson May 11, 1964 (age 60) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. Education Brown University (BA) Juilliard School (GrDip) Occupations Actor playwright director producer screenwriter Years active 1989–present Spouse Lisa Benavides ​ (m. 1994)​ Children 3 Tim Blake Nelson is the kind of excellent character actor around whom an - ["Will & Harper" At Nashville Film Festival on 9/20/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/will-harper-at-nashville-film-festival-on-9-20-2024/) - The Josh Greenbaum directed documentary “Will and Harper” is showing at select theaters now and will stream on Netflix beginning September 27th. It showed at the Nashville Film Festival on Friday, 9/20/2024 having premiered, originally, at the 40th Sundance Film Festival in January, 2024. The 114 minute documentary depicts Will Ferrell’s 17-day cross-country trip with - ["DEVO" Opens the 55th Nashville Film Festival on 9/19/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/devo-opens-the-55th-nashville-film-festival-on-9-19-2024/) - Opening night of the 55th Nashville Film Festival on September 19, 2024, highlighted a documentary, DEVO, directed by Chad Smith, which premiered originally on January 21, 2024 at Sundance. As it was introduced to the audience at the Belcourt Theater, the comment was: “So insightful in ways that I never thought it would be.” The - [2024 Emmies: In the Books, September 15, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2024-emmies-in-the-books-september-15-2024/) - Just finished watching the Emmies and---although not a comprehensive run-down of who won what---here are some impressions of the evening. Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) hosted and did an excellent job. SHOGUN, ET. AL. While I do realize that “Shogun” set a record for the number of nominations, I have not - [The Moose Is Loose on Friday the 13th (2024)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-moose-is-loose-on-friday-the-13th-2024/) - Harking back to my post-debate piece on the Harris/Trump September 10th debate, faithful readers---all 3 of you---will remember that I asked the question “IS LUCY SAFE?” regarding a pet cat that we were forced to re-home because of our wintering in Texas. Lucy---like the pet cats and dogs that Donald J. Trump claimed during - ["Voice of Shadows:" Long on Creepy; Short on Screenplay Sense](https://www.weeklywilson.com/voice-of-shadows-long-on-creepy-short-on-screenplay-sense/) - “Voice of Shadows” has the benefit of a truly intriguing trailer that should interest viewers. It appears to be a classic horror film dealing with a possibly haunted house and an elderly woman named “Milda” (Jane Hammill) who lives in it. And dies in it, willing the house to her niece Emma (Corinne Mica). There's - ["Luki & the Lights" Helps Foster Understanding of ALS](https://www.weeklywilson.com/luki-the-lights-helps-foster-understanding-of-als/) - This ten and one-half minute short, "Luki and the Lights" came to my in-box. I watched it while knowing that there would be no happy ending to this story. Here was the synopsis provided:"Toby Cochran’s LUKI & THE LIGHTS shares a charming and touching story of a robot named LUKi who is slowly starting to - [Kamala Harris Emerges #1 with Swiftie Support](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kamala-harris-emerges-1-with-swiftie-support/) - As the Trump/Harris debate wound down, I turned to my spouse and said, “I think Kamala Harris just talked herself into the White House.” I have liked her ever since Joe Biden selected her to be Vice President, so that’s fine by me, Boss. She was definitely the more detailed of the two debaters. I - ["Melissa Etheridge: I'm Not Broken" on 9/22 at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/melissa-etheridge-im-not-broken-on-9-22-at-nashville-film-festival/) - Melissa Etheridge appears in a series streaming on Paramount Plus as of July 7th, entitled “Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken.” The two episodes are being shown on Sunday, September 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. as part of the Nashville Film Festival. A native of Leavenworth, Kansas, Etheridge is shown visiting the Topeka Correctional Facility - ["The Day the Music Stopped" to Screen at Nashville Film Festival on 9/20/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-day-the-music-stopped-to-screen-at-nashville-film-festival-on-9-20-2024/) - THE EXIT/IN “The Day the Music Stopped,” directed by Patrick Sheehan is a 95 minute film that explores the end of an iconic Nashville indie music venue, the Exit/In. Last year’s Nashville Film Festival ended with a buffet meal at the Exit/In. It was great. The Big Names who have played at the iconic Exit/In - [Wild Bill & the Bruisers Rock Austin on August 30th, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/wild-bill-the-bruisers-rock-austin-on-august-30th-2024/) - As part of our annual Wilson Family Fest, some of us journeyed out to hear Nashville band "Wild Bill and the Bruisers" at a bar in Austin, Texas, that was literally less than 5 minutes from our south Austin home. The Nashville-based band that plays on Broadway at various venues was only supposed to be - [Harris/Walz Sit for CNN Interview on August 29, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/harris-walz-sit-for-cnn-interview-on-august-29-2024/) - Kamala Harris and Tim Walz sat for a joint interview at Kim's Cafe in Savannah, Georgia on August 29, 2024. It was Harris' 7th trip to Georgia and it is 68 day from the presidential election. The Republicans have been making a Big Deal out of the fact that Harris (and Walz) had done no - [Pillars of Community---Church, Schools---In Decline](https://www.weeklywilson.com/pillars-of-community-church-schools-in-decline/) - Alec McGillis in “The New Yorker” reported on the closing of eleven of Rochester, New York’s forty-five schools this way: SCHOOLS IN CRISIS “Four years ago, as the school year started with remote learning in many districts around the country, particularly in Democratic-leaning cities, I reported a piece for ProPublica and “The New Yorker” looking at - [Did Trump Take A Bribe from Egypt?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/did-trump-take-a-bribe-from-egypt/) - According to Will Bunch, “It’s the most serious bribery allegation in American history.” What is it? Courtesy of the “Philadelphia Inquirer” and “The Week” magazine (Aug. 15, 2024, p.12) it is bribery of a U.S. President. In its details, it is the bombshell that does not surprise anyone who has a low (but accurate) opinion - [Trump Team Dusts Off Old "Dog-Whistle" Politics Dirty Tricks Campaigning](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-team-dusts-off-old-dog-whistle-politics-dirty-tricks-campaigning/) - In my recent fact-check of the Trump call-in to Fox News, after Kamala Harris' speech to the DNC Convention, I mentioned the Willie Horton "dog whistle" attack on Dukakis in 1988 and predicted something similar would occur as Trump uses old techniques to try to drag down his opponent---the dirtier the better, as far as - [Tim Walz: VP Nominee Radiates Good Will & "Minnesota Nice" at the DNC on 8/21/2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tim-walz-vp-nominee-radiates-good-will-minnesota-nice-at-the-dnc-on-8-21-2024/) - I’m watching Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota accept his nomination for Vice President of the United States and I can’t help but think of “the happy warrior,” aka Humbert Humphrey---also from Minnesota. So far, Tim Walz has called the campaign “incredible” and has thanked both Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. It IS pretty incredible to - [Kamala Harris Accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination; DJT Phones In on Fox](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kamala-harris-accepts-democratic-presidential-nomination-djt-phones-in-on-fox/) - There are 75 days during which Kamala has to convince voters that she, the current vice president, represents change for the better. - [The Obamas Rock the United Center at DNC: The Gloves Come Off (8/20/2024)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-obamas-rock-the-united-center-on-2nd-night-of-the-dnc-in-chicago-8-20-2024/) - Michelle and Barack Obama both spoke tonight at the DNC in Chicago. I haven't been as moved by a speech since I stood in a field in the Village of East Davenport during the 2012 Obama re-election campaign and listened to the pair say to the crowd, "Stand with me again once more, Iowa." It - [Ensuring Legal Rights with the Help of Oklahoma City Divorce Attorneys](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ensuring-legal-rights-with-the-help-of-oklahoma-city-divorce-attorneys/) - Divorce can be an emotionally challenging experience, but beyond the emotional toll lies the crucial need to protect one’s legal rights. Whether it’s the division of assets, child custody arrangements, or spousal support, the legal ramifications of divorce can significantly impact your future. Ensuring these rights are upheld requires more than just awareness—it demands skilled - [My Excellent Adventures Between July 15th and August 15th, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/my-excellent-adventures-between-july-15th-and-august-15th-2024/) - My “weekly” vow for WeeklyWilson has now collapsed under the weight of a series of random events. First, there was the tornado, an EF1 that hit our court street in East Moline, Illinois on Monday, July 15th. My spouse had just made an ice cream run to Whitey’s in Moline, which was closing down - [Similarities (Coincidences?) Between the Presidential Races of 1968 and 2024.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/similarities-coincidences-between-the-presidential-races-of-1968-and-2024/) - Coincidences/similarities exist between the presidential race of 1968 and the presidential race of 2024. - [M. Night Shymalan "Traps" Us Again with Twist After Twist](https://www.weeklywilson.com/m-night-shymalan-traps-us-again-with-twist-after-twist/) - Night Shymalan is a Writer/Director whose films seem to provoke strong reactions. He always seem to be trying for that “surprise twist” ending that appeared in his break-through iconic film “The Sixth Sense” (1999). In “Trap," which opened August 2nd, the film has so many twists concluding at 103 minutes that I’d be giving away - [James Bond Exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry](https://www.weeklywilson.com/james-bond-exhibit-at-chicagos-museum-of-science-industry/) - We moseyed over to the Museum of Science & Industry to see the James Bond exhibit, showing us many of the gadgets used in the Bond movies. Also present were many cars used in the Bond films, most of them Aston Martins (although there was one white car that was different.) There were motorcycles, waterskiing - [Biden Sees the Writing on the Wall; Passes Torch to a New Generation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/biden-sees-the-writing-on-the-wall-passes-torch-to-a-new-generation/) - Joe Biden withdraws from 2024 presidential race. - ["Twisters" Is Worthy Sequel to 1996 Original Tornado Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/twisters-is-worthy-sequel-to-1996-original-tornado-film/) - "Twisters," the sequel to the 1996 film “Twister” opened today, yet another featuring Austin, Texas native Glen Powell in a film that opened at around $32 million after spending $200 million (budgeted at $150 million) on the follow-up to that iconic film. It was an enjoyable example of escapist entertainment for summer, 2024, opening not - [EF1 Tornado Overshadows RNC Convention for Me (7/19/2024)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ef1-tornado-overshadows-rnc-convention-for-me-7-19-2024/) - An EF1 tornado swept through our East Moline court on Monday night at 7:37 p.m. It took out a large tree, which, in turn, took out all of the power. A picture of the 6 trucks that showed up to try to restore power would have been nice, but when I went outside to - ["Fly Me To The Moon" Is An Enjoyable Rom-Com Romp](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fly-me-to-the-moon-is-an-enjoyable-rom-com-romp/) - In the spirit of this blog's name (Weekly Wilson) I have a stream-of-consciousness review of tonight's film, "Fly Me to the Moon," which opened tonight at the newly-revamped VIP14 theater (previously Regal 8) in Moline, Illinois. It's 6 days since my last post. Readers will remember that I was mourning the loss of the only - [Celebrating A Birthday On A Balmy July 6 Night in Downtown Davenport, Iowa](https://www.weeklywilson.com/celebrating-a-birthday-on-a-balmy-july-6-night-in-downtown-davenport-iowa/) - Shouldn't we all celebrate our birthdays with old friends? Of course we should, and we did. Dinner at Monarch (which is hard to find, but has lobster roll) and cocktails at Up, which is on top of the downtown Davenport hotel (Current). And lots of funny stories from many years of friendship and fond memories. - [Icon Theater in Chicago's South Loop To Close on June 30th, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/icon-theater-in-chicagos-south-loop-to-close-on-june-30th-2024/) - Since we were in Chicago for the Rolling Stones on June 27 (Thursday), and went to the Sundance showing of the Luther Vandross documentary on Friday (June 28), today (Saturday, June 29th) we went to the Icon Theater located near us at 1011 Delano Court in the South Loop. We bought our tickets on - [Sundance Institute X Chicago 2024 Opens at Logan Center in Chicago on June 28, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sundance-institute-x-chicago-2024-opens-at-logan-center-in-chicago-on-june-28-2024/) - Logan Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Chicago co-hosted the first event with Sundance to be hosted at a city other than Park City, Utah on Friday, June 28, 2024. It began with the showing of the Sundance documentary “Luther: Never Too Much” at the Logan Center for the Arts. - [The Rolling Stones Play Soldier Field on June 27, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-rolling-stones-play-soldier-field-on-june-27-2024/) - The Rolling Stones played at Soldier Field (across the street from me) tonight, Thursday, June 27th. We were 3 rows from the top of the stadium until the $16 beer my spouse had consumed drove us to lower levels to seek a rest room. I was quite happy to move from the top section, because - ["The Bikeriders" At Theaters On June 21, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-bikeriders-at-theaters-on-june-21-2024/) - “The Bikeriders” screened as the closing film of the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 22, 2024, at the Music Box Theater with a presentation of the Artistic Career Achievement Award to Writer/Director Jeff Nichols. The film was inspired by the 1967 iconic photographs and tape recordings of photographer Danny Lyon. Writer/Director Nichols gave - [Seth Meyer, Ribfest and the Gold Coast Art Show in Chicago (June 14-16, 2024)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/seth-meyer-ribfest-and-the-gold-coast-art-show-in-chicago-june-14-16-2024/) - hello weekend chicago highlights youtube The cover band “Hello Weekend” consists of six members: Christina Bagby and Connie Baltzell on vocals, Chris Brown on guitar, Scott Steele on bass, Ivan Dunki on drums and Bob the Bunny (who did not seem to be evident this night at Chicago’s Ribfest.) This line-up list was from a - [Chicago in June: "Six" and Georgia O'Keeffe](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chicago-in-june-six-and-georgia-okeeffe/) - Chicago beckoned and, more specifically, the musical “Six” and the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. I thoroughly enjoyed “Six,” the musical, which filled me in on the six wives of Henry VIII. I’m going to have to look up more about these six women, but the cheeky presentation with fantastic costumes, - [Four Days on the Road to the Land of Lincoln](https://www.weeklywilson.com/four-days-on-the-road-to-the-land-of-lincoln/) - DAY ONE: Our annual trek to and from (in this case, from) Austin, Texas is over. We stayed in town for the Premiere of "Hit Man" at the Paramount in Austin (see previous article below) and I have included a pictorial representation of the journey. First up: Dallas skyscapes. You will note that there is - [Glen Powell Inducted into Texas Hall of Fame (5/15/2024)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/glen-powell-inducted-into-texas-hall-of-fame-5-15-2024/) - Hollywood heartthrob and Austin (Texas) native Glen Powell was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame at the Paramount Theater in downtown Austin (Texas) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Powell’s newest film, directed by Austin director Richard Linklater, “Hit Man” screened after his remarks to the assembled audience. The Netflix extravaganza was by random drawing - [Glen Powell & Richard Linklater Hit It Big with "Hit Man" on May 15, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/glen-powell-richard-linklater-hit-it-big-with-hit-man-on-may-15-2024/) - Austin’s own Richard Linklater and Netflix showed his latest film, “Hit Man,” to a packed audience on Wednesday, May 15th at the Paramount Theater in downtown Austin. Prior to the showing of the comedy/film noir, its lead and co-writer, Glen Powell, was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame, established in 2001 by Linklater to - [Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Holds Rally on May 13th, 2024 in Austin, Texas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr-holds-rally-on-may-11th-2024-in-austin-texas/) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Holds Campaign Rally in Austin, TX is now available for viewing in the C-SPAN Video Library. Let's not forget that I covered the Presidential races of 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 and wrote 3 books on the candidates, often focusing as they came through the Iowa caucuses. I - ["Civil War" Provides Much Food for Thought in 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/civil-war-provides-much-food-for-thought-in-2024/) - The main characters in "Civil War" are four journalists. The film introduces the journalists as they cover a clash in New York City between what appear to be police forces from the official government and violent members of the opposition. The alliance in the civil war has paired Texas and California. This group is either known as WA or WF. (I, - ["Hacks" Season Three Premieres @ SXSW on March 9, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hacks-season-three-premiere-sxsw-on-march-9-2024/) - The Premiere of season 3 of “Hacks” (HBO Max) took place at noon on March 9th at SXSW. It was truly an audience of devoted fans. The feeling in the Paramount Theater was equal parts anticipation and shared enthusiasm, which is not always the case at SXSW. Everyone there knew they were in for a - ["MoviePass/MovieCrash" Premieres at SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/moviepass-moviecrash-premieres-at-sxsw-2024/) - The very first day of SXSW 2024 a 96-minute documentary entitled “MoviePass/MovieCrash," directed by Muta' Ali, had its World Premiere at the Alamo Theater on Lamar Boulevard. It chronicled how two black entrepreneurs---Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt---spent a decade developing a way to bring the masses back to the theater experience with a credit card-like - ["My Dead Friend Zoe" Screens at SXSW 2024 on March 9, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/my-dead-friend-zoe-screens-at-sxsw-2024-on-march-9-2024/) - “My Dead Friend Zoe” was a crowd-funded first feature film from Army veteran Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, who served 5 years in Afghanistan and used his real-life experiences to craft this film that premiered at SXSW on March 9, 2024. He is co-founder of the nonprofit organization Veterans in Media & Entertainment. It is a plus that MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE, says the synopsis, is a dark comedy drama that follows the journey of Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army Afghanistan veteran who is at odds with her family thanks to the presence of Zoe (Natalie Morales, “Dead to Me”), her dead best friend from the Army. - ["Cuckoo" World Premieres at SXSW on March 14, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cuckoo-world-premieres-at-sxsw-on-march-14-2024/) - The World Premiere of Writer/Director Tilman Singer’s film “Cuckoo” took place on Thursday, March 14 at SXSW. It’s a horror thriller that is innovative enough that the emcee handling the Q&A, an enthusiastic film buff, dubbed it “delightfully weird.” He went even further, declaring “Cuckoo” would become a classic in the future. PLOT The synopsis - ["The Greatest Hits" World Premieres at SXSW on March 14th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-greatest-hits-world-premieres-at-sxsw-on-march-14th/) - The synopsis for "The Greatest Hits," which had its World Premiere at SXSW on Thursday, March 14th said: "Harriet (Lucy Boynton) finds art imitating life when she discovers certain songs can transport her back in time - literally. While she relives the past through romantic memories of her former boyfriend (David Corenswet), her. time traveling - [Billy Preston Bio-Pic "That's the Way God Planned It" Has World Premiere at SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/billy-preston-bio-pic-thats-the-way-god-planned-it-has-world-premiere-at-sxsw-2024/) - “Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned it” is a documentary from Paris Barclay ("In Treatment," "Glee"), whose own film accomplishments put him in a class that few can match. It was co-written by Cheo Hodari Coker. This is an outstanding documentary. It will go right up there with my favorite from last year’s SXSW, - ["Plastic People" At SXSW Describes A Harrowing Future](https://www.weeklywilson.com/plastic-people-at-sxsw-describes-a-harrowing-future/) - The Canadian documentary “Plastic People,” directed by Ben Addelman and Ziya Tong, had its World Premiere at SXSW on Saturday, March 9th, 2024. It is an absolutely terrifying piece of detective work, investigating how our fixation on plastic came to be and what plastic is doing to us. The synopsis said: “Plastic People is - [TV Pilots Screen at SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tv-pilots-screen-at-sxsw-2024/) - Six TV Pilots screened at SXSW 2024 on Sunday, March 10th. Here are descriptions of four of them. “Marvin Is Sorry” was the story of 25-year-old YouTube influencer Marvin Weaver who accidentally kills one of his fans during the filming of a YouTube video. The stunt was part of Marvin Weaver’s Ice Cap Refreezing - [TV Pilots Screen at SXSW on Oscar Day, March 10, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tv-pilots-screen-at-sxsw-on-oscar-day-march-10-2024/) - The TV pilot section at SXSW went off at 3 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar on Oscar Day (March 10th), with six TV pilot episodes shown, one after another. I did not realize that the program was comprised of all six of the entrants. I was originally focused on one entitled “Bettendorf - ["Bettendorf Talks" Screens at March 10th TV Pilots Program at SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bettendorf-talks-screens-at-march-10th-tv-pilots-program-at-sxsw-2024/) - The improv team of David Pasquiesi and T.J. Jadowski and Director Jack Newell attended the World Premiere of their television pilot, “Bettendorf Talks” at the Alamo Theater on Lamar at 3 p.m. on March 10, Sunday, Oscar day. I was rooting for them to hit a home run with a comic take on Bettendorf, Iowa. - ["Audrey" Has World Premiere at SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/audrey-has-world-premiere-at-sxsw-2024/) - First-time Australian feature director Natalie Bailey has crafted a tale of a dysfunctional family from a Lou Sanz script. It had its World Premiere at SXSW on March 10th, 2024. The synopsis for the film : “Self-appointed Mother of the Year, Ronnie has given her daughter Audrey everything, so when Audrey selfishly falls into a - ["Stormy" Documentary World Premiere on March 8th at SXSW Is Cautionary Tale About Crossing DJT](https://www.weeklywilson.com/stormy-documentary-world-premiere-on-march-8th-at-sxsw-is-cautionary-tale-about-crossing-djt/) - The documentary “Stormy” had its World Premiere on Friday, March 8th, at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Directed by Sarah Gibson and executive produced by Judd Apatow, the film was a sympathetic look at the Stormy Daniels saga. It was comprised of film that Stephanie Clifford (Daniels’ real name) shot previously in an attempt to do - ["Resynator" Documentary at SXSW 2024 Showcases Electronic Music Pioneer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/resynator-documentary-at-sxsw-2024-showcases-electronic-music-pioneer/) - Alison Tavel has directed a film about her father’s invention, the Resynator, one of the first synthesizers and a step forward into electronic music. Her father, Don Tavel, died in a car crash in 1988 when Alison was 10 weeks old. Don, a trailblazer in the field of electronic music, was, by all accounts, - ["Lions of Mesopotamia" World Premieres at SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/lions-of-mesopotamia-world-premieres-at-sxsw-2024/) - One of the more riveting World Premieres of a documentary at SXSW was “Lions of Mesopotamia,” directed by Lucian Read. The film screened on Saturday, March 9th, at 7:15 at SXSW. It outlines the victory of the Iraqi National Soccer Team at the Asia Cup in 2007, a win over Saudi, Arabia. THE GOOD - ["An Army of Women" Profiles Sexual Assault in Austin, Texas on SXSW Opening Night](https://www.weeklywilson.com/an-army-of-women-profiles-sexual-assault-in-austin-texas-on-sxsw-opening-night/) - Norwegian director Julie Lillesaeter has directed a documentary about 3 Austin (Texas) women attempting to seek justice for their rapes or sexual assaults. Ultimately, the 3---Amy, Marina, and Hanna---join 12 other women in a groundbreaking federal class-action lawsuit. It is the first lawsuit to argue that sexual assault isn’t prosecuted enough, primarily because it is - ["Secret Mall Apartment" World Premieres @ SXSW 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/secret-mall-apartment-world-premieres-sxsw-2024/) - Jeremy Workman, the filmmaker responsible for the Grand Prize Winner for Best Documentary at SXSW in 2021 with “Lily Topples the World” (now streaming on MAX) returns to SXSW 2024 with “Secret Mall Apartment." His 2018 documentary “The World Before Your Feet” about Matt Green’s nomadic journey through New York City was interesting and - ["7 Beats Per Minute" At SXSW on March 8th, 2024: Cinematically Gorgeous](https://www.weeklywilson.com/7-beats-per-minute-at-sxsw-on-march-8th-2024-cinematically-gorgeous/) - 7 Beats Per Minute (Canada) The documentary “7 Beats Per Minute,” helmed by Canadian/Chinese/Mongol director Yuqi Kang screened at SXSW on March 8th, Friday. The director of “A Little Wisdom,” which was named the Best Canadian Feature and is available on Amazon Prime, has done a cinematically gorgeous job with this World Premiere. The - ["Tired of Winning" by Jonathan Karl Tells It Like It Is](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tired-of-winning-by-jonathan-karl-tells-it-like-it-is/) - Excerpts from "Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party," by Jonathan Karl of ABC News: "He lacks any shred of human decency, humility, or caring," a former White House official wrote of Trump, the man he had served for more than a year. "He is morally bankrupt, breathtakingly - [How DJT Was Groomed By Russia; The Tragic End of Alexei Navalny](https://www.weeklywilson.com/how-djt-was-groomed-by-russia-the-tragic-end-of-alexei-navalny/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXSVsfARLdk - ["Suncoast" Screens at Sundance 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/suncoast-screens-at-sundance-2024/) - “Suncoast’s” writer/director, Laura Chinn, had a brother, Max, who suffered from cancer. He ended up in the same hospice facility as Terri Schiavo, who died in 2005, and Ms. Chinn, in her directorial debut, dedicated the film to her late brother. “Suncoast” was the first of the eight Sundance films I watched. It held - ["Porcelain War" Is Documentary Grand Jury Winner at Sundance, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/porcelain-war-is-documentary-grand-jury-winner-at-sundance-2024/) - “Porcelain War” won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance 2024 and added to the ever-proliferating number of documentaries that are coming out of the horrific Russia/Ukraine War. The front-runner for an Oscar in the upcoming Academy Awards is “20 Days in Mariupol” from Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov. The “Porcelain War” is a joint project from - [The Eagles with Steely Dan in Austin at the Moody Center on Feb. 3, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-eagles-with-steely-dan-in-austin-at-the-moody-center-on-feb-3-2024/) - ["Little Death" Screens at Sundance, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/little-death-screens-at-sundance-2024/) - “Little Death” won the NEXT innovator award at Sundance, 2024. I was attracted to this film by the fact that Protozoa Pictures was involved (Darren Aranofsky) and that it had David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Jenna Malone and Seth Green among the cast members. The director was Jack Begert, who co-wrote it with Dani Goffstein. Another - ["Kneecap" Is Irish Docu-Drama at 2024 Sundance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kneecap-is-irish-docu-drama-at-2024-sundance/) - The Audience Award Winner at Sundance was a docu-drama about an Irish band, "Kneecap," that is working to preserve the Irish language (Gaelic) and enjoys sticking it to the British. The members of the real-life band "Kneecap" played themselves. To appreciate the film, it is best to know this history of the band (from Wikipedia); - ["In the Summers" Wins 2024 Sundance Grand Prize for Drama](https://www.weeklywilson.com/in-the-summers-wins-2024-sundance-grand-prize-for-drama/) - "In the Summers" won the Grand Jury Prize for Drama at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Its theme is summarized this way on IMDB.com: "On a journey that spans the formative years of their lives, two sisters navigate their loving but volatile father during their yearly summer visits to his home in Las Cruces, New - ["Daughters:" Documentary at Sundance, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/daughters-documentary-at-sundance-2024/) - David Ehrlich of "Indiewire" wrote of "Daughters," that it was "An enormously moving documentary" and that it had "as much ugly-cry potential as anything in recent memory." The film, directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, gives us the background on a unique father-daughter dance for D.C.-area Black girls whose fathers are in jail. Ehrlich - [Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain" Wins Screenwriting Award at 2024 Sundance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jesse-eisenbergs-a-real-pain-wins-screenwriting-award-at-2024-sundance/) - All of the introductory pictures on the Sundance page featured this Jesse Eisenberg film, which he wrote, directed and starred in. The film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance (some choice lines from the script to follow.) Jesse Eisenberg plays David Kaplan and Kieran Culkin is his cousin, Benjy. Following the death of - ["A New Kind of Wilderness" Is 2024 Sundance World Cinema Grand Prize Winner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-new-kind-of-wilderness-is-2024-sundance-world-cinema-grand-prize-winner/) - Sundance Film Festival is ending its 40th run on January 28th. I’ve been streaming many of the award winners, including these, in alphabetical order: “A New Kind of Wilderness” “A Real Pain” “Daughters” “In the Summers” “Kneecap” “Little Death” “Porcelain War” “Suncoast” [I'll be telling you about the above films in installments over the next - [DeSantis Backs Down, Despite Slogan "Never Back Down" on January 21, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/desantis-backs-down-despite-slogan-never-back-down-on-january-21-2024/) - Wasn’t Ron DeSantis’ slogan for his campaign “Never back down”? Well, today (Sunday, January 21st) he backed down. I happened to be watching CNN when the live video of DeSantis---now back in much warmer Florida---kissed off the idea of being President in 2024. (Some sources say he’ll be back in 2028). As I watched Dana - [Reflections on Barbra Streisand's Autobiography "My Name Is Barbra"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/reflections-on-barbra-streisands-autobiography-my-name-is-barbra/) - Has unresolved issues about her mother. Has issues regarding a “father figure.” Somewhat downplays the gift her voice has been to her life path. Seems to have OCD tendencies, even as to placement of flowers. Naturally curious. Seems to have built a “family” from those she found more supportive of her. Takes a few swipes - ["The Boys in the Boat" Brought Home the Gold in 1936](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-boys-in-the-boat-brought-home-the-gold-in-1936/) - I just watched George Clooney's film (he directed) "The Boys in the Boat." My spouse did not want to watch it, declaring it to be "too predictable." THE GOOD I wanted to see Joel Edgerton in action as the coach, and the lead actor playing Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) was a new star, for me. - ["The Iron Claw" Revisits Pro Wrestling's Von Erich Family](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-iron-claw-revisits-pro-wrestlings-von-erich-family/) - Since (Scott) Beck & (Bryan) Woods selected “The Iron Claw” to open their new Davenport (Iowa) theater, and it is doing well at the box office, while Jeremy Allen White is really gaining steam as a leading man, I went to see “The Iron Claw” here in Texas. Texas is definitely Von Erich territory, site - [Need A Smile? Check Out This Ad.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/need-a-smile-check-out-this-ad/) - [Iowa Caucuses (Jan. 15, 2024) Will Set Low Temperature Records](https://www.weeklywilson.com/iowa-caucuses-jan-15-2024-will-set-low-temperature-records/) - I am thinking back to the Iowa Caucus nights in 2004, 2008 and 2012that my college roommate and I went out to caucus at a local Des Moines high school when the temperature was 17 degrees (2004). It was, until now, the coldest caucus night in history. My hope was that Howard Dean was going - [Random Thoughts on the Iowa Caucuses of January 15, 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/random-thoughts-on-the-iowa-caucuses-of-january-15-2024/) - With Monday’s Iowa caucuses scheduled to go forward despite wind chills that could be as low as -30 below zero, the last polls I saw put Trump ahead but DeSantis and Nikki Haley separated by only one percentage point. The real test on Monday, January 15th, is going to be “Whose ground organization is strongest - [Best Films of 2023, For Me](https://www.weeklywilson.com/best-films-of-2023-for-me/) - The Golden Globes are now in the books and critics are critical of the host ( I thought he did okay). I was not totally surprised that “Oppenheimer” had a sort of minor sweep going on in various areas. It was an important film and Christopher Nolan has been nominated six times and never won - ["Poor Things:" Emma Stone's Chance to Take Home the Oscar](https://www.weeklywilson.com/poor-things-emma-stones-chance-to-take-home-the-oscar/) - Yorgos Lanthimos is known for helming movies that are bizarre and weird. Once you’ve seen Colin Farrell in “The Lobster” (2015) you get the idea that Lanthimos’s films will be far-out. That is certainly true of “Poor Things.” Having said that, it is such a pleasure to have an original concept that is so well - ["Ferrari" Fails to Find Its Footing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ferrari-fails-to-find-its-footing/) - As a fan of Michael Mann’s work (“The Insider,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat”), I ventured out to see Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari in the December 25th release “Ferrari.” Mann has long been well-acquainted with racing and with Ferrari. Mann was one of the executive producers of “Ford v Ferrari" (2019), the superior - ["Maestro" Is Bradley Cooper's Baby, But It's No "Barbieheimer" at the Box Office](https://www.weeklywilson.com/maestro-is-bradley-coopers-baby-but-its-no-barbieheimer-at-the-box-office/) - “Maestro,” written by, starring, and directed by Bradley Cooper, is a worthy second attempt at directing (2018's "A Star Is Born" was his debut). It will earn many Oscar nominations, but it does not seem to be capturing the imagination of the general public. The music and the performances are spot on, but it’s not - [Christmas, 2023, Is In the Books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/christmas-2023-is-in-the-books/) - Christmas, 2023, has come and gone. The daughter has just left for the airport, to fly back to Nashville and, from there, to Chicago for work with SW. She will check on the status of my Chicago digs (and the weather). Her father was driving her, attired in a pair of shorts and used - [Dec. 19th: One Week Until Christmas, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dec-19th-one-week-until-christmas-2023/) - These are my two children, Scott (now aged 55) and Stacey (now aged 36). Yes, I understand that that is a long time between children, but there you have it: a son who was going off to college when he learned that his parents were having a second child. I still remember Scott looking at - ["Iowa Nice" Comes Through in CNN Town Hall Meetings with DeSantis & Ramaswamy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/iowa-nice-comes-through-in-cnn-town-hall-meetings-with-desantis-ramaswamy/) - There's Iowa Nice, and then there's Iowa Smart. Both were on display on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (12/12 and 12/13) on CNN at 8 p.m. (CDT). After watching the GOP Town Hall Meetings on CNN with Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy I have to say that the people of my home state did Iowa proud. - [Tennessee Tornado Hits Daughter's Madison Neighborhood:](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tennessee-tornado-hits-daughters-madison-neighborhood/) - We received a phone call about 5 p.m. from our daughter, Stacey, in Madison, Tennessee, on December 10th; she was absolutely terrified. Her terror was justified. The EF-3 tornado that struck Nashville went right over/past her house. It was pitch black. She doesn't really have a basement, but only a crawl space. She was huddled - [Red State/Blue State Debate: Whose Idea Was This?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/red-state-blue-state-debate-whose-idea-was-this/) - We watched the debate between Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, and Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, and, the entire time, what was going through my mind was, “Why?” The debate was staged by Fox News and Sean Hannity was the moderator, but the obvious take-away, up front, is that this thing is not going to - [Ridley Scott's "Napoleon:" Go for the Battle Scenes; Skip the Scripted Humor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ridley-scotts-napoleon-go-for-the-battle-scenes-skip-the-scripted-humor/) - Ridley Scott’s 238 minute opus, “Napoleon,” is a crash course in French history. But how accurate is it? I always appreciate directors who try to “get it right.” I kept wondering, throughout the lengthy film, whether this or that really happened. Let me be clear right now that I have investigated with the goal of - [Looking for the Perfect Canine for Christmas? These Dogs May---or May Not---Be Your Choice](https://www.weeklywilson.com/looking-for-the-perfect-canine-for-christmas-these-dogs-may-or-may-not-be-your-choice/) - Thanksgiving, 2023, is officially in the books. We spent it at the movies (“Napoleon”) but before I write that review for the film that opened wide on November 22nd, a little levity looking forward to the most commercial holiday of the season might be appropriate. And these dogs might be your choice for a forever - [GOP Debate of November 8th Is More Controlled Than Chaotic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/gop-debate-of-november-8th-is-more-controlled-than-chaos/) - Nikki Haley was incensed by Vivek Ramaswamy for mentioning that Haley’s daughter is on Tik Tok. The remark summoned echoes of “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth” spoken by Will Smith at the Oscars (followed by a physical slap). There is no love lost between Haley and Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy also attacked the - [Thoughts On "Killers of the Flower Moon," Martin Scorsese's Newest Epic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/thoughts-on-killers-of-the-flower-moon-martin-scorseses-newest-epic/) - Martin Scorsese is the winner of multiple awards over the course of his prolific career. With nine nominations for the Academy Award for Best Director, he is tied with Steven Spielberg as the most-nominated living director of all time, second only to William Wyler's 12 nominations overall. Scorsese has won only once, in 2007, for “The Departed.” Spielberg, by - ["The After" Is Netflix 18-Minute Short Featuring David Oyelowo](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-after-is-netflix-18-minute-short-featuring-david-oyelowo/) - David Oyelowo is best-known for his role as Dr. Martin Luther King in the 2014 film “Selma.” A multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated actor and producer, Oyelowo has also directed his own film (“The Water Man”). He stars in the 18-minute short “The After,” directed by photographer, social activist and cultural commentator Misan Harriman. It is - [VietJet Airlines Offers Unique Experience](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vietjet-airlines-offers-unique-experience/) - According to the October 27th issue of "This Week" magazine: "A giant albino rat and a foot-long otter triggered panic on a flight from Bangkok to Taipei when they escaped from a passenger's carry-on bag and roamed the cabin. The rat bit one of the flight attendants on the VietJet flight as they tried to - [Jeff Nichols Receives Artistic Achievement Award at Closing Night of CIFF in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jeff-nichols-receives-artistic-achievement-award-at-closing-night-of-ciff-in-chicago/) - “The Bikeriders” screened as the closing film of the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 22 at the Music Box Theater with a presentation of the Artistic Career Achievement Award to Writer/Director Jeff Nichols. The film was inspired by the 1967 iconic photographs and tape recordings of photographer Danny Lyon. Writer/Director Nichols gave great - ["Saltburn" Cements Emerald Fennell's Reputation As A Visionary Filmmaker](https://www.weeklywilson.com/saltburn-cements-emerald-fennells-reputation-as-a-visionary-filmmaker/) - “Saltburn” is Emerald Fennell’s follow-up to 2020’s “Promising Young Woman,” a film that garnered five Oscar nominations and won her the Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 2021. The movie is most like 1999’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” It is a baroque, dark, stylish sexy R-rated Gothic study which Fennell, present in person to receive "Saltburn" is a baroque, dark, stylish sexy R-rated Gothic study which Fennell, present in person to receive the Visionary Award at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 19, 2023, said was best summed up tonally by the word “vampire.” - ["May December" Screens at CIFF on October 18, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/may-december-screens-at-ciff-on-october-18-2023/) - May/December is a riff on the infamous Mary Kay Letourneau scandal of 1997, but that is where the similarities end. None of the information contained within this film can be taken as “true” in regards to the real couple who inspired the film. Todd Haynes directed and Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore star. “May December” - ["The Killer" Is Riveting Entertainment from David Fincher with Michael Fassbender](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-killer-is-riveting-entertainment-from-david-fincher-with-michael-fassbender/) - David Fincher’s thriller “The Killer,” starring Michael Fassbender, opens in theaters on October 27 and streams on Netflix starting November 10th. It is a return to form for David Fincher, who has had this adaptation of Alexis Nolent’s graphic novel as a passion project for 20 years. “The Killer” is a no-holds-barred look at an "The Killer" is a thoroughly enjoyable 118 minutes of engrossing filmmaking. - ["Dream Scenario:" Hilarious and Nicolas Cage Is Brilliant In It](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dream-scenario-hilarious-and-nicolas-cage-is-brilliant-in-it/) - Hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams in this blackly comic film from Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli. Making his English-language debut, Oslo-born writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) follows the rise and fall of one man’s fifteen - ["Limbo" and "Christmess:" Two Australian Films Promoting Family Togetherness](https://www.weeklywilson.com/limbo-and-christmessy-two-australian-films-promoting-family-togetherness/) - In the past 24 hours, I’ve seen two Australian films, one via screener and one at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. I love Australian films. I really looked forward to seeing each. The first was “Limbo,” directed and written by Ivan Sen. “A white detective investigates the twenty-year-old cold case of a murdered indigenous - ["Eric LaRue" Screens on Friday the 13th (2023) with Director Michael Shannon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/eric-larue-screens-on-friday-the-13th-2023-with-director-michael-shannon/) - Michael Shannon steps behind the camera to direct the film version of a play written by good friend and award-winning writer Brett Neveu. The 2002 play, “Eric LaRue,” deals with the aftermath of a school shooting. It does not focus on the crime itself, but on the effect the murders have on the shooter’s parents - ["The Hypnosis"Amuses Crowds at 59th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-hypnosisamuses-crowds-at-59th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “The Hypnosis” is a 98-minute Swedish/Norwegian/French film from Director/Co-writer Ernst DeGeer. Mads Stegger collaborated on the witty script, an entry in the New Directors’ Competition. The film is described as “a satire of entrepreneurial culture.” A young Scandinavian couple, Andre Sandru (Herbert Nordrum) and Vera Joseffson (Asta Kamma August), are pitching their start-up company at - ["Departing Seniors" Screens at the Music Box Theater on Opening Night of the Chicago Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/departing-seniors-screens-at-the-music-box-theater-on-opening-night-of-the-chicago-film-festival/) - Chicago native Clare Cooney directed her first feature film, from a script from first-time screenwriter Jose Nateras. It screened at the Music Box Theater in Chicago at 10 p.m., immediately after the Opening Night film of the 59th Chicago International Film Festival, "We Grown Now." The theater was packed, and most of the cast and - [Opening Night: 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 11, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/opening-night-59th-chicago-international-film-festival-on-october-11-2023/) - The 59th Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, opened at the iconic Music Box Theater tonight with a showing of “We Grown Now,” directed by Minhal Baig. The film is a heartfelt story set in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green projects in fall of 1992. Two boys come of age amid change in their - ["Foe" Premieres on Amazon on October 6th: Closing Night of Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/foe-premieres-on-amazon-on-october-6th-closing-night-of-nashville-film-festival/) - "Foe's setting is supposed to be the Midwest in 2065. Information projected on the screen tells us that the planet's climate is growing worse as mankind continues to pollute and ruin the air and water. The government, like Elon Musk, is intent on using space as a safety valve for humans to flee our ruined - ["The Herricanes" @ Nashville Film Festival on October 1, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-herricanes-nashville-film-festival-on-october-1-2023/) - "Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and make a trail." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) That quote appears at the beginning of the documentary "The Herricanes," which played at the Nashville Film Festival on Monday, October 1, 2023. Olivia Kuan's Mom played football. Olivia thought it was something - ["Minnie Pearl: Facing the Laughter" at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/minnie-pearl-facing-the-laughter-at-nashville-film-festival/) - "Minnie Pearl: Facing the Laughter", directed by Barbara Hall, an 89-minute 7-year labor of love, screened at the Nashville Film Festival on Monday, October 2nd, 2023. Those singing the praises of Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon were a Who's Who of Country Music. Minnie Pearl as a character appeared on the Grand Ole Opry from 1940 - ["Remember This" Documentary at Nashville Film Festival Stars David Straithairn](https://www.weeklywilson.com/remember-this-documentary-at-nashville-film-festival-stars-david-straithairn/) - Academy Award nominee David Straithairn portrays Polish Underground hero Jan Karski in this 95-minute documentary from the Nashville Jewish Film Festival. Straithorne will be better known to audiences as Tom Cruise's convict older brother in "The Firm" or as the Oscar nominee for 2006's "Good Night, and Good Luck." More recently Straithairn was the male - ["Another Body" Traces Deep-Fake Porno in Timely Documentary](https://www.weeklywilson.com/another-body-traces-deep-fake-porno-in-timely-documentary/) - A timely issue for our time is the use of deep-fake video. It was one of the sticking points during the recent 148-day Hollywood entertainment strike. It is bound to rear its ugly head again during the 2024 presidential race. Porno videos with famous people's faces super-imposed on the bodies of others are out there. - [52nd Nashville Film Festival Opens: September 28, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/52nd-nashville-film-festival-opens-september-28-2023/) - Opening Night of the 52nd Nashviille Film Festival featured the documentary "Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive" directed by Betsy Schechter. The 80-year-old Queen of Disco---only recipient ever of a Grammy for disco music---is far from done on the world's stage. She may have peaked in the 70s with "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "I Will - [GOP Second Debate on September 27th, 2023, Ends Up As Shout-Fest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/gop-second-debate-on-september-27th-2023-ends-up-as-shout-fest/) - I just watched the second GOP debate. I feel like I need a shower and a stiff drink. Maybe some ear plugs, too, since at least four of the seven candidates for the Republican nomination for president were usually talking at once. We watched the debate on Fox "live," as it was held from the - ["Caterpillar" Documentary to Screen at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/caterpillar-documentary-to-screen-at-nashville-film-festival/) - This was a fascinating documentary about a new YouTube fad, changing one’s eye color, which is done, surgically, in India. It sounded very dicey, and, as it turns out, it is. The documentary, written and directed by Liza Mandelup of the Parts & Labor film enterprise, followed the journey of Raymond David Taylor of Miami - [59th Chicago International Film Festival to Run October 11-October 22, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/59th-chicago-international-film-festival-to-run-october-11-october-22-2023/) - The Chicago International Film Festival’s 59th iteration will screen at 8 locations in Chicago commencing October 11th. In a preview of the full range of offerings on September 18th at the AMC Newcity Theatres on North Clyburn Avenue. Other venues where films will be screened this year include the historic Music Box Theater, the Chicago - [Nashville Film Festival Screens from September 28th to October 4th, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nashville-film-festival-screens-from-september-28th-to-october-4th-2023/) - The Nashville Film Festival commences September 28th, and I will be there, in person, covering it. It runs from September 28th until October 4th. The Nashville Film Festival presents more than 125 film screenings, a selection of post-film Q&As and in-depth discussions with attending filmmakers. NashFilm hosts events and programs that highlight the many aspects - [Printers' Row, 2023, on Sunday, September 10th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/printers-row-2023-on-sunday-september-10th/) - After much vacillating, I committed to spending my entire Sunday, September 10th, in the streets of Chicago selling books at Printers’ Row. I have done Printers’ Row with the Illinois Presswomen group for years, but last year, when I selected Sunday, it rained buckets. I took one look out the window and realized that - [Jennifer Lawrence Is the "Maneater" in "No Hard Feelings"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jennifer-lawrence-is-the-maneater-in-no-hard-feelings/) - Dive into Jennifer Lawrence's skinny-dip scene, Andrew Barth Feldman's Maneater, and the captivating ending of No Hard Feelings with songs featured in the movie. - ["No Labels" Third Party May Really Be A GOP-Ploy to Re-Elect Trump](https://www.weeklywilson.com/no-labels-third-party-may-really-be-a-gop-ploy-to-re-elect-trump/) - Is 'No Labels' Political Party a GOP Ploy? Unveiling potential ties and exploring the dynamics of the 'No Labels' party. - ["Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning" Is Tom Cruise's Baby](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-is-tom-cruises-baby/) - Unveil 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning' reviews. Tom Cruise's remarkable involvement shines in this latest installment. Get insights now. - ["Retribution" Is Yet Another Liam Neeson Action Movie (With A Lot Less Action)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/retribution-is-yet-another-liam-neeson-action-movie-with-a-lot-less-action/) - “Retribution” a Liam Neeson movie with a unique twist. Experience the intrigue as action meets depth. A must-watch Liam Neeson film. - [Family Fest 2023 in Austin, Texas Is In the Books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/family-fest-2023-in-austin-texas-is-in-the-books/) - My son (Scott) and his wife (Jessica) and their girls (14-year-old twins Ava and Elise) just concluded another successful Family Fest at their home in Austin, Texas. People normally fly in from St. Louis, Denver, the Quad Cities, Boston, Nashville and our numbers have been as high as 30, although this year there were some - [Tuesday Weld Turns 80 Today: August 27, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tuesday-weld-turns-80-today-august-27-2023/) - If you are a child of the 60s, you will remember Tuesday Weld. The blonde bombshell combined an innocent, virginal blonde beauty with a sexuality that made her Stanley Kubrick's first choice to play “Lolita.” (She turned the part down, saying, “I don't have to play it. I was Lolita.”) You have to admire a - [Alleman High School Class Reunion of 1963 on August 26th, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/alleman-high-school-class-reunion-of-1963-on-august-26th-2023/) - Saturday, August 26th, was my husband’s sixtieth high school reunion. The Class of 1963 of Alleman High School was, originally, a class of 221. Of that number, we were told that 58 have died. The reunion venue was Riverfront Grille in Rock Island. Approximately 35 hardy souls showed up for the celebration. One class member - [Five False Facts From the August 23, 2023, GOP Debate](https://www.weeklywilson.com/five-false-facts-from-the-august-23-2023-gop-debate/) - "What the Democrats are trying to do on this issue is wrong, to allow abortion all the way up to the moment of birth." (Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida) "We cannot let states like California, New York and Illinois have abortions on demand up until the day of birth." (Senator Tim Scott) THIS IS FALSE. - [GOP Debate Is Fox News Love Fest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/gop-debate-is-fox-news-love-fest/) - So, I’ve been watching the Republican debate. (Just shoot me now.) First, on a positive note, the woman singing the “Star Spangled Banner” was outstanding. Second, Ron DeSantis did not answer a single question asked of him. He simply answered something completely unrelated every time. Chris Christie, bearer of truth, saluted Mike Pence’s actions on - [Texas Woman Attacked by Snake and Hawk While Mowing Lawn](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-woman-attacked-by-snake-and-hawk-while-mowing-lawn/) - According to "This Week" magazine, a Texas woman was attacked by a hawk and a snake at the same time, while mowing her lawn. Peggy Jones was on a riding lawn mower when it is likely that a passing hawk dropped a four-foot long snake on her, which coiled around her arm. The hawk returned - [Trump Is Ineligible to Be President, Say Legal Scholars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-is-ineligible-to-be-president-say-legal-scholars/) - According to a recent publication by two Constitutional scholars, Donald J. Trump is ineligible to be President of the United States, because of the Constitutional prohibition under Section 3 of the 14th amendment, which bars anyone from elected office who has "engaged in" or "given aid or comfort" to an "insurrection or rebellion." The scholars---William - ["Underground Independence" Takes Us On A Stroll Down Memory Lane in Independence, Iowa on Aug. 19, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/underground-independence-takes-us-on-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-in-independence-iowa-on-aug-19-2023/) - Independence, Iowa, was named as the seat of Buchanan County in June of 1847. A second town, New Haven, and its mill, were located on the west bank of the river. In 1854, the State Legislature merged the two towns. Ten years later, in 1864, Independence was incorporated. Quasqueton, then called Quasquetuk, which I wrote - [Frank Lloyd Wright Home at Cedar Rock in Quasqueton, Iowa](https://www.weeklywilson.com/frank-lloyd-wright-home-at-cedar-rock-in-quasqueton-iowa/) - On our way to my old hometown of Independence (Iowa) to take the Underground Independence tour, we visited Cedar Rock, the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Quasqueton, Iowa. I had always known that this example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian homes was near my old hometown, but I only became aware of the specifics of - [Mini-Reunion Goes Down Without a Hitch on Aug. 11, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mini-reunion-goes-down-without-a-hitch-on-aug-11-2023/) - There is a reunion scheduled for my high school graduating class, but it is scheduled the very same date as Printers’ Row in Chicago, the largest outdoor book fair in the United States. I have participated in Printers’ Row many years as a member of the Illinois chapter of National Presswomen. This reunion is a - ["M.J.: The Musical" Hits Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/m-j-the-musical-hits-chicago/) - While taking in “Tommy: The Rock Opera” on my birthday, I became aware that “M.J.: The Musical” would be opening soon at the Niederlander Theater (formerly the Oriental Theater) on Aug. 1st and running only until September 3rd. I had seen the New York City lead in the play on the Tony awards, and I - [Republicans Died of Covid More Than Democrats, Say New Statistical Studies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/republicans-died-of-covid-more-than-democrats-say-new-statistical-studies/) - Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis opposed Covid vaccinations, as a Conservative Republican and even, in one well-publicized bit of video, urged schoolchildren wearing masks to take them off. Now, the statistics are out and they show that, in the wake of DeSantis reopening all bars and restaurants and schools, the Delta wave in July 2021 - [Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer:" Instant Classic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/christopher-nolans-oppenheimer-instant-classic/) - Oppenheimer, c. 1944 Roughly one-half of the movie “Oppenheimer” focuses on the unjust way Robert J. Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, was persecuted after he performed so spectacularly in heading up Los Alamos and giving the United States the atomic bomb to end World War II in Japan. Oppenheimer was denied a security clearance during - ["Barbie" Movie Delivers Way More Than Sparkle at the Box Office](https://www.weeklywilson.com/barbie-movie-delivers-way-more-than-sparkle-at-the-box-office/) - I was one of those little girls who was given a baby doll to mother. Barbie dolls did not exist until 1959. By that point, I was entering high school and done with dolls. I do remember when my friend Beverley’s little sister, Bonnie, got her first Barbie doll. We older girls looked at it - [Three-Day Birthday Extravaganza in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/19957-2/) - Just returned from a long weekend in Chicago celebrating a birthday and attending various events. First, there was the Cubs/Cardinals baseball game, covered in a previous entry. Next, there was a luxurious dinner atop the Hancock Building, in the Signature Room. The view from the 95th floor is, of course, spectacular, but this particular night - [Cubs Win Against Cardinals on July 21, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cubs-win-against-cardinals-on-july-21-2023/) - We are in Chicago and journeyed to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs battle the St. Louis Cardinals today (July 21, 2023). We took an Uber to the game ($40), which was probably in deference to the elder members of the group. (That would definitely be me and my spouse.) When we were going to - [Cruising on the Celebration Belle Riverboat on July 16, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cruising-on-the-mississippi-belle-riverboat-on-july-16-2023/) - We went out on the Mississippi River on the Celebration Belle Riverboat tonight, with old friends (and my husband's classmates) Bob and Judy DeJonghe and Bob and Marvis Hafner. I had not been out on one of these riverboat dinner cruises for at least 25 years. The last time we went out and floated up - [The 2024 GOP Presidential Primary Race Is Getting Pricey](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-2024-gop-presidential-primary-race-is-getting-pricey/) - The 2024 presidential primary race is shaping up to be a pricey one. According to the GOP Primary Ad Spending reports, Florida’s Governor Ron SeSantis is spending literally twice as much as Donald J. Trump, who is said to be the front-runner in polls. DeSantis has committed $4.4 million dollars to the primary battle, versus - [Chris Christie: GOP Savior or GOP Gadfly?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chris-christie-gop-savior-or-gop-gadfly/) - Christie in 2022 Frank Bruni is a contributing Opinion writer who was on the staff of The Times for more than 25 years. He wrote a June 21st opinion about Chris Christie’s recent remarks during his CNN Town Hall appearance. Mr. Bruni found Christie’s remarks as refreshing and as necessary as I did, in watching - ["The Boogeyman:" Stephen King Redux](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-boogeyman-stephen-king-redux/) - We were desperate for a movie to see at the theater on a weekend. The ones offered were grim. Then, I noticed that the screenwriters (Scott Beck and Bryan Woods) behind “A Quiet Place” had collaborated with a third writer (Mark Heyman) and taken an old Stephen King short story (from his “Night Shift” collection) - [Will the Real Ron DeSantis Please Stand Up](https://www.weeklywilson.com/will-the-real-ron-desantis-please-stand-up/) - Excerpts from “Mother Jones” DeSantis Article (“Laboratory of Autocracy” by Pema Levy) The following are some quotes from the "Mother Jones" article by Pema Levy, the July and August (2023) issue. It is important to learn these things about the second most popular Republican nominee, especially since the leader of that pack is Donald J. - [Quad City Senior Olympics, Restaurants, and The Search for Euchre in the Q.C.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/quad-city-senior-olympics-restaurants-and-the-search-for-euchre-in-the-q-c/) - It's been a semi-busy Friday/Saturday weekend. We had no plans at all until Wednesday or Thursday, when, for the first time in the 30+ years of the Quad City Senior Olympics, I read about it BEFORE it was over. Usually, I have read about the events (usually at Augustana) and thought, "Oh. Wish I had - ["My Cup Runneth Over" (and Ruineth My Kitchen): Polar Vortex Strikes Again](https://www.weeklywilson.com/my-cup-runneth-over-and-ruineth-my-kitchen-polar-vortex-strikes-again/) - Today's random rant will be about the polar vortex and how it ravaged my kitchen in my absence (Texas). This despite our having turned off the water and kept the heat on. Now comes the part where the insurance company tries to tell us that they aren't responsible, despite the many plumbers saying that we - ["It's Quieter in the Twilight" is Voyager Documentary from SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/its-quieter-in-the-twilight-is-voyager-documentary-from-sxsw/) - In the documentary "It's Quieter in the Twilight" director Billy Miossi includes information on what was once called "Man’s Greatest Modern Adventure.” What was that adventure? The Voyager Mission, which meant the launching of not one, but two space craft to tour the outer planets, specifically Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn and Neptune---14 billion miles from Earth - ["A Small Light" at SXSW is National Geographic Series Rediscovering the Anne Frank Story](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-small-light-at-sxsw-is-national-geographic-series-rediscovering-the-anne-frank-story/) - The official synopsis for "A Small Light:" “Based on an inspiring true story, Miep Gies was young, carefree and opinionated — at a time when opinions got you killed ― when Otto Frank asked her to help hide his family from the Nazis during WWII. Told with a modern sensibility, A SMALL LIGHT shakes the - [Tucker Carlson Out at Fox: Memories of His Bow-Tie Days](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tucker-carlson-out-at-fox-memories-of-his-bow-tie-days/) - Tucker's last segment on Fox was about eating bugs. And then he said he'd be back on Monday (another lie). I had the misfortune to see Tucker "live" in 2008 when he was one of the speakers at the Libertarian convention in Minneapolis (MN), held at the very same time as the GOP convention in - [Cancun (April 9-16) at the Royal Sands](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-april-9-16-at-the-royal-sands/) - We've been in Cancun for a week, a week which ended today. It's hard to describe the beauty of Cancun in words; pictures do a much better job. There were eleven of us until today, when departures took place. I am posting some photos of our week, to date, with more to come. - [Bob Odenkirk Rides Again: "Lucky Hank" Premieres at SXSW and Streams (AMC+) on March 19th, 2023.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bob-odenkirk-rides-again-lucky-hank-premieres-at-sxsw-and-streams-amc-on-march-19th-2023/) - “Lucky Hank” is Bob Odenkirk, in his first television outing since leaving “Better Call Saul.” The premiere episode of the AMC+ series premiered at SXSW on March 12th (Oscar day), showing once and once only at the Stateside Theater in Austin. The series owes much to the Pulitzer Prize-winning book on which it is based, “Straight - [Anti-Semitism on the Rise in the United States](https://www.weeklywilson.com/anti-semitism-on-the-rise-in-the-united-states/) - I'm almost caught up from the recently concluded SXSW film festival. I still have a review of a screened horror film ("Appendage") and one that is embargoed until April 24th for a drama financed by National Geographic commencing May 1st that will focus on the brave young woman who helped hide Otto Frank and his - ["65" by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods Is Well-Acted, Entertaining Sci-Fi Thriller](https://www.weeklywilson.com/65-by-scott-beck-bryan-woods-is-well-acted-entertaining-sci-fi-thriller/) - (Scott) Beck and (Bryan) Woods, the boys from Bettendorf (Iowa) ,have created another great film in their latest offering, “65.” The film stars Adam Driver as Mills, the pilot of a space craft from the planet Somaris, who is embarking on a 2-year run when his spaceship encounters cryogenic failure during an asteroid shower - ["Evil Dead Rise" Premieres at SXSW and Heckler Makes News](https://www.weeklywilson.com/evil-dead-rise-premieres-at-sxsw-and-heckler-makes-news/) - The first film of the trilogy, The Evil Dead, as well as its 2013 remake, were so horrifically gory that they were actually banned in various countries including Finland, Ukraine, and Singapore. That should have been my first clue that I would hate this movie. Eight months, one Covid lockdown, and 6,500 litres of fake - ["Swarm," New Donald Glover Project, Premiered at SXSW on March 10, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/swarm-new-donald-glover-project-premiered-at-sxsw-on-march-10-2023/) - Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) and Janine Nabers, are the creative forces behind a new Amazon Prime series called “Swarm.” The series is set in Houston, until it takes our heroine on the road to a variety of cities, seemingly summoning memories of real-life fan-obsessed happenings in those cities. (The episodes are represented by a date - ["Tetris" Takes Off as Top-Notch Drama at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tetris-takes-off-as-top-notch-drama-at-sxsw/) - “Tetris,” the film helmed by Scottish director Jon S. Baird and starring Australian actor Taron Egerton (“Kingsmen: The Secret Service”), screened on March 15th at SXSW, telling a complicated story of how the Russian game Tetris became a worldwide sensation. Henk Rogers, the Dutch-born American who secured the rights to the game over a period - ["You Can Call Me Bill" Is Documentary About William Shatner at SXSW on March 16, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/you-can-call-me-bill-is-documentary-about-william-shatner-at-sxsw-on-march-16-2023/) - “You Can Call Me Bill,” written and directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, screened at the Paramount Theater in Austin on March 16 at SXSW. The documentary was financed by Legion, which is fan-owned, and all the donors' names appear in the credits at the end. The documentary opens in a forest with the quotation, - ["Slip" Is Sexy New Series from Writer/Director/Star Zoe Lister-Jones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/slip-is-sexy-new-series-from-writer-director-star-zoe-lister-jones/) - Zoe Lister-Jones, a frequent participant at SXSW, has written, directed and stars in a television series (Roku Originals) that takes our heroine and places her in several relationships---usually after a steamy sex scene---each one more puzzling to the central character. As the series opens, Mae Cannon (Zoe Lister-Jones) is in a 13-year marriage to Elijah - ["Talk To Me" Is Horror Hit of SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/talk-to-me-is-horror-hit-of-sxsw/) - Talk to Me Danny and Michael Philippou ("Rocka Rocka") worked on 2014’s great Australian horror film “The Babadook." But this year they are directing a horror film, starring Sophie Wilde and Miranda Otto. It premiered at SXSW and is being distributed by A24, beginning July 28th. The film opens with pounding intense music at a party. - ["Little Richard: I Am Everything" Rocks the House At SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/little-richard-i-am-everything-rocks-the-house-at-sxsw/) - “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” a documentary from Lisa Cortes, premiered at SXSW on March 13th. I’ve saved the best for last, because this was genuinely one of the best documentaries---if not THE best documentary----that I saw this year (and I saw a lot of them). There are extensive clips of Little Richard, the flamboyant - [New David E. Kelly Series "Love & Death" Premieres at SXSW 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/new-david-e-kelly-series-life-death-premieres-at-sxsw-2023/) - Jesse Plemons (“Breaking Bad”) appeared onstage at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas at SXSW with his castmates (Lily Rabe and Elizabeth Olsen) after the March 11th premiere of the first two episodes of the David E. Kelly series “Love & Death." The series was written by Kelly but directed by Texas-born Leslie Linka Glatter. - [Bob Odenkirk is "Lucky Hank" in New Series That Premiered at SXSW 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bob-odenkirk-is-lucky-hank-in-new-series-that-premiered-at-sxsw-2023/) - “Lucky Hank” is Bob Oderkirk, in his first television outing since leaving “Better Call Saul.” The premier episode of the AMC+ series premiered at SXSW on March 12th (Oscar day), showing once and once only at the Stateside Theater in Austin. The series owes much to the Pulitzer Prize-winning book on which it is based, - ["Raging Grace" Wins SXSW Narrative Feature Competition](https://www.weeklywilson.com/raging-grace-wins-sxsw-narrative-feature-competition/) - I had not planned to write a review of “Raging Grace,” although I saw it. There is no need for a picky critic to deride the work of a new filmmaker which was 80% fine---until the end. "RAGING GRACE" is, so far, one of the only feature films I have seen at SXSW, as I’ve - ["Being Mary Tyler Moore" Documentary at SXSW Highlights Groundbreaking Nature of Moore's Work](https://www.weeklywilson.com/being-mary-tyler-moore-documentary-at-sxsw-highlights-groundbreaking-nature-of-moores-work/) - Director James Adolphus, who helmed the documentary “Being Mary Tyler Moore,” was asked about his exposure to Mary Tyler Moore before he undertook making this extraordinarily intimate two- hour film about her life. He admitted that he had never watched any of her shows, that she was more a figure that his mother knew. (“I - ["Caterpillar" Is Fascinating Documentary on Opening Night of 2023 SXSW Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/caterpillar-is-fascinating-documentary-on-opening-night-of-2023-sxsw-film-festival/) - SXSW 2023 is back with a vengeance. I have not received Red Carpet placement for Opening Night since 2017, so I executed Plan B, planning to take myself over to the Alamo Drafthouse on Lamar Boulevard to see “Confessions of a Good Samaritan.” This was a film about a woman who donated a kidney to - [SXSW Starts Tomorrow: March 10, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sxsw-starts-tomorrow-march-10-2023/) - SXSW, 2023, starts tomorrow, March 10th. I will be trying to cover as much ground as I can, while battling some issues involving my e-mail not working right. I picked up my badge and had my cameras tagged yesterday, and I'm ready to roll tomorrow, with a TV premiere of "Swarm" from Donald Glover, who - [Texas Attorney General Paxton Racks Up $3.3 Million Settlement Bill & Wants Taxpayers to Pay](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-attorney-general-paxton-racks-up-3-3-million-settlement-bill-wants-taxpayers-to-pay/) - [This editorial from the “Austin American-Statesman” is in reference to the $3.3 million settlement that Texas taxpayers are supposed to pick up the tab for. It ran on Wednesday, February 15th.] Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton After agreeing last week to settle a whistleblowers’ lawsuit against him that will likely cost Texas taxpayers $3.3 million, - ["Knock At the Cabin:" A Return to Form for M. Night Shymalan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/knock-at-the-cabin-a-return-to-form-for-m-night-shymalan/) - “Knock at the Cabin” is M. Night Shymalan’s return to, if not stardom, at least respectability. Most of the fans who have reviewed the film have liked it. The critics? Not so much. As a critic, I vote with the people. Cal me more Ebert than Siskel. I liked it, although---let’s face it, folks---it is - [Bill Nighy in "Living," a Nominee for Two Oscars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bill-nighy-in-living-a-nominee-for-two-oscars/) - Bill Nighy is perhaps best-known to international audiences for his memorable performance as washed-up pop singer Billy Mack in Love Actually (2003), which won him a BAFTA for best supporting actor. He has also appeared in the “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” films and has won numerous acting awards in a long career that goes - ["Vengeance" Hits Amazon: Enjoy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vengeance-hits-amazon-enjoy/) - "Vengeance," the B.J. Novak debut directorial debut with Ashton Kutcher as a cast member, is now available on Amazon Prime. It is one of my favorite films of 2022, and I highly recommend it. It was way better than "Bullet Train," which we saw the next night. Try it. You'll like it. - [Oscar Nominees Are Announced for March 7th, 2023 Awards Ceremony](https://www.weeklywilson.com/oscar-nominees-are-announced-for-march-7th-2023-awards-ceremony/) - Oscar Nominees Best Picture "All Quiet on the Western Front" "Avatar: The Way of Water" "The Banshees of Inisherin" "Elvis" "Everything Everywhere All at Once" "The Fabelmans" "Tár" "Top Gun: Maverick" "Triangle of Sadness" "Women Talking" Actress in a Supporting Role Angela Bassett, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" Hong Chau, "The Whale" Kerry Condon, "The Banshees - [Tom Hanks is Otto in "A Man Called Otto"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tom-hanks-is-otto-in-my-name-is-otto/) - The comic possibilities of a suicidal suspect who keeps failing at offing himself were plumbed by Burt Reynolds 45 years ago in “The End.” The reasons why Burt’s many attempts at suicide failed were not identical to Tom Hanks’ in “A Man Called Otto” based on the Swedish film “A Man Called Ove” and - [Critics' Choice Awards Given on January 15, 2023](https://www.weeklywilson.com/critics-choice-awards-given-on-january-15-2023/) - Critics' Choice Awards 2023: WINNERS FILM BEST PICTURE Avatar: The Way of Water Babylon The Banshees of Inisherin Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once - WINNER The Fabelmans Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery RRR Tár Top Gun: Maverick Women Talking BEST ACTOR Austin Butler – Elvis Tom Cruise – Top Gun: Maverick Colin Farrell - [Damien Chazelle's "Babylon" Defines Excess in Hollywood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/damien-chazelles-babylon-defines-excess-in-hollywood/) - “Babylon” is Damien Chazelle’s salute to the movies, following on the heels of Sam Mendes’ similar homage to film in “Empire of Light.” I’ve never met Sam Mendes, although I admire his work. But I have met Damian Chazelle, when he came to Chicago for the premiere of “La La Land” at the 52nd Chicago - ["One Way," "American Assassin," and "The Nanny:" Films at Christmas (Streaming)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/one-way-american-assassin-and-the-nanny-films-at-christmas-streaming/) - We are currently watching “One Way.” Drea De Matteo, from “The Sopranos,” has a roleas Vic, as do Kevin Bacon and Colson Baker, otherwise known as Machine Gun Kelly. Travis Fimmel is another in the cast, and it is rated “R” on Amazon Prime for $4.99. It will be interesting to see if Machine Gun - ["The Menu" Is Interesting, Well-Paced, Well-Executed Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-menu-is-interesting-well-paced-well-executed-film/) - Now playing at our local cinema is Director Mark Mylod’s paen to over-priced food and uber pretentious foodies, “The Menu.” The film stars Ralph Fiennes as Chef Slowik, a native of Waterloo, Iowa, who once slung burgers as the Employee of the Month at Howie’s Hamburgers, but has now become an elitest snob even more - [The Voice Finale: Very Disappointing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-voice-finale-very-disappointing/) - I watched the taped last program of "The Voice" that selected the winner. What a colossal disappointment! As I relayed in a previous article, they had already kicked off the two best singers. The two best were African American singers who were spectacular and, instead of them, we had one truly impressive voice remaining (Omar) - ["Poker Face:" The Russell Crowe Movie (Not the Lady Gaga Song)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/poker-face-the-russell-crowe-movie-not-the-lady-gaga-song/) - We rented "Poker Face," Russell Crowe's directorial debut, on the advice of someone who identified herself as a Russell Crowe fan. The synopsis for the film read as follows: "A tech billionaire hosts a high-stakes poker game between friends, but the evening takes a turn when long-held secrets are revealed, an elaborate revenge plot unfolds, - ["The White Lotus," Season 2 Speculations During the Finale Episode](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-white-lotus-season-2-speculations-during-the-finale-episode/) - Currently watching the Finale episode of "White Lotus." Please read no further if you don't want to know too much about the series. I don't know he answer to that "Who is dead?" question, either, but, currently, my top speculation had been running towards Lucia, the older of the two hookers. When she got in - [The Top Five on "The Voice" on Dec. 5, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-top-five-on-the-voice-on-dec-5-2022/) - SAVED | Omar Jose Cardona (Team Legend) ELIMINATED | Justin Aaron (Team Gwen), Parijita Bastola (Team Legend), Kim Cruse (Team Legend) Another blog asked readers to vote on who SHOULD have been eliminated, with these results: Brayden Lape 28.9% Bryce Leatherwood 17.53% Parijita Bastola 11.53% Kim Cruse 10.03% Justin Aaron 9.64% - [Two Amazon Sci-Fi Films That Are Out There](https://www.weeklywilson.com/two-amazon-sci-fi-films-that-are-out-there/) - I'm watching the Channel 5 news from Chicago here in Austin and beginning a week of supervision of our twin granddaughters. (age 13). We won't starve, but I am definitely going to have to learn how to turn the thermostat up from 70. [I can take 70 if I'm in bed sleeping, but I'm going - [Eighteen Titles of 2022 to See Before Oscar Time](https://www.weeklywilson.com/eighteen-titles-of-2022-to-see-before-oscar-time/) - The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) R | 114 min | Comedy, Drama Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them. Director: Martin McDonagh | Stars: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan “The Glass Onion” Great dark comedy movie about friendship - ["The Fabelmans" Is Steven Spielberg's Memoir Moment](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-fabelmans-is-steven-spielbergs-memoir-moment/) - Dad Arnold, played by Paul Dano, is presented as a genius light years ahead of his time in working on and designing computers. He also seemed to be more "in charge" of making decisions on where the family would live and work. You have to feel some empathy for the man whose wife left him - ["Program 1: Obsession, Compulsion and Disorder" at the 53rd Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/program-1-obsession-compulsion-and-disorder-at-the-53rd-nashville-film-festival/) - Program 1: Obsession, Compulsion and Disorder. I watched the films in the streamed package twice. There were 6. At the end, there was a discussion group with 9 films discussed. Not sure what happened to 3 of the films, but they didn’t reach me in Illinois. Here are capsule summaries of the 6 I saw: - ["Sam & Kate" Makes World Premiere at Austin Film Festival with Star-Studded Cast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sam-kate-makes-world-premiere-at-austin-film-festival-with-star-studded-cast/) - October 28th was the World Premiere of the film “Sam & Kate” at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, during the Austin Film Festival. “A life affirming family dramedy that takes place in a small town in the heart of the country. Dustin Hoffman plays BILL, a larger-than-life Father to Sam (Jake Hoffman) who has - ["American: An Odyssey to 1947" Profiles Orson Welles at Austin Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/american-an-odyssey-to-1947-profiles-orson-welles-at-austin-film-festival/) - “Director Danny Wu takes us back to the 1940s with a collection of stories leading to the year 1947. Most notably exploring the life and politics of Orson Welles from his days at the Todd School for Boys in Woodstock, Illinois, to his shocking decision to leave for Europe in the prime of his career.” - [Jennifer Lawrence Produces and Stars in "Causeway" at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jennifer-lawrence-produces-and-stars-in-causeway-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Jennifer Lawrence has been largely quiet, of late, perhaps primarily because she got married (2019) and had a child, Cy (2022).She founded a production company, Excellent Cadaver, and that company, with Lawrence as producer and star, just completed “Causeway,” co-starring Brian Tyree Henry and directed by Lila Neugebauer. The film screened at the 58th annual - ["The Fire That Took Her" Screens at Austin Film Festival on October 29, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-fire-that-took-her-screens-at-austin-film-festival-on-october-29-2022/) - Ohio mother-of-two Judy Malinowski was doused in gasoline and set on fire by her crazed ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager. Judy would go on to become the first person to testify at the trial for her own murder. "The Fire That Took Her" is a 94 minute documentary directed by Patricia Gillespie that examines the defects that - ["Empire of Light" (Sam Mendes) at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/empire-of-light-sam-mendes-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Sam Mendes, director of such wonderful films as “American Beauty,” “1917,” “Road to Perdition,” “Skyfall,” and “Revolutionary Road,” wrote and directed thr 2-hour love letter to the movies, “Empire of Light.” It is Mendes’ first attempt at scripting the films he directs. It shows. Olivia Colman---the Oscar-winning actress of 2018’s “The Favourite”---plays Hilary - [Rian Johnson's "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rian-johnsons-glass-onion-a-knives-out-mystery-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - The October 18th, 139-minute Centerpiece of the 58th Chicago International Film Festival was a showing of "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," preceded by a Career Achievement Award to Kathryn Hahn, who appears in the film. Benoit Blanc returns to peel back the layers in a new Rian Johnson whodunit, a sequel to “Knives - ["Pfiaff" Has U.S. Premiere at 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/pfiaff-has-u-s-premiere-at-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - When her sibling Zara suffers a nervous breakdown, the introverted Eva is forced to take on Zara's job as a Foley artist. She struggles to create sounds for a commercial featuring a horse. The commercial is for a mood stabilizer known as Equili, which, among other side effects, can lead to high blood sugar inducing - ["Call Jane" with Elizabeth Banks at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/call-jane-with-elizabeth-banks-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “Call Jane” revisits the bad old days of the sixties and early seventies when it was illegal to get a therapeutic abortion in the United States. Elizabeth Banks plays Joy Farrell, the wife of an attorney (Will, played by Chris Messina) and the mother of a teenaged daughter, Charlotte (Grace Edwards). Elizabeth finds herself pregnant. - ["Pray for Our Sinners" at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival Has United States Premiere](https://www.weeklywilson.com/pray-for-our-sinners-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival-has-united-states-premiere/) - “Pray for Our Sinners,” a documentary written and directed by Sinead O’Shea with music by George Brennan had its United States Premiere at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival. The 1 hour and 21 minute film documents the abuse of women and children in Ireland in decades past, perpetrated with the approval of the Catholic - ["Raymond and Ray" (Ewan McGregor & Ethan Hawke) at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/raymond-and-ray-ewan-mcgregor-ethan-hawke-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “Raymond and Ray” premieres on Apple TV+ on October 21st. Ethan Hawke (Ray) and Ewan McGregor (Raymond) play half-brothers in the film, offspring of a feckless father who traveled the world apparently impregnating a variety of women. Check it out and see if you agree with one of its stars (Ethan Hawke), who once said, - ["No Ordinary Campaign" World Premiere at Chicago International Film Festival Chronicles Efforts to Cure ALS](https://www.weeklywilson.com/no-ordinary-campaign-world-premiere-at-chicago-international-film-festival-chronicles-efforts-to-cure-als/) - "No Ordinary Campaign" at Chicago International Film Festival Chronicles ALS Research The documentary “No Ordinary Campaign,” directed by Michael Burke, focuses on the fight for more funding and help for patients suffering from ALS. The focal point of this fight for life is ALS sufferer Brian Wallach and his wife. Brian, a former Assistant District - ["Decision to Leave:" South Korean Film Screens at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/decision-to-leave-south-korean-film-screens-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - A detective investigating a man's death in the mountains ends up meeting and developing feelings for the dead man's mysterious wife in the course of his dogged sleuthing. Release date: October 14, 2022 (USA) Director: Park Chan-woo Screenplay: Park Chan-wook, Jeong Seo-Gyeong, Seo-kyeong Jeong Cinematography: Ji-yong Kim Nominations: Cannes Best Director Award, Palme d'Or, South Korea’s Park Chan-wook’s newest work has been - ["The Lost King" Charms at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-lost-king-charms-at-the-58th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - I remember when the newspapers of September 12, 2012, carried the news of the discovery of the body of Richard III buried beneath a parking lot in the town of Leicester in the U.K. I doubt if anyone not a resident of that particular city knew the behind-the-scenes story of how, exactly, Richard III came - ["Sheet Music" by Jaran Huggins Screens at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sheet-music-by-jaran-huggins-screens-at-nashville-film-festival/) - It’s hard to grab an audience’s attention in 15 minutes. The attention span of the average audience member is about that of a gnat, especially these days, with so many things competing for our attention. That being said, if I had been in Writer/Director/Producer Jaran Huggins’ shoes while writing directing his short "Sheet Music," I - [58th Chicago International Film Festival (Oct. 12-23) & Austin Film Festival (Oct. 27-Nov. 3) Next](https://www.weeklywilson.com/58th-chicago-international-film-festival-oct-12-23-austin-film-festival-oct-27-nov-3-next/) - If you were mourning the loss of the Nashville Film Festival, which ended yesterday, stay tuned for the beginning of the 58th Chicago International Film Festival, beginning next week. Technically, it will kick off Oct. 12 and run through the 2rd. Then it will be the Austin Film Festival, Oct. 27-Nov. 3, which may - ["Red River Road" Explores an Internet Virus Threatening the Schuyler Family](https://www.weeklywilson.com/red-river-road-explores-an-internet-virus-threatening-the-schuyler-family/) - “Red River Road,” for the Schuyler family, is the answer to the question, “What did you do during the pandemic?” The talented Schuyler family can honestly say, “We made a movie.” Considering the challenges of being both the stars of the film and the entire crew, it’s quite an impressive movie, at that. Paul wrote, - ["Jacir" Opens Up Worthwhile Discussion of U.S. Attitudes Towards Immigrants at Nashville Film Festival on September 30, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jacir-opens-up-worthwhile-discussion-of-u-s-attitudes-towards-immigrants-at-nashville-film-festival-on-september-30-2022/) - “Jacir” screened on Friday, September 30th, at the 53rd Annual Nashville Film Festival. It is the story of a refugee, Jacir, as he flees Aleppo (Syria) and tries to assimilate into the ghetto (Memphis, Tennessee). Written and directed by Waheed AlQawasmi, the 1 hour and 44 minute film is filled with great performances, good rap - [Nashville Film Festival Screens "Still Working 9 to 5" on Sunday, October 2, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nashville-film-festival-screens-still-working-9-to-5-on-sunday-october-2-2022/) - Back in 1981, Dolly Parton’s theme song snagged an Oscar nomination for the film “9 to 5.” (Her song lost to the theme from “Fame”). Some 42 years later the documentary “Still Working 9 to 5” by Camille Hardman and Gary Lee is playing the Nashville Film Festival. It is a documentary that heralds and - ["Alta Valley" Screens at Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/alta-valley-screens-at-nashville-film-festival/) - “Alta Valley” screened on October 1st at the 53rd Annual Nashville Film Festival. The synopsis for the film says, “To save her dying mother, Lupe, a Mexican Navajo mechanic, bands together with an outlaw cowgirl. She is bound to Maddy Monroe by accidentally helping her rob a pawn shop. Lupe and Maddy must outrun the - [Documentaries at the 53rd Nashville Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/documentaries-at-the-53rd-nashville-film-festival/) - Nuisance Bear I signed on to see the “New Yorker” documentary about a polar bear who was known as the “Nuisance Bear.” No dialogue, just the bear, rooting around in the garbage or running away from vehicles. Thousands of people flock to Churchill, Manitoba, to watch bears wandering around at certain times of year. The - ["223 Wick" Is an Amazon Offering With Lots of Explaining to Do](https://www.weeklywilson.com/223-wick-is-an-amazon-offering-with-lots-of-explaining-to-do/) - This “thriller/fantasy” film caught my eye, initially, because it was very moody and scripted by Melanie Clarke-Pettiella and Jess Byard. I’m always in favor of letting more females write horror, (as a former active voting member of the Horror Writers’ Association), so I bought into this Amazon Prime movie, filmed on location in Youngstown, Ohio. - ["Wannabe" Screens at the Nashville Film Festival on September 29, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/wannabe-screens-at-the-nashville-film-festival-on-september-29-2022/) - “Wannabe” is a 13 minute 33 second short written and directed by USC graduate Josie Andrews that will screen at the Nashville Film Festival, which opens September 29th. It is bound to impress, as it is very slick, sophisticated, and timely---not necessarily in that order. Quite apart from the original song performed in the - [Best Poker Movies of the Past 25 Years](https://www.weeklywilson.com/best-poker-movies-of-the-past-25-years/) - When it comes to movies, setting can be everything. Movies about love, conflict, redemption (and any other theme) are judged as much by where and when they're set as on their themes. Take "Titanic," for example. It's a love story, but it is set against the backdrop of that well-known tragic disaster, adding to the - [Printers' Row Rained Out For Me on September 11, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/19526-2/) - Well, if any of you were Chicago residents, you know that it rained A LOT today, Sunday, September 11th. I have to confess that I did not make it to the IWPA booth at Printers' Row for precisely that reason. I got up about 9 a.m. (early, for me) and it was raining. I had - [Printers' Row in Chicago on Sunday, Sept. 11th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/printers-row-in-chicago-on-sunday-sept-11th/) - I will be manning the IWPA (Illinois Women's Press Association) booth from approximately noon until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11th. My computer assistant and I attempted to send out a MadMimi newsletter, only to learn that the person who compromised my last credit card screwed me out of that account. I have been trying - [Pete Mesling's Short Story Collection: "Fool's Fire"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/pete-meslins-short-story-collection-fools-fire/) - I recently reviewed Pete Mesling's short story collection "Fool's Fire." There are 17 stories. I have tried very hard not to give away the entire plot of any of the 17 stories that Pete Mesling has included in this collection. He has already warned us that he may be moving on to longer work(s), so - ["The Bear:" Not Riveting Television](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-bear-not-riveting-television/) - We just watched the premiere of the new series “The Bear.” The series is set in Chicago and seems almost like a spin-off from the lead’s former role as Lipp (Philip) on “Shameless.” Jeremy Allen-White portrays the lead chef in this story, which is described in the synopsis this way: “A young chef from the - [Hundreds of Top Secret and Classified Documents Found in Mar-a-Lago Raid](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hundreds-of-top-secret-and-classified-documents-found-in-mar-a-lago-raid/) - The search at Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8 found twice as many classified documents as Trump’s lawyers had turned over voluntarily, despite promising they had returned everything. This was also despite two attorneys (one named Evan Corcoran---hope he's no relative) signing off and telling the FBI that those they had initially taken were the extent of - [Beware of So-Called "Questionnaires" Posing As Objective: It's the GOP At Work](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beware-of-so-called-questionnaires-posing-as-objective-its-the-gop-at-work/) - This is a bit of a stream-of-consciousness comment, following the phone call I received yesterday that asked me to participate in a survey. It was a robo-call, automated, and purported to be objective, asking for how much knowledge you had about the candidates for Cheri Bustos' former seat in Congress. At first, it asked for - ["Bullet Train": A 2 Hr. 7 Min. Train Wreck](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bullet-train-a-2-hr-7-min-train-wreck/) - This Brad Pitt vehicle is---(dare I say it?)---a train wreck. I had a very bad feeling about the film going in. This line from the script sums up my feelings about “Bullet Train:” “I haven’t got the time or the patience, let alone the interest.” I can’t recommend you take this one in at the - ["Vengeance" (B.J. Novak) Is A Great First-Time Film from "The Office" Star](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vengeance-b-j-novak-is-a-great-first-time-film-from-the-office-star/) - The film “Vengeance” is written and directed by B.J. Novak of “The Office” fame. The synopsis of the plot reads: “A writer from New York City attempts to solve the murder of a girl he hooked up with, and travels down South to investigate the circumstances of her death and discover what happened to her.” - [Will the Texas Power Grid Prevail in These High Energy Times?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/will-the-texas-power-grid-prevail-in-these-high-energy-times/) - I’m sitting in the Illinois Quad Cities, where it is currently 95 degrees. And humid. Very, very humid. It’s 100 degrees in Des Moines and 91 degrees in my old hometown in northeast Iowa (Independence). Because of the humidity, it feels more like 107. In Austin, Texas, our home away from home, it is 97 - ["Low Cut Connie" Cuts Loose At Raccoon Motel on August 3, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/low-cut-connie-cuts-loose-raccoon-motel-on-august-3-2022/) - The live show at the Raccoon Motel on August 3rd, Wednesday, in Davenport, Iowa, featuring Low Cut Connie lasted for an hour and a half, beginning at midnight. It was like an All Night Energy Infusion, even if it was 1:30 a.m. on a weeknight when it ended. The doors opened at 9 p.m. A - ["Low Cut Connie:" Tonight. Raccoon Motel. (Be There! Roll Will Be taken!)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/low-cut-connie-tonight-raccoon-motel-be-there-roll-will-be-taken/) - As a public service to all Tough Cookies and Low Cut Connie fans, it should be noted that you can hear them, tonight (Aug. 3) for $20 LIVE in downtown Davenport (315 E. 2nd St.) at the Raccoon Motel as they journey through on a tour that will see them performing at the Minneapolis State - [Was Ivana Trump's Burial Site A Tax Dodge for "The Donald?"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/was-ivana-trumps-burial-site-a-tax-dodge-for-the-donald/) - I originally found out about Ivana Trump's burial just off the 1st hole of Donald J. Trump's New Jersey golf course from a Tweet, which seems somehow apropos. The tweet was accompanied by a copy of the New Jersey Tax Code (see below), to prove the argument that Ivana's sad-looking grave plot was a tax - ["Nope" Is Jordan Peele's Summer Movie: Here Are Some Helpful Explanations](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nope-is-jordan-peeles-summer-movie-here-are-some-helpful-explanations/) - I liked "Nope" and I've tried to explain it more for those who aren't interested in researching all of the allusions and references to other films. Therefore, proceed at your own peril. I have tried not to reveal all of the mysteries of the plot, but there may be spoilers. We journeyed out to the - [Jim Leach Changes Party Affiliation from "R" to "D"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/19457-2/) - James Leach Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities I grew up during a time when Democrats and Republicans co-existed relatively peacefully. We have the example of Al Gore's 2000 concession speech after the Florida "hanging chad" controversy (look it up if you're too young to remember it). My parents were best friends with - [Two Rentable New Films: "The Forgiven" & "Abandoned" (Rent or Pass?)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/two-rentable-new-films-the-forgiven-abandoned-rent-or-pass/) - We checked out two new films recently, I’ll give you an idea about them to save you the time. After checking out the trailers on my Guide movie-for rent list, I narrowed the choices to “The Forgiven” or “Abandoned.” “The Forgiven” starred Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain, a big plus. It was on - [Monet Immersive Exhibit in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/monet-immersive-exhibit-in-chicago/) - The Monet Immersive Exhibit provided many gorgeous tableaus. Dinner at La Cite atop Lake Point Tower was a gorgeous vantage point to view the city of Chicago. The Germanium Club up north was totally taken over to facilitate the showing of Monet's impressionistic works. It is a lovely display area, with the ability to purchase - [Birthday Events in Chicago: July 23rd Weekend](https://www.weeklywilson.com/19435-2/) - I've been in Chicago for a few days and have discovered that this may be one of the coolest cities of those I track. It was 101 in Austin (Tx), but my son and family were here with me. It was 100 in Nashville, but, likewise, my daughter flew in to join the group of - [List of Sitting Lawmakers in IL, TX, TN, Who Betrayed Our Democracy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/list-of-sitting-lawmakers-in-il-tx-tn-who-betrayed-our-democracy/) - As the January 6th Commission convenes in Prime Time on Thursday evening (7/21), it is good to remember those representatives and Senators who betrayed our democratic values on January 6th. I have listed the states where I live and where my son and daughter live, as the names on the lists below do not deserve - [Did Chuck Grassley Collude with the January 6th Trump Insurrection?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/did-chuck-grassley-collude-with-the-january-6th-trump-insurrection/) - Since we are on the border with Iowa, it is important to present this Mark Karlin article that ran on "Daily Kos." Karlin's point that the Secret Service should know enough not to delete phone text messages sent on one of the most momentous days in our country's history, January 6, 2021 is common sense. - [Radiation Ends on July 18, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/radiation-ends-on-july-18-2022/) - I had my final radiation session (of 33) today at Trinity Hospital (Unity Point). It is July 18, 2022, and my birthday is in 5 days. The staff has you ring a bell (which I had never noticed before today) and I was given a small stone engraved with Courage, Love, Strength and a card - [Weird Wilsonisms for Today](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weird-wilsonisms-for-today/) - Two-year-old Barrett Golden grabbed his mom’s phone and----hungry for a cheeseburger---used DoorDash to order 31 McDonald’s cheeseburgers. DoorDash delivered and Barrett ate only half of one, so, for $91.70, Barrett’s mother, Kelsey Golden, offered the neighbors free lunch on social media. In Texarkana, Texas, fish fell from the sky. A meteorologist at NWS in Shreveport - [Why You Need to Pay Attention to Many News Sources](https://www.weeklywilson.com/why-you-need-to-pay-attention-to-many-news/) - Nicole Carroll, the Editor-in-Chief of “USA Today” was on CNN this morning at 11:28 E.T., talking about the “Austin American Statesman’s” release of the Uvalde videocam footage of the school shooting in that city. “We are thankful for journalists for not stopping, but asking the tough questions that needed to be asked.” The Editor-in-Chief, Ms. - [10 Presidential Quotes That Changed History: Do You Recognize Them?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/10-presidential-quotes-that-changed-history-do-you-recognize-them/) - These 10 presidential quotes were gathered and explained by folklorist and free lance writer Ben Gazur. He went into some detail about the background of each quote, which I am not going to do. Let it simply be a test of your knowledge of each of these presidents that you recognize the quotes. Mr. Gazur - [Ivana Trump Dies At 73; Words of Wisdom from Charles Schulz](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ivana-trump-dies-at-73-words-of-wisdom-from-charles-schulz/) - I've been saving these Charles Schulz "Charlie Brown" Words of Wisdom for a slow news day, one where no insurrections have occurred and no hearings air on television concerning Donald J. Trump's attempts to overthrow the United States government. But you know The Donald; it's hard to keep his name out of the news. I'm - [Roe v. Wade: What Does the Rest of the World Think?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/roe-v-wade-what-does-the-rest-of-the-world-think/) - When I received the July 8/July 15th issue (p. 14) of “The Week” magazine, I was most struck by the article on page 14 that relayed how the recent Roe v. Wade reversal is viewed by the rest of the world. There's no question that a woman's decision to have a child--whether intentional or unintentional---is - [July 12th Commission Hearing for the January 6th Coup D'Etat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/july-12th-commission-hearing-for-the-january-6th-coup-detat/) - I’m watching the taped committee hearings and am astounded at the description of the December 18th “Crazies” versus “White House Counsel” that apparently took place within the White House Oval Office (and, later, within what is known as the Yellow Oval Office in the presidential quarters.) Herschmann, Cipollone and other members of the White House - [Gratitude Quotes: Try 'Em; You'll Like 'Em](https://www.weeklywilson.com/gratitude-quotes-try-em-youll-like-em/) - I'm going to be "in transit" today (and probably tomorrow) but here are some Gratitude Quotes to entertain, They say that writing down 3 things you are grateful for nightly can "re-set" your expectations. Here are some starters from some famous folk: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all - [The Roaring Fork, Austin, Texas: Family Fest Farewell](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-roaring-fork-austin-texas-family-fest-farewell/) - Time in Austin is dwindling and the return to the Midwest is upon us. As a result we journeyed out to my favorite downtown restaurant, The Roaring Fork. I don't often post pictures of food, but I'm going to post a picture of the dining room, the bar, and my favorite dish on the menu, - [Armie Hammer Is Now A Time-Share Salesman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/armie-hammer-is-now-a-time-share-salesman/) - I never thought I'd type the words "Armie Hammer is now working as a time-share salesman." I'm guessing that Armie Hammer never thought he'd become one, either. I met the actor at SXSW (with his then-wife) hyping a film directed by Stanley Tucci. The film, released in 2017, was "Final Portrait." It was "the story - [Actor James Caan Dead at 82](https://www.weeklywilson.com/actor-james-caan-dead-at-82/) - James Caan ( Dreamstime) In 1977, Caan rated several of his Top Ten movies: - The Godfather (1972) , Freebie and the Bean (1974), Cinderella Liberty (1973) , The Gambler (1974), Funny Lady (1975), Rollerball (1975), The Killer Elite (1975), Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976) , Slither (1973), A Bridge Too Far - [Elon Musk: Father of the Year?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/elon-musk-father-of-the-year/) - Credit: Kevin Mazur/MG22/Getty; Shivon Zilis/shivonzilis.com YIKES! Elon Musk apparently had twins right here in Austin (Tx) where I am now, just 8 months ago---and also had another child with singer Grimes, and do we know whether or not he is the father of Amber Heard's daughter? Wow. I am.....speechless, and wish to give full credit - [July 6th: Post Family Fest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/july-6th-post-family-fest/) - Today is July 6th, Wednesday. The Texas heat is still here (it will feel like 105 tomorrow), but at least we don't have the storms that seem to be hitting the Midwest. The last of the Family Fest revelers will be leaving tomorrow at 9 a.m. We are here through July 11th and I have - [Fourth of July Wilson Family Fest, 2022, One for the Books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fourth-of-july-wilson-family-fest-2022-one-for-the-books/) - Celebrants traveled from Denver, St. Louis, Nashville, the IA/IL Quad Cities, and from the local neighborhood of Austin, Texas, to add up to, at times, a total of close to 30 Wilsons and friends, celebrating the Fourth of July with delicious home-cooked brisket, ribs, sausage and side dishes with an active slate of competitions, including - [The Family Fest Beckons on June 30th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-family-fest-beckons-on-june-30th/) - We begin the journey to the Family Fest in Austin, Texas, at 10:30 p.m. tonight. We will leave for Midway at 6:45 p.m. because the reports say this is going to be "the busiest travel day of the year." We are not sure why this day would beat Christmas or Thanksgiving or any of the - [Primary Election is June 28, Tuesday, in Illinois](https://www.weeklywilson.com/primary-election-is-june-28-tuesday-in-illinois/) - Tomorrow, June 28, Tuesday, is the Primary Election in Illinois. Poll hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here in East Moline, the polling place for us (South Moline Township #1) is 637 17th Avenue, the Senior Citizens' Center. Running tomorrow are a couple of candidates about whom I've done some preliminary research. Alexi Giannoulias - [Democrats: Turn Out Tomorrow (June 28) to Save Cheri Bustos' Former Seat for the Party](https://www.weeklywilson.com/democrats-turn-out-tomorrow-june-28-to-save-cheri-bustos-former-seat-for-the-party/) - These are the Democratic candidates running tomorrow to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional district. This district was formerly represented by Cheri Bustos, who is not running for re-election and faced a tough battle against Esther Joy King last time out. This district is considered a Battleground District, with no incumbents running. You may find the $ - [Presley Trivia & Other Random Musings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/presley-trivia-other-random-musings/) - Viewing "Elvis" and recognizing that very little was said about Elvis' many girlfriends or what happened to Lisa Marie Presley in the wake of their 1966 divorce made me take a look at some of the history since his death in 1972. For those too young to have seen Elvis in his prime, this movie - ["Elvis" Features Austin Bishop as Elvis Presley](https://www.weeklywilson.com/elvis-features-austin-bishop-as-elvis-presley/) - Austin Bishop is not a name I was familiar with. From now on, his Elvis will be the best Elvis interpretation ever put onscreen. Bishop has the voice down, the movement down, the look down, and the film was wise in utilizing the real Elvis’ singing---including film of Elvis’ final performance before his untimely death - [Rides at SouthPark Mall on June 25, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rides-at-southpark-mall-on-june-25-2022/) - While driving back from seeing "Elvis" at the Regal Theater in Moline, we passed SouthPark Mall and some sort of fair is going on there. I asked my husband to drive us past the attractions, because the lights were distinctive and the ferris wheel attracted my attention. I had seen nothing in the morning newspaper - ["The Offer" Gives Us the History of the Making of "The Godfather"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-offer-gives-us-the-history-of-the-making-of-the-godfather/) - “The Offer” is the Paramount Plus mini series about the making of “The Godfather.” The iconic gangster film is over 50 years old, but the stories about the difficulties in making the film have been legendary for years. Robert Evans became the producer of "The Godfather" movies after the first film hit it big, but - [Father's Day and a New Development in Breast Cancer Treatment](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fathers-day-and-a-new-development-in-breast-cancer-treatment/) - Today is Monday, June 20th. This will not be my last Monday of radiation, but it may be the last full week of same. There was a very interesting article that I ran across about Clinical trials for a new method of dealing with breast cancers, which involves freezing the tumors, which then implode. It - [Neighbors, Father's Day & Musings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/neighbors-fathers-day-musings/) - Today is Saturday, June 18th. The Big Event for me, today, was getting my hair done. It was difficult getting an appointment and then it was early, for me. I feared I would fall asleep during it. When asked what the rest of my day looked like, I described a busy day of napping. (ha!) - [Two New Good Hulu Offerings: "Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" & "The Old Man"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/two-new-good-hulu-offerings-good-luck-to-you-leo-grande-the-old-man/) - We watched Emma Thompson's tour de force performance in the just-released (on Hulu) story of a middle-aged woman who has never experienced an orgasm and hires a sex worker to meet with her and teach her about sex for pleasure, since her own 31-year marriage, while relatively happy, was not particularly satisfying in the bedroom. - [Day Two of the January 6th Commission: Pressure on "Pussy" Pence](https://www.weeklywilson.com/day-two-of-the-january-6th-commission-pressure-on-pussy-pence/) - “Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.” These were the words of Pence Chief Legal Counsel Greg Jacob to John Eastman on January 6th, 2021. It was Eastman who wrote the 38-page plan to seize control of our government. (It was supposed to be Day Three, although CNN had omitted Day Two, supposedly - [How/How Much Is the War in Ukraine Going/Costing?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/how-how-much-is-the-war-in-ukraine-going-costing/) - In December of this past year (2021) the "New York Times" offered a digital subscription for $1 a week, and I subscribed. Therefore, I've been reading the "updates" on the situation in Ukraine. I also subscribe to (and read) the "Quad City Times," the "Chicago Tribune," and the "Austin American Statesman," but the reporting from - [The GOP Plan to Nullify Fair Election Results in 2024](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-gop-plan-to-nullify-fair-election-results-in-2024/) - The GOP’s strategy for 2024 is now clear, and this is laid out in the June 17th issue of "The Week" magazine. Challenge all election losses and “cause chaos” in heavily Democratic districts. A top Michigan Republican operative was recently recorded discussing plans to recruit “an army” of party-trained poll workers, who, unlike poll watchers, - [Second Day of January 6th Commission Hearings: DJT Lies (A Lot)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/second-day-of-january-6th-commission-hearings-djt-lies-a-lot/) - I’m watching the second day of 1/6 Committee Hearings and Chris Stirewalt, former digital politics editor of Fox News, is bragging about the University of Chicago colleague who had built a truly advanced predicting method for predicting elections. It was this creation that allowed Stirewalt to call Arizona for Biden early---and got him fired. ("Good - ["Jurassic Park Dominion" Ends the Series That Began in 1993](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jurassic-park-dominion-ends-the-series-that-began-in-1993/) - We journeyed off to see “Jurassic Park Dominion." First, I re-watched the 1993 original movie, to see if Spielberg’s original, based on Michael Crichton’s novel (and with Crichton assisting on the original script) held up. It did. Then, we put in 2 hours and 20 minutes watching what I think is the sixth installment in - [January 6th Commission Hearings Open with a Bang on June 9th, Thursday](https://www.weeklywilson.com/january-6th-commission-hearings-open-with-a-bang-on-june-9th-thursday/) - Thursday Night, June 9th, Commission Hearings About the January 6th Coup D'Etat: Liz Cheney opened the impressive Opening of the January 6th Commission with these words: “There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain.” • Trump believed the rioters were “doing what they should be doing,” Cheney said, - [Other Countries Weigh in on USA Gun Violence](https://www.weeklywilson.com/other-countries-weigh-in-on-usa-gun-violence/) - The newest issue of the June 10th “The Week” magazine had some really interesting things to say about the spate of violence in America. On page 4, Charlie Sykes of “The Bulwark” said: “Face it: Our democratic system is broken. Faced with endless mass shootings and daily gun carnage, a nation that once put men - [Blog Dark for Five Days: Apologies to All](https://www.weeklywilson.com/blog-dark-for-five-days-apologies-to-all/) - "Weekly Wilson" has been dark for 5 days, as you may have noticed if you are a regular reader. My computer assistant, Allison, spent THREE HOURS on the phone with them, beginning on or about the 6th or 7th and they claimed to have "fixed" the problem. They told her it "might take a few - [The January 6th Committee Hearings Hit the Air Waves Thursday, 6/9, at 7 p.m. (CDT)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-january-6th-committee-hearings-hit-the-air-waves-thursday-6-9-at-7-p-m-cdt/) - The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot released new details Thursday about its first hearing, scheduled to kick off in prime time on Thursday, June 9. June 9th, television-watchers, is this coming Thursday (as I write this on Sunday, 6/5) and the timing for those of us in the Midwest on MSNBC, Channel 356, - ["The Man Who Fell to Earth" Is Spectacular Showtime Series](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-man-who-fell-to-earth-is-spectacular-showtime-series/) - It is Saturday, June 4th, and I am pondering what late-night viewing I will watch as my spouse slumbers beside me. Usually, I scroll through the movies, but recently I have been watching "The Man Who Fell to Earth" on Showtime. They premiered "The Man Who Fell to Earth" at SXSW in Austin and I - [Day #17 of Cancer Treatment Did Not Go Well---(Or At All)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/day-17-of-cancer-treatment-did-not-go-well-or-at-all/) - At the risk of becoming a "woe is me" blog, I am sharing today's latest cancer concern. I made it through my 16th day of radiation with no bad side effects, but a slight amount of redness. Some nurse assistant (whom I had never seen, although she seemed to know my name) handed me a - [Johnny Depp Wins in Court Trial](https://www.weeklywilson.com/johnny-depp-wins-in-court-trial/) - The verdict is in from the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. I admit that I watched most of the testimony on You Tube and found it difficult to believe that someone who is physically raped with a glass bottle would not seek medical treatment, but simply go upstairs and take a sleeping pill and go to - ["Top Gun: Maverick" Is Big Winner on Memorial Day Weekend (2022)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/top-gun-maverick-is-big-winner-on-memorial-day-weekend-2022/) - Most of us have heard the news that Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun” sequel, “Maverick” was his first movie to open making $100 million. Delayed for 2 years by the pandemic, the exploits of Captain Pete Mitchell (Cruise) 36 years after the original film debuted has been a welcome post-pandemic outing for many worldwide ($300 million - [Nathan Sawaya Lego Art on Display in "The Art of the Brick" at the Museum of Science & Industry](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nathan-sawaya-lego-art-on-display-in-the-art-of-the-brick-at-the-museum-of-science-industry/) - As described yesterday, we struck off for Memorial Day in Chicago on Friday, May 28th. We did see part of the Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, primarily because we were trapped in a Lyft car on our way to the downtown Macy's store, where I had a mission to see if they could repair the - [The Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, Illinois](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-museum-of-science-industry-chicago-illinois/) - So, aside from the Criterium (9:45 to 11:45 a.m. in the Village of East Davenport) in the Quad Cities, there did not seem to be much going on that I would have enjoyed. I can't imagine that I'd have beaten a path over to see the bicycle race, and watching the Indianapolis 500 on TV - [Stroll Down Memory Lane](https://www.weeklywilson.com/stroll-down-memory-lane/) - [Day Number One of Radiation: 32 To Go](https://www.weeklywilson.com/day-number-one-of-radiation-32-to-go/) - Today’s radiation was a non-event (which is a good thing)...so far. However, as I was driving to the 12:45 appointment, at 12:28 p.m., the original radiologist who diagnosed me back on December 7th phoned me. Kudos to Dr. Gotswami for taking time out of her busy day to answer the musical question: “Should I try - [R.I.P., Jennifer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/r-i-p-jennifer/) - My best friend in Austin, Jennifer Berliner, died today (May 23, 2022). She was a heart transplant survivor and 44 years old. She and Adam, her husband, had just celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary.We met playing euchre and hand-and-foot canasta and I encouraged her to start her blog, www.anewheartrocks.com. The post below is from Jenny's - [Two Films at Your Local Cineplex Now](https://www.weeklywilson.com/two-films-at-your-local-cineplex-now/) - In an ongoing effort to support our local cinemas, we have recently viewed two films that were (then) showing only at the theaters. The first was Nicolas Cage in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” The second was the Sandra Bullock/Channing Tatum vehicle, “The Lost City.” Nic Cage proves that he has a sense of - [Sending Good Wishes to Jennifer Berliner from Illinois](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sending-good-wishes-to-jennifer-berliner-from-illinois/) - My friend in Austin, Jennifer Berliner (Guest #9 on the podcast posted) is in critical condition and in a medically-induced coma for rejection of her heart transplant. I want to send good vibes and prayers to Jennifer, who is only 44 and celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary just a few days ago. When I met - [Facebook Can Be As Horrific As Twitter](https://www.weeklywilson.com/facebook-can-be-as-horrific-as-twitter/) - Social media is not all it’s cracked up to be. I clicked on a “Daily Mail” article on my Facebook page, which took me to a page where a picture of Dick Van Dyke appeared. This was a picture of the 96-year-old actor and his 50-year-old wife. The ones I have seen of Dick and - [Famous Faces I Have Photographed](https://www.weeklywilson.com/famous-faces-i-have-photographed/) - One question I am investigating is whether more people check my blog on weekends than on week days. [Or whether anyone ever checks it at all.] I have no real "topic," other than the Quora question asked of me tonight, which was: "Have you ever met any famous Hollywood actresses?" Well, come on, now. I - [Random Topics, Streaming Offerings and Observations](https://www.weeklywilson.com/random-topics-streaming-offerings-and-observations/) - This will be a stream-of-consciousness entry that jumps from topic to topic. In other words, it will be just like my entire blog. (lol) We are watching the Andrew Garfield "Under the Banner of Heaven" thing and also just concluded "The Girl from Plainville," which fictionalizes the case of the young girl who urged her - [Poetry from the Past](https://www.weeklywilson.com/poetry-from-the-past/) - I was cleaning out an old purse (from 2006) and found, scrawled there, some poetry. I think I wrote this poetry to advance the plot of "Out of Time," my first novel, published by Lachesis. The sentiment seems eerily prescient of today's Ukraine situation, however, while the second was about the suicide of one of - [May 10th Is Pre-Radiation Simulation: Show Gets On the Road Tomorrow](https://www.weeklywilson.com/may-10th-is-pre-radiation-simulation-show-gets-on-the-road-tomorrow/) - I had a “simulation,” today for radiation that REALLY starts tomorrow---one of two. First simulation involved the much-hated and feared “tube.” The second one (today) was simply to familiarize me with the whirring machines that will be delivering beams of radiation to my attractively decorated right side (which is festively marked up with magic - [Don't Hug Me: I'm Radioactive!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dont-hug-me-im-radioactive/) - Some of you may have noticed that my blog has been offline since about May 4th. Why? No idea. Something about "cloud flares." Extremely distressing. I hope GoDaddy gives me a week's worth of freebie credit, because this has been quite upsetting. Thank you, Allison, for running interference on this and finally getting it straightened - [Home Is the Hunter, Home from the Hill](https://www.weeklywilson.com/home-is-the-hunter-home-from-the-hill/) - Our journey of 1,000 miles (give or take a few miles) has led us back to the Quad Cities, where the bush next to my garage is in full bloom. Out of 19 phone calls on our answering machine, only 2 were important. One was from Iowa City, moving the time they want to see - [The Road Home & the Washington Correspondents' Dinner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-road-home-the-washington-correspondents-dinner/) - By the time you read this, I will probably be back in East Moline, Illinois, home base. I'm writing from St. Louis, Missouri at my brother-in-law's house. When we arrived, we went out to see the site where niece Megan and her husband (Aaron) and daughter (Winnie) will be building their new house. [They plan - [On the Road Again: Poplar Bluffs, Missouri](https://www.weeklywilson.com/on-the-road-again-poplar-bluffs-missouri/) - I'm currently in Poplar Bluffs,Missouri. Yesterday, we were in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. . We journeyed across Arkansas today. Hampton Inns are our "home away from home" and I (belatedly) remembered that I am a Hilton Honors member and they now own Hampton Inns. All I know is that we will hit St. Louis tomorrow and, - [Texas to Illinois: 1,000 Miles in 4 Days (and You Are There)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-to-illinois-1000-miles-in-4-days-and-you-are-there/) - We begin our journey from Texas to Illinois tomorrow. We returned from Mexico (Cancun) on April 23rd and now we are battening the hatches in our Manchaca residence until the Family Fest, which usually coincides with the Fourth of July, which is only a couple of months away. (Plus, we come down earlier to help - [Cancun from April 9-16, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-from-april-9-16-2022/) - It's been a while since I posted, which is because we (a) drove from Illinois to Texas (b) I covered SXSW (c) I speculated on the Oscars (and wrote about the "Slap Heard Round the World") (d) celebrated my husband's birthday (e) celebrated our anniversary and (f) flew to Cancun on April 9th. Today is - [Is the World Ready for A Political Fresh Prince?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/is-the-world-ready-for-a-political-fresh-prince/) - (Quotes from August 10, 2016, Adam Howard, NBC News) Six years ago, when “Oscars So White” preceded “Oscars So Black” as a theme, [spearheaded by Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was annoyed that Smith was not nominated for his role in “Concussion,”] the remarks below were made to NBC’s reporter Adam Howard. The article - [2022 Oscars Feature Meltdown by Will Smith As He Wins the Oscar for Best Actor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2022-oscars-feature-meltdown-by-will-smith-as-he-wins-the-oscar-for-best-actor/) - On the heels of the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony, during which Will Smith was given the Oscar for Best Actor only minutes after he bitch-slapped presenter Chris Rock for making a fairly innocuous joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved bald head (something about how he was "looking forward to G.I. Jane 2"), we got these - [Biden & Trump Speak About Putin](https://www.weeklywilson.com/biden-trump-speak-about-putin/) - Courtesy of the "New York Times," here's a Pop Quiz. There are two sets of quotes below about the murderous thug who's the president of Russia. You have to figure out which things Trump has said and which Joe Biden has said. Set A Putin is "a butcher" for the relentless shelling of Mariupol in - [2022 Oscar Winners (Installment #2)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2022-oscar-winners-installment-2/) - After listing a few choice Best Oscar nominees in my last pick, I stopped, while trying to nail down a couple of categories. Continuing: Best Director: Jane Campion ("The Power of the Dog") Other nominees are Kenneth Branagh ("Belfast");Rysuki Hamaguchi- "Drive My Car"; Paul Thomas Anderson - "Licorice Pizza"'; Steven Spielberg - "West Side Story." - [Some Oscar Predictions, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/some-oscar-predictions-2022/) - Best Picture Nightmare Alley Bradley Cooper, Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale Dune Denis Villeneuve, Mary Parent, Cale Boyter Belfast Kenneth Branagh, Tamar Thomas, Laura Berwick, ... The Power of the Dog Jane Campion, Roger Frappier, Emile Sherman, ... King Richard Will Smith, Trevor White, Tim White Don't Look Up Adam McKay, Kevin J. Messick - ["The Last Movie Stars," Directed by Ethan Hawke, @ SXSW 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-last-movie-stars-directed-by-ethan-hawke-sxsw-2022/) - The documentary “The Last Movie Stars” at SXSW from CNN Films and HBO Max is helmed by Ethan Hawke. He was approached to take an in-depth look at the life and careers of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Joe Rudge gets credit for the music. The filmed interviews with various luminaries are explained by Director - ["Split At the Root" Is Documentary About the Southern Border Crisis & the Zero Tolerance Policy of DJT](https://www.weeklywilson.com/split-at-the-root-is-documentary-about-the-southern-border-crisis-the-zero-tolerance-policy-of-djt/) - In looking over the documentaries that were part of SXSW 2022 I was looking forward to “Split at the Root,” directed by Linda Goldstein Knowlton, the story of the separation of mothers from their children as a result of the 2018 Trump Administration’s Zero Tolerance policy at our southern border. It turned out to be - ["Watcher" Screens at SXSW, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/watcher-screens-at-sxsw-2022/) - Maika Monroe, the blonde star of “It Follows” (2014), has 33 credits, to date. I first became aware of her work in “Hot Summer Nights” at SXSW in 2017. Since then, I have made a point of trying to catch others among her 33 screen credits. This is a good one to start watching this - ["The Big Conn" Premieres at SXSW; Streams on Apple TV May 6th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-big-conn-premieres-at-sxsw-streams-on-apple-tv-may-6th/) - The log line for the Apple TV documentary “The Big Conn” is as follows: “Eric C. Conn was a lawyer living a little too large in eastern Kentucky…until two whistleblowers realized he was at the center of government fraud worth over half a billion dollars, one of the largest in U.S. history. And that was - ["DMZ" (HBO Max), the 4-Part Series, Critiqued @ SXSW 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dmz-hbo-max-the-4-part-series-critiqued-sxsw-2022/) - Just finished watching all four episodes of “DMZ” with Rosario Dawson and Benjamin Bratt available on HBO Max. The first episode, which I saw at the World Premiere on Sunday, March 13th, in Austin at SXSW, was dynamite. The other three episodes continue the chaos and action-packed drama of a United States that has experienced - ["Bad Axe" Documentary from David Siev Wins SXSW Special Jury Award](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bad-axe-documentary-from-david-siev-wins-sxsw-special-jury-award/) - The documentary by David Siev entitled “Bad Axe,” which focuses on the Siev family of Bad Axe, Michigan, is a chronicle of the pandemic and its effects on this small Michigan town. The film was awarded Special Jury Recognition for Exceptional Intimacy in Storytelling at SXSW, where it was among the feature documentaries in competition. - ["Facing Nolan" at SXSW Is A Must-See for Baseball Fans](https://www.weeklywilson.com/facing-nolan-at-sxsw-is-a-must-see-for-baseball-fans/) - Pitcher Nolan Ryan is now 74 years old. His family members, especially sons Reese and Reid, collaborated on this documentary at SXSW directed by Bradley Jackson that showcases the achievements of the pitcher of whom Rod Carew said, “There will never be another like Nolan Ryan.” Pete Rose added, “Nolan was a lion.” Drafted at - [Actor Owen Teague Appears in "The Cow" & "To Leslie" at SXSW 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/actor-owen-teague-appears-in-the-cow-to-leslie-at-sxsw-2022/) - I’m (still) here at SXSW in Austin, Texas, covering feature films, television episodics and documentaries, with a few shorts thrown in. Owen Teague The common denominator linking "To Leslie" with "The Cow" is the presence of Owen Teague in the role of “young son." (above) Teague is far from the best-known name in the one - [Two Shorts @ SXSW: "Everything Will Be All Right" & "Belle River"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/two-shorts-sxsw-everything-will-be-all-right-belle-river/) - Farhad Pakdel, the writer/director/producer of the short “Everything Will Be All Right” helms this 16 minute short tale of a young pregnant teacher, Leila, trying to reach home in Iran before her father dies of Covid. Pakdel underscores Leila’s situation with the underpinning of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. It is playing at SXSW - ["Spin Me Round" at SXSW 2022 Falls Flat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/spin-me-round-at-sxsw-2022-falls-flat/) - Mark and Jay Duplass executive produced a film at SXSW that seems to be a comedy that might have been a romance, that considers becoming a thriller (briefly) and also works in a plug for female empowerment. It Is pretty meandering and difficult to categorize. The script (Allison Brie and Director Jeff Baena) needed work - ["DMZ" Series Has World Premiere at SXSW on March 13, 2022](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dmz-series-has-world-premiere-at-sxsw-on-march-13-2022/) - The riveting drama “DMZ” was premiered at SXSW 2022 on Sunday, March 13th, 2022, at the Paramount Theater in downtown Austin. Prior to the showing of this first of four episodes of the limited series (which will air on HBO Max beginning on March 17th), Dawson and Bratt and others met the press on the - [First Day of SXSW 2022 in Austin, Texas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/first-day-of-sxsw-2022-in-austin-texas/) - The first day of SXSW (post welcome party) is here: March 12th. I will outline some of the difficulties Yours Truly is experiencing. First of all, I RSVP-ed for online streamers, as one is supposed to do, and it was my (incorrect) understanding that the responses that came to my e-mail address had “confirmed” - [Deb's Drive-In Artwork: WHO HAS AN ORIGINAL OF THIS POSTER?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/debs-drive-in-artwork-who-has-an-original-of-this-poster/) - As a favor to a friend, I am posting this picture of Deb's Drive-in (Milan, Illinois), which, as you can see, was originally painted by a [now-deceased] artist, Kenneth L. Prestley. Yes, we've tried using the phone number given. If you want a phone number to discuss this, try 309-737-2225. My friend would like to - [Stay Tuned Here for SXSW From March 11-20th!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/stay-tuned-here-for-sxsw-from-march-11-20th/) - I’m here at SXSW 2022 and preparing to travel down to the Convention Center on Thursday to collect my badge, get my Nikon tagged, and prove I've been vaccinated---3 times. This is not my first rodeo, but it is one of the most screwed-up, pandemic or no pandemic, mostly because of my own computer shortcomings. - ["Dog" Marks Channing Tatum's Directorial Debut](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dog-marks-channing-tatums-directorial-debut/) - Channing Tatum stars in and co-directed the film “Dog,” out now in theaters. His co-director on the project was fellow first-time director Reid Carolin, who also co-wrote the screenplay in collaboration with Brett Rodriguez. The movie clocks in at an hour and 41 minutes and follows the adventures of a Belgian Malinois service dog - ["Death on the Nile" is DOA](https://www.weeklywilson.com/death-on-the-nile-is-doa/) - There’s a scene near the end of “Death on the Nile” that shows Sir Kenneth Branagh walking onboard the luxury yacht/riverboat that is the setting for most of “Death on the Nile.” He is moving very slowly and deliberately. I couldn’t help but think of how that slow walk down the deck represented the entire - [Best Actress Nominees: Who Will Win?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/best-actress-nominees-who-will-win/) - Now that the nominees are ‘set’ for the March 27th Oscars, let’s take a closer look at who is up for what, (and who should have been up for what): In the Best Actress category, the nominees are Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”); Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”); Penelope Cruz (“Parallel Mothers”); Nicole - [2022 Oscar Nominations: Which Best Pic to See in Terms of Entertainment Value](https://www.weeklywilson.com/2022-oscar-nominations-which-best-pic-to-see-in-terms-of-entertainment-value/) - The Best Picture nominations for this year are: “Belfast;” “CODA;” “Don’t Look Up;” “Drive My Car;” “Dune;” “King Richard;” “Licorice Pizza;” “Nightmare Alley;” “The Power of the Dog;” and “West Side Story.” Of that number, I have seen all but “CODA” and “Drive My Car” (which is also nominated in the category of Best International - [Looming Constitutional Crisis?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/looming-constitutional-crisis/) - According to Bruce Ackermanand Gerard Magliocca of Politico, if Donald Trump does run for president in 2024, it “will provoke a genuine constitutional crisis” that will make January, 2021, seem tame. The “disqualification clause” of the 14th Amendment expressly bars any person from holding office if he “engaged in insurrection.” Democrats are already exploring using - [Looking For Christmas Gifts? Give These Books A Try](https://www.weeklywilson.com/looking-for-christmas-gifts-give-these-books-a-try/) - I have a series called "The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats" (www.TheXmasCats.com), ;which I began writing for my granddaughters when they were three years old. The books are "throw-back" books to what I learned in elementary schools of the fifties when early readers featured Dick and Jane and the policeman on the beat was always your - ["Station Eleven:" Futuristic Series Set in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18996-2/) - We’re watching “Station Eleven,” a 10-part mini series that Patrick Somerville adapted for the screen. Somerville was the show runner (and writer) for “The Bridge,” (2013-2014) followed by two years on “The Leftovers” (2015-2017) and “Maniac” in 2018. When I first obtained my condo in Chicago in 2003, I took an evening class in Writing - ["Ghostbusters: Afterlife:" First 3/4 = Enjoyable; Ending? Flawed](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ghostbusters-afterlife-first-3-4-enjoyable-ending-flawed/) - We were looking for a movie we had not seen to take in at our local Cineplex. We discovered that most of the offerings that were good had come and gone right at Christmas time, but “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” was still playing, so we took it in. The first thing I’d like to say about this - [Katie Couric's "Going There" Autobiography Entertains](https://www.weeklywilson.com/katie-courics-going-there-autobiography-entertains/) - I just finished reading Katie Couric’s autobiography, “Going There.” I had read that she “burned a lot of bridges” but now, at 64, maybe that doesn’t matter to her. The NBC “Today” show years with co-anchor Matt Lauer come off as her “best” times, and the move to CBS to become the first solo - ["Being the Ricardos" on Amazon Explores Lucille Ball's Storied Career](https://www.weeklywilson.com/being-the-ricardos-on-amazon-explores-lucille-balls-storied-career/) - "Being the Ricardos" was scripted and directed by wunderkind Aaron Sorkin. It won screenplay awards and acting kudos from SAG for its leads: Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz. Beyond those top-notch talents, you have J.K. Simmons as William Frawley, Tony Hale as Jess Oppenheimer, and Nina Arianda as Vivian - ["Take Shelter:" Jeff Nichols-written-and-directed 2011 Drama (Another Jessica Chastain Film)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/take-shelter-jeff-nichols-written-and-directed-2011-drama-another-jessica-chastain-film/) - Last night, browsing through late-night offerings on television, Michael Shannon's performance as a mentally-ill husband in "Take Shelter" (2011) caught my eye. If you're a Michael Shannon fan, as I am, you'll want to see it. We turned over to watch it, and I was reminded that Shannon's co-star in this intense psychological study was - [Jessica Chastain Having Banner Year in Two New Movies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jessica-chastain-having-banner-year-in-two-new-movies/) - We journeyed out to the theater to see Jessica Chastain’s newest movie, “355,”directed by Simon Kinberg. The log-line says: “When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, a wild card CIA agent joins forces with three international agents on a lethal mission to retrieve it, while staying a step ahead of a mysterious woman who’s - [Films of 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18976-2/) - I'm still "on the trail" of the Best Movies of 2021, trying to catch up on any I might have missed at a variety of film festivals. So far, my favorite films of the year that have Oscar potential include some that have done well at the box office ("No Time to Die") and - ["C'mon! C'mon!" from Mike Mills Provides Much Food for Thought](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cmon-cmon-from-mike-mills-provides-much-food-for-thought/) - I recently rented "C'mon! C'mon!" and streamed it at home. I missed it at the Chicago International Film Festival. The film, which stars Joaquin Phoenix as the uncle of a 9-year-old boy named Jesse, was written and directed by Mike Mills, whose 2016 film "Twentieth Century Women" I admired greatly. That film, starred Annette Bening - [Four New Films: "Licorice Pizza," "West Side Story," "Nightmare Alley," "Spencer"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/four-new-films-licorice-pizza-west-side-story-nightmare-alley-spencer/) - Last movie I saw was "Licorice Pizza." I enjoyed it immensely, primarily for the portrayal of Jon Peters by Bradley Cooper, who is having a banner year in starring roles, most notably as the lead as well in "Nightmare Alley," which is also playing at theaters. I was also there when the remake of "West - ["Merry Christmas! You Have Cancer!"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/merry-christmas-you-have-cancer/) - My apologies to those of you who have checked my blog routinely and have found nothing new. I learned I have cancer (via biopsy) on December 10th. Quite frankly, it has thrown me for a loop. I was advised to cancel my hostessing of close to 20 people at my house, but I went ahead, - [Four Short Films for the Holidays from Argo](https://www.weeklywilson.com/four-short-films-for-the-holidays-from-argo/) - Argo is a global curator of films under 40 minutes and a social streaming platform. Argo’s mission is to support upcoming filmmakers everywhere and connect the world through incredible stories. Every week you can find new playlists curated by the top film festivals and filmmakers. Here are the four I viewed, with a brief description, - [Reminder: Today is December 2nd and the XmasCats Deer Book is ON SALE!!!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/reminder-today-is-december-2nd-and-the-xmascats-deer-book-is-on-sale/) - This is a reminder that the 99 cent price for "The Christmas Cats Fear for the Deer" is on TODAY, and it will be on for 3 days. This is a good one, and you may want to pick it up in paperback for a Christmas gift, because there are puzzles and coloring book pages - ["The Christmas Cats Fear for the Deer" is 99 Cents on Dec. 2, 3 and 4](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-christmas-cats-fear-for-the-deer-is-99-cents-on-dec-2-3-and-4/) - I checked out the special for my favorite XmasCats.com book and it is 99 cents in e-book this coming weekend, for three days only. I have to admit that this one, in hard cover (which is a limited edition and only available in hard cover by contacting me) is my favorite. I had it done - [The Blog is Back: Happy Post-Thanksgiving!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-blog-is-back-happy-post-thanksgiving/) - Some mysterious person messed with WeeklyWilson in September. GoDaddy got right on that and now, in December, after shutting me down for a week, WeeklyWilson is back up and running. This is good, because, currently, my 6 children's Christmas books are either reduced to FREE or 99 cents on various weekends from now until Christmas. - ["Small Time:" Poignant Picture of How NOT to Parent](https://www.weeklywilson.com/small-time-poignant-picture-of-how-not-to-parent/) - French/American female director Niav Conty made a short film called “Joy Ride” that won her the Best Director award at the Reno Tahoe Film Festival in 2017. The film featured “Small Time” star Audrey Grace Marshall riding on the back of Rick’s (Holter Graham’s) motorcycle. These characters soon expanded into the full-length second feature film - ["Cow:" A Documentary About a Cow's Life - See It At Your Own Peril if You Eat Meat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cow-a-documentary-about-a-cows-life-see-it-at-your-own-peril-if-you-eat-meat/) - "This film is an endeavor to consider cows. To move us closer to them. To see both their beauty and the challenge of their lives. Not in a romantic way but in a real way. It’s a film about one dairy cow’s reality and acknowledging her great service to us. When I look - [Dorothy Parker Quotes To Amuse](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dorothy-parker-quotes-to-amuse/) - “Their pooled emotions wouldn’t fill a teaspoon.” (quoted in Not Much Fun: The Lost Poems of Dorothy Parker) For being asked for writing advice: “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second-greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The - ["Last Night in Soho:" Edgar Wright's Much Anticipated Film Doesn't Disappoint](https://www.weeklywilson.com/last-night-in-soho-edgar-wrights-much-anticipated-film-doesnt-disappoint/) - This quote from “Last Night in Soho” director Edgar Wright is a good jumping-off point, for talking about his newest film, “Last Night in Soho,” which opened October 29th after premiering in Toronto. Said Wright, “I've always been fascinated by horror films and genre films. Horror films harbored a fascination for me and always have - [Rhino Poaching in Africa is Treated in Doc "The Last Horns of Africa" at Denver International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rhino-poaching-in-africa-is-treated-in-doc-the-last-horns-of-africa-at-denver-international-film-festival/) - “The Last Horns of Africa” is a film by director/cinematographer Garth de Bruno Austin that chronicles the endangered rhinoceros of South Africa. The film is shot in Kruger National Park, a 2-million acre park the size of Israel or Wales. Regional Ranger Don English, whose father was a ranger in the park from 1963 on, - [Kenneth Branaugh and "Belfast" in Chicago for the 57th Chicago Interational Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kenneth-branaugh-and-belfast-in-chicago-for-the-57th-chicago-interational-film-festival/) - Sir Kenneth Branagh came to Chicago for the Chicago International Film Festival and screened his semi-autobiographical film, “Belfast,” at the 92-year-old Music Box Theater on Thursday, October 21, 2021. He received a Lifetime Achievemet Award. The screening was preceded by the organist serenading the assembled audience with oldies like "You Ought to Be in Pictures” - [Hellfire & Damnation: The Perfect Halloween Collection](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hellfire-damnation-the-perfect-halloween-collection/) - There are three books in the "Hellfire & Damnation" series, all short stories that illustrate the 9 Circle of Hell in Dante's "Inferno" and give examples of each. As New York Times best-selling author Jon Land said of the books: "Hellfire & Damnation' is a remarkable collection of somber, noirish, flat-out scary and altogether satisfying - ["The Conductor" About 1st Female Conductor Screens at Denver International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-conductor-about-1st-female-conductor-screens-at-denver-international-film-festival/) - The biggest lesson from “The Conductor,” now screening at the Denver International Film Festival, (but also a selection at the Austin Documentary Film Festival), is “Don’t tell me I can’t do something.” The individual being told she can’t be a conductor, because she’s female, was Marin Alsop, now conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the - [Van Jones Documentary "The First Step" About Prison Reform Screens at Denver Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/van-jones-documentary-the-first-step-about-prison-reform-screens-at-denver-film-festival/) - When I saw that Kartemquin films was involved in the Van Jones documentary “The First Step,” now showing at the Denver Film Festival (and 23 other festivals), I was optimistic. It’s a 90-minute film directed by Brandon Kramer, with cinematography by Emily Topper and music by Joshua Abrams. If it’s backed by Kartemquin, it’s usually - ["Broadcast Signal Intrusion" Is Noir Chicago at 57th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/broadcast-signal-intrusion-is-noir-chicago-at-57th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Harry Shum, Jr. who appeared in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Glee,” appears as James in the 57th Chicago International Film Festival offering “Broadcast Signal Intrusion.” Billed as a blend of “Blow-Up” and 70s paranoid cinema, the film is directed by Jacob Gentry and the cinematography is expertly handled by Scott Thiele. The film premiered at - ["Citizen Ashe" Is Well-Done Sam Pollard Documentary at Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/citizen-ashe-is-well-done-sam-pollard-documentary-at-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Sam Pollard, who directed “MLK/FBI” and “Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta’ Be Me,” has teamed with Rex Miller--- listed as both the Director and Cinematographer---to produce an informative 96-minute documentary entitled “Citizen Ashe.” The film traces Arthur Ashe’s career as the first and best Black male tennis player. Ashe was the first Black man to - ["The Beta Test" Amuses at 57th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-beta-test-amuses-at-57th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “The Beta Test” is both a slick satire and a confusing and muddled thriller. Writer/director/actor Jim Cummings (“Thunder Road,” “The Wolf of Snow Hollow”) plays the lead, Jordan, and he makes Christian Bale’s slick Patrick Bateman of “American Psycho” seem chill. In a film that has great snarky dialogue, this line describing Jordan Hines stood - ["Babi Yar" Is Riveting Documentary at 57th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/babi-yar-is-riveting-documentary-at-57th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Director Sergei Loznitsa (“State Funeral,” “Donbass,” “Maidan”) has compiled a staggering amount of vintage 80-year-old footage of World War II action in Kiev and Lemberg (Lvov)in this documentary. It is 1941; the opening scene is of black smoke billowing over the countryside while firing on a bridge continues. War planes soar overhead. The 1941 film - [World Premiere of "Punch 9 for Harold Washington" at CIFF](https://www.weeklywilson.com/world-premiere-of-punch-9-for-harold-washington-at-ciff/) - The Chicago International Film Festival is concluding tomorrow night, Sunday, October 24th, with a screening of Will Smith’s new film “King Richard” at the Music Box Theater. There are plenty of Chicago references in documentaries screening at the festival, one of which, “Punch 9 for Harold Washington” had its World Premiere during the festival. Joe - ["Storm Lake" & "Writing With Fire:" Journalism Under Fire (Documentaries)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/storm-lake-writing-with-fire-journalism-under-fire-documentaries/) - Two new documentaries detail the gradual death of journalism in this country and the rise of digital journalism in India. Both agree that newspapers---whether print or digital---can make a difference and that, without them democracy is at risk. Rintu Thomas ad Sushmit Ghosh shepherded “Writing with Fire” through to completion and this story of women - [Salaries for James Bond Films Through the Years](https://www.weeklywilson.com/salaries-for-james-bond-films-through-the-years/) - Who was the highest paid actor who played James Bond? (Answers from the unofficial M16 James Bond site ) The pay has gone significantly up after each Bond movie. Sean Connery Dr. No : $17,000 From Russia With Love : $250,000 Goldfinger : $500,000 Thunderball : $750,000 You Only Live Twice : $750,000 + 25% - ["No Time to Die" Is Worth the 18-Month Wait](https://www.weeklywilson.com/no-time-to-die-is-worth-the-18-month-wait/) - Daniel Craig makes his final outing as Bond memorable. The log-line says: “James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.” During a pandemic, - ["The Many Saints of Newark" Strolls Down "Sopranos" Memory Lane](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-many-saints-of-newark-strolls-down-sopranos-memory-lane/) - “The Many Saints of Newark” is a prequel to the well-loved television series “The Sopranos.” We could justifiably expect to learn all about the early years that shaped young Anthony Soprano, played in his youth by Michael Gandolfini, the son of James Gandolfini. The elementary-school-aged Tony is played by William Ludwig, who is also good - [Todd Haynes "Velvet Underground" Documentary Hits Festival Circuit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/todd-haynes-velvet-underground-documentary-hits-festival-circuit/) - Velvet Underground Todd Haynes, USA, 110 min. Thursday, October 14, 7PM Premiere (AFS). Streaming on Apple+ on October 15th. (Also showing at Chicago International Film Festival). "Austin Film Society will present a Doc Days Opening Night presentation of Todd Haynes’ The Velvet Underground: a look at the cultural, social, musical, artistic and cinematic - ["The Color of Evil" Trilogy Will Leave You Wanting More](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-color-of-evil-trilogy-will-leave-you-wanting-more/) - The trilogy "The Color of Evil" traces the actions of a group of high school students in small-town America (Cedar Falls, Iowa). Jonathan Maberry, "New York Times" best-selling author and multiple Bram Stoker Award winner described it as: "old-school psychological horror, artfully blended with new-school shocks and twists...Bravo!" Tad McGreevy has a power that he - [Cancun, Mexico, September 18th-October 2nd, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-mexico-september-18th-october-2nd-2021/) - It's been a while since I've been around to post. I was in Cancun and these pictures will give you a rough idea of what I've been doing. Aside from a sun burn I sustained 2 days before we left, the 2 weeks were uneventful. We learned that the Royal Sands is putting in - ["The Night House:" Great Psychological Thriller from Director David Bruckner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-night-house-great-psychological-thriller-from-director-david-bruckner/) - “The Night House,” a 2020 break-out success at Sundance that Searchlight Pictures bought for $12 million, is playing now at 2,150 theaters for a 45-day run, which is almost over. So far, it has garnered about $8 million worldwide. The studio showed its faith in the film by not releasing it to streaming first and - ["Reminiscence:" Hugh Jackman Visits the Past](https://www.weeklywilson.com/reminiscence-hugh-jackman-visits-the-past/) - The budget for Hugh Jackman’s new film “Reminiscence” was $68 million. For this, you get a peek at Miami “after the flood” caused by global warming. This is a futuristic world in which a machine designed, originally, to interrogate prisoners via their dreams, is now used in the post-war society as a way to - [Van Gogh Immersive in Chicago Is Mesmerizing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/van-gogh-immersive-in-chicago-is-mesmerizing/) - The Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit in Chicago is now touring various cities in the U.S. I tried to get tickets for the showing in Chicago for my July 23rd birthday, but the soonest I could get us in was August 17th. The price for 2 tickets with a "flex" schedule option was about $131.00. This - ["Annette" with Adam Driver & Marion Cotillard Sings Its Way Into Cannes' Awards](https://www.weeklywilson.com/annette-with-adam-driver-marion-cotillard-sings-its-way-into-cannes-awards/) - Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard portray a celebrity couple in “Annette.” She’s a world-famous opera singer and he is a comedian billed as “The Ape of God.” Driver is also an executive producer of the film helmed by Leos Carax, who is known as an avant garde French filmmaker. Carax previously directed the Cannes favorite - [Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in "RESPECT"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jennifer-hudson-as-aretha-franklin-in-respect/) - The first cut of “Respect,” Jennifer Hudson’s starring role as Aretha Franklin, ran 5 and ½ hours. The final cut runs 2 hours and 25 minutes. Both of those times for this movie are too long. It was nice that a female director and screenwriter were involved in the project, but Director Liesl Tommy is - ["For MadMen Only:" Crash Course in Comedy Legend Del Close](https://www.weeklywilson.com/for-madmen-only-crash-course-in-comedy-legend-del-close/) - The name Del Close is not one most of us associate with the pre-eminent comedians of the past twenty-five years, but we should. In the documentary “For Madmen Only” from Heather Ross, narrated by Michaela Watkins we learn about this guru of comedy who helped discover and ultimately shape such talents as Bill Murray - [M. Night Shymalan's "Old" Leads the Box Office on July 23rd, 2021 Weekend](https://www.weeklywilson.com/m-night-shymalans-old-leads-the-box-office-on-july-23rd-2021-weekend/) - Night Shymalan has always investigated original concepts, ideas that are out-of-the-box, even in his iconic 1999 film “The Sixth Sense.” He has had his share of hits or misses, scoring with “Split” in 2016 and less so with “Glass,” television’s “Wayward Pines,” “Signs,” “The Village,” and “Lady in the Water.” We’ve gotten spoiled by some - ["Good Girls" Leaves the Air After 4 Years: What Happened to the Promised Season #5 ?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/good-girls-leaves-the-air-after-4-years-what-happened-to-the-promised-season-5/) - Weeks before the official cancellation of “Good Girls,” TV Line reported that “Good Girls” was being renewed for a season #5 that would wrap up the plot of the three female friends who had become suburban criminals. The show involved, principally, Christina Hendricks, (who was also Executive Producer) as Beth Boland and her two female - [William F. Nolan: A Living Legend in Dark Fantasy Leaves Us](https://www.weeklywilson.com/william-f-nolan-a-living-legend-in-dark-fantasy-leaves-us/) - Incredibly sad to learn of the death of William F. Nolan, co-writer of "Logan's Run" and so much more. I first met Bill when interviewing him some twenty years ago or so. He became a mentor and wrote many blurbs for my books, telling me I had real talent. In his later years, Bill would - ["Shrill" Leaves Air After 3 Seasons](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18749-2/) - I just watched the final season of “Shrill” on Hulu. It took me back to March of 2019 when the series was launching and Executive Producer Elizabeth Banks and star Aidy Bryant came to SXSW with a panel that included the woman, Lindy West, who wrote the book on which the series was based. I - ["No Sudden Move" Has Star-Studded Cast (Now Streaming)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/no-sudden-move-has-star-studded-cast-now-streaming/) - Steven Soderbergh (“Sex, Lies and Videotape,” “Michael Clayton”) has a new movie streaming on HBO Max with a killer cast. The leads are Don Cheadle and Benicio Del Toro. The rest of the cast includes David Harbour (“Revolutionary Road,” “Stranger Things”); Brendan Frasier (“The Mummy”); Ray Liotta (“Goodfellas”); Kieran Culkin (“Succession,” “Igby Goes Down”); Noah - ["Symptoms of Withdrawal" by Christopher Kennedy Lawford Offers Insight](https://www.weeklywilson.com/symptoms-of-withdrawal-by-christopher-kennedy-lawford-offers-insight/) - I just finished reading Christopher Kennedy Lawford's memoir (2005) "Symptoms of Withdrawal." Yes, it was published in 2005, so I’m a bit behind on this one. Something reminded me of the Las Vegas trip when I won at roulette with one (1) bet on one number and went upstairs to watch young Lawford be interviewed - ["Queen of Basketball" Is Outstanding Short Documentary from Director Ben Proudfoot](https://www.weeklywilson.com/queen-of-basketball-is-outstanding-short-documentary-from-director-ben-proudfoot/) - Ben Proudfoot (October 29, 1990) is a Canadian filmmaker from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is most noted as codirector with Kris Bowers of the short documentary film A Concerto Is a Conversation, which was an Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021. Proudfoot was named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” honorees. In addition to being a world-class magician, he founded - ["Happy-Go-Lucky" Is Worth A Look](https://www.weeklywilson.com/happy-go-lucky-is-worth-a-look/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd4EG6BeDV0 My apologies to all who thought---as I did---that Weekly in the title Weekly Wilson meant that I would not go more than a week without posting. I have excuses. Mostly, the excuses involve my always-rocky relationship with computers. The hinge on my laptop somehow came undone. So, no laptop to write my post on - ["Cruella" Success Sets Up Sequels for the "101 Dalmatians" Villainess](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cruella-success-sets-up-sequels-for-the-101-dalmatians-villainess/) - Cruella De Vil, the big budget Disney picture starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, debuted on May 28th and screams “Sequel” from the moment the last scene fades. Director Craig Gillespie has pulled out all the fashion stops on this one, and it shows. In the last 23 hours, the Hollywood Reporter has confirmed those - ["A Quiet Place II" Is Terrific Sequel to the 2018 Original Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-quiet-place-ii-is-terrific-sequel-to-the-2018-original-film/) - Director John Krasinski said, on an appearance on Seth Meyer recently to promote “A Quiet Place 2,” “If you’re a fan of the movie, I wanted to bookend the pandemic for you.” He was talking about the delayed release of one of the season’s most anticipated sequels, “A Quiet Place 2.” It actually premiered in - [Some Humor on a Slow Day](https://www.weeklywilson.com/some-humor-on-a-slow-day/) - My husband and I went through the McDonald's driveway window and I gave the cashier a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her 25c. She said, 'you gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar back.' She sighed and - ["Those Who Wish Me Dead" is Dead On Arrival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/those-who-wish-me-dead-is-dead-on-arrival/) - Angelina Jolie appears in a new Taylor Sheridan film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” playing a “smoke jumper.” If you weren’t immediately familiar with the term “smoke jumper,” it’s people who parachute into a fire zone to fight wild fires. If you thought the 45-year-old screen goddess was an unlikely smoke jumper, join the club. - [Roswell to Albuquerque: From Small to Large](https://www.weeklywilson.com/roswell-to-albuquerque-from-small-to-large/) - We visited the Alien Museum in Roswell, New Mexico, but it was a bit of a bust, to be honest. There seemed to be little there but yellowed newspaper clippings. Today, we traveled 3 hours to Albuquerque (NM) and spent the day sightseeing, visiting sites of some old Route 66 motels, as well as a - [Liz Cheney's Last Stand: Another One Bites the Dust](https://www.weeklywilson.com/liz-cheneys-last-stand-another-one-bites-the-dust/) - The following represents Liz Cheney's statement, in its entirety, as she took a stand against Donald J. Trump. It took 15 minutes to throw Cheney out. Now, over 100+ Republicans have announced that they may form a break-away party. Talking heads predict that this is an inflection point and the party may be beyond repair. - [Biden and the Border](https://www.weeklywilson.com/biden-and-the-border/) - The article below is a cobbled-together article from a variety of respected sources, all of them fiarly recent and all of them addressing the border, the border crisis, and the history of the border issues. In light of the constant litany of charges that "the border crisis" was all the Biden Administration's fault, with little - [The 2021 Academy Awards: Post Ceremony](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-2021-academy-awards-post-ceremony/) - I’ve held off on commenting on the April 25th Oscars. I wanted to see what the reaction, nationwide and internationally, was to the Covid-era ceremony. Every year, we try to celebrate with our good friends in Des Moines, Iowa. This year, that meant flying there, which was an adventure in and of itself. We had - ["Beatles," Live: And You Are There (And I Was)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beatles-live-and-you-are-there-and-i-was/) - [The Royal Sands, April 3-10, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18647-2/) - Week One in Cancun is in the history books. We visited several extremely fancy (and equally pricey) restaurants, including "Harry's," "Tabu," "Rosa Negra" (the Black Rose), Captain's Cove and the Veranda at the Royal Sands. The daughter and the grandchildren encountered a pig on the beach, being walked by its owner. Naturally, photo opportunities arose. - ["The United States Versus Reality Winner" Screens at SXSW 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-united-states-versus-reality-winner-screens-at-sxsw-2021/) - This expose of the persecution of Reality Winner (yes, that is really her name) was made possible because of a Freedom of Information Act that finally resulted in the release of the audio of Reality’s interrogation by eleven FBI agents. The director of this based-on-fact film is Sonia Kennebeck. A famous name, Wim Wenders, - ["Roe v. Wade"--- Film That Premiered at CPAC--- Is Boring Biased Hit Job](https://www.weeklywilson.com/roe-v-wade-film-that-premiered-at-cpac-is-boring-biased-hit-job/) - “Roe v. Wade” follows Dr Bernard Nathanson (Nick Loeb), the narrator of the 1984 anti-abortion film The Silent Scream, from his first interaction with abortion in 1949 – when his girlfriend at the time terminated her pregnancy – to his change to a virulent anti-abortion stance in 1985."By film's end, Nathanson changes sides as dramatically - [Dave Grohl & Foo Fighters Respond to "We Are the 1,000" Documentary with Concert in Cesena, Italy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dave-grohl-foo-fighters-respond-to-we-are-the-1000-documentary-with-concert-in-cesena-italy/) - The heartwarming story of a small Italian town (Cesena, Italy) and its wacky crusade to convince Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters to come give a concert in that town is the central drama of “We Are the Thousand,” a film written and directed by Anita Rivaroli. Even more inspiring in this story about Fabio - [Happy Birthday Night in Downtown Austin (March 20/21)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/happy-birthday-night-in-downtown-austin-march-20-21/) - This will be a stream-of-consciousness retelling of last weekend's Birthday Weekend in downtown Austin. It was my husband's birthday AND we had secured appointments for our second Pfizer Covid-19 shots at the HEB store on 7th Street. That is truly something to celebrate, since we are supposed to fly to Mexico in early April and - [Demi Lovato: "Dancing with the Devil" Premieres at SXSW Film Festival 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18607-2/) - The opening night film for this year’s SXSW Online Film Festival was the documentary “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil.” It premiered on Tuesday night, March 16th and was directed by Michael D. Ratner. Last year, on March 6th, SXSW in person was canceled. In 2019 the festival’s financial benefits to Austin were estimated to - [Justine Bateman Directs "Violet" at SXSW 2021 Online Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/justine-bateman-directs-violet-at-sxsw-2021-online-film-festival/) - Justine Bateman---sister of Jason Bateman---who once played Mallory Keaton during a 7-year stint on “Family Ties,” ending in 1989--- directed her first feature film at SXSW entitled “Violet.” It was supposed to premiere here in 2020, but we all know what happened there. The film seems roughly biographical, with a voice constantly telling the lead - ["The Return: Life After ISIS" Paints Grim Picture of ISIS Women in Refugee Camps (SXSW)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-return-life-after-isis-paints-grim-picture-of-isis-women-in-refugee-camps-sxsw/) - This film from Alba Sotorra Clua goes inside the Syrian refugee camps where citizens from 56 different nations and their children are trapped in a hellish existence. After the West withdrew and left the Kurds on their own and thousands of ISIS families faced defeat in Syria, there were over 100,000 captives who ended up - ["The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson" at SXSW 2021 on Thursday, March 18th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-drovers-wife-the-legend-of-molly-johnson-at-sxsw-2021-on-thursday-march-18th/) - This Australian project was written by Leah Purcell, based on her 2019 book and stage play. She portrays Australian drover’s wife Molly Johnson in the film, which was shot in New South Wales, Australia. The film turns out to be a message movie campaigning for women in mid 19th century Australia (and the world) - ["Tom Petty: "Somewhere You Feel Free" Premieres at SXSW on March17, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tom-petty-somewhere-you-feel-free-premieres-at-sxsw-on-march17-2021/) - The Tom Petty documentary “Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free,” directed by Mary Wharton, depicts his career and his personality using film shot by Marlyn Atkins between 1993 and 1995, during the taping of the “Wildflower” album. At that time, Tom would have been in his mid-forties and a long way away from his untimely - ["Recovery," the Comedy, Will Help You Recover Your Smile at SXSW Online](https://www.weeklywilson.com/recovery-the-comedy-will-help-you-recover-your-smile-at-sxsw-online/) - “Recovery,” a film written by Whitney Everton and Stephen Meek was my first film of Day #2 of SXSW Online Film Festival. Two sisters, Jamie (Whitney Call) and Blake (Mallory Everton) Jerikovic stage an across-the-country trip to rescue their Nanna from an old folks’ home during the pandemic. It is one of the few----perhaps only---films - ["The Lost Sons" Is An Intriguing Tale at SXSW 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-lost-sons-is-an-intriguing-tale-at-sxsw-2021/) - In 1960s Chicago, a baby is kidnapped from a hospital. Fifteen months later, a toddler is abandoned. Could he be the same baby? In a tale of breathtaking twists and turns, two mysteries begin to unravel and dark family secrets are revealed. The incredibly twisted tale of a new-born baby snatched from Michael Reese Hospital - ["The Oxy Kingpins" Screens at SXSW 2021 and Describes the Origins of the Opioid Epidemic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-oxy-kingpins-screens-at-sxsw-2021-and-describes-the-origins-of-the-opioid-epidemic/) - This documentary, directed by Brendan Fitzgerald, is a look at the opioid epidemic in America and how Big Pharma was complicit in causing the deaths of over half a million Americans. Former drug dealer Alex tells us as the film opens that oxycontin is really just heroin. Given the over-prescribing by the medical establishment, within - [Blasts from the Past](https://www.weeklywilson.com/blasts-from-the-past/) - ["Lily Topples the World:" Domino Art Reigns on Day One of SXSW Film Festival Online](https://www.weeklywilson.com/lily-topples-the-world-domino-art-reigns-on-day-one-of-sxsw-film-festival-online/) - My favorite film of the first day of SXSW Online Film Festival was “Lily Topples the World.” It is the story of Lily Hevesh, who posts her domino art under the name Hevesh5 on YouTube. At one point Lily shares that 100 dominos cost $10 and I wondered how much money she has tied up - [SXSW (Online) Film Festival Kicks Off on March 16, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sxsw-online-film-festival-kicks-off-on-march-16-2021/) - The first offering of the day, for me, on the first day of SXSW Virtual Film Festival, was a documentary directed by Andrea Nevins entitled “Hysterical.” The documentary did a good job of giving kudos to nearly every famous (or less well-known) female comic in the business, but I wanted to hear more of their - [SXSW Film Reviews to Come: Looking Back at One Year "Sheltering in Place"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sxsw-film-reviews-to-come-looking-back-at-one-year-sheltering-in-place/) - Today is March 13th, Saturday, and it sticks in my brain pan as the day that my husband and I went out to see "The Way Back" at a local cinema. The place was deserted and, when I asked about upcoming films, the news was not good. By that weekend, we were "sheltering in place" - [YOYO Philosophy Prevails in Texas (*You're On Your Own)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/yoyo-philosophy-prevails-in-texas-youre-on-your-own/) - Today’s Austin American-Statesman column by Ken Herman contained the headline: “Abbott to Texans: You’re On Your Own.” In addition to thoroughly disapproving of Governor Abbott’s recent dictum to the state that all mitigation effort are off and everything is 100% “open” in the state of Texas now, Herman ended his column with these words: “Abbott’s - [Was Trump Truthful During His Remarks at CPAC?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/was-trump-truthful-during-his-remarks-at-cpac/) - For those of you who have not investigated Donald J. Trump’s remarks at CPAC, here is a run-down of the veracity of his remarks. Trump: ‘Had we had a fair election, the results would have been much different.” 63 court cases were either thrown out of court or denied outright. There are always isolated cases - [Vaccination for Covid-19 Becomes a 4-month Task](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vaccination-for-covid-19-becomes-a-4-month-task/) - Twenty-three million Americans are now completely vaccinated against Covid-19 and 70 million have had the first (of two) shots. I am among the seventy million who just received the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine, today, at 12:30 p.m., at an HEB grocery store in Austin, Texas. We have been placing ourselves on various lists - [Republicans Double-Down on Anti-Immigration Stance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/republicans-double-down-on-anti-immigration-stance/) - Former Trump administration neo-Nazi and Breitbart spawn Steven Miller has been invited to address GOP members of Congress about the Democratic plan for an 8-year path to citizenship for illegal aliens. This won't be Miller’s first time trying to stop pro-immigrant legislation. Back when he worked for then-Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, Miller “played a - [Of Podcasts and Vaccines: Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/of-podcasts-and-vaccines-tuesday-feb-24th-2021/) - Today is Tuesday, February 24th. After 3 months of fruitless search on various computers I managed to get both of us appointments for vaccinations with the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine the old-fashioned way: I called. Believe me, we've been trying very hard to use the State of Texas website to sign up, and, as that turned - [Mariachi Band Protests @ Ted Cruz Home](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mariachi-band-protests-ted-cruz-home/) - [Texas Tales of Mismanagement on Feb. 21, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-tales-of-mismanagement-on-feb-21-2021/) - Texas Tales: “Our Government in Texas Failed Us This Week” That quote from a Texas representative Lizzzie Fletcher interviewed on CNN at 2:17 p.m. (CT). Other words of wisdom come from folks like John Bridges, the Executive editor of the Austin American-Statesman. In Texas, the buck doesn’t stop here; it just gets on a plane - [Texas in Turmoil: Firsthand from the Front](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-in-turmoil-firsthand-from-the-front/) - From this morning’s “Austin American-Statesman,” comes this assessment of our Texas water problem. We're here in Austin (TX), experiencing the black-outs and lack of water along with the rest of the state. The cold weather meant below freezing. As a northeast Iowa native, not impressed by the cold part. However, down here, things immediately went - [Rush Limbaugh Dies; Leaves Legacy of Hate & Divisiveness](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rush-limbaugh-dies-leaves-legacy-of-hate-divisiveness/) - In the wake of Rush Limbaugh’s recent death, “Newsone” compiled a list of some of Limbaugh’s most offensive remarks. A companion piece to these quotes would be the article in the most recent issue of “Rolling Stone.” He did more than anybody to create the conditions for an ever-more-radical GOP that drove straight around the - ["Weekly Wilson" Podcast of Feb. 18th: Ryan Bliss, Writer/Director of "Alice Fades Away"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weekly-wilson-podcast-of-feb-18th-ryan-bliss-writer-director-of-alice-fades-away/) - Some of you may have noticed the movement from politics to film on the blog, of late. It has always been my goal to go among three topics: books, film and politics. In addition, I sometimes convey information about my travels, whether that means Texas or Mexico or Alaska. While it is tempting to bring - [A Touching Tribute to Rush Limbaugh from DJT----Sort Of](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-touching-tribute-to-rush-limbaugh-from-djt-sort-of/) - [Smile All the While (And Don't Forget to Boil Your Water)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/smile-all-the-while-and-dont-forget-to-boil-your-water/) - Tilting at Windmills Jimmy Kimmel and Trevor Noah touched on the issues Texas has faced this week after a winter storm overwhelmed the state’s power grid, leaving millions of people without hea “I know people were praying for Texas to go blue, but not like this,” Noah joked. “I mean, is it too much - [James Corden, on January 19th, Salutes the Inauguration with "One More Day" from Les Mis](https://www.weeklywilson.com/james-corden-on-january-19th-salutes-the-inauguration-with-one-more-day-from-les-mis/) - [When Your Fellow Republicans Try a (Failed) Coup D'Etat, What Next...?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/when-your-fellow-republicans-try-a-failed-coup-detat-what-next/) - The most recent sign of trouble ahead for the GOP is a serious discussion among dozens of former Republican officials to form a "center-right breakaway party" to go head-to-head with the Republican Party for conservative voters. "More than 120 of them held a Zoom call last Friday to discuss the breakaway group, which would run - ["100 Days to Live" Is Chicago-Based Thriller, Now Streaming](https://www.weeklywilson.com/100-days-to-live-is-chicago-based-thriller-now-streaming/) - “One Hundred Days to Live” is a first feature from Writer/Director Ravin Gandhi of Chicago, who is the founder and CEO of GMM Nonstick Coating in Chicago. Ravin holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. - ["Alice Fades Away" Is A Cinematic Vision](https://www.weeklywilson.com/alice-fades-away-is-a-cinematic-vision/) - Writer/Director Ryan Bliss launches his first full-length feature film “Alice Fades Away” on February 16th, available on iTunes, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, Vuda, Fandago NOW and other On Demand DVD platforms. The trailer is truly creepy and that feeling of dread, complete with appropriate images, lighting and music, comes through in the film, - [If You Are A Hammer, Everything Looks Like Meat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/if-you-are-a-hammer-everything-looks-like-meat/) - In the ongoing effort to provide some "lighter side" thoughts, here are a few, courtesy of the Borowitz Report: Queen Elizabeth offers to re-annex the United States. Ivanka Trump applies to become Joe Biden's daughter. Obama proposes canceling cable at the White House to get Trump to leave. Dr. Fauci says alcohol may be an - [Some Humor for these Troubled Times](https://www.weeklywilson.com/some-humor-for-these-troubled-times/) - And now, for some much-needed humor.... “Looks like someone started listening to the reasonable voices in her head,” Trevor Noah said after Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said she regretted endorsing QAnon conspiracy theories.Credit...Comedy Central From Trish Bendix Greene House Effect House Democrats voted on Thursday to strip Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments, - ["Judas and the Black Messiah" is Hit at Sundance Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/judas-and-the-black-messiah-is-hit-at-sundance-film-festival/) - "Judas and the Black Messiah,” the bio-pic about Fred Hampton, head of the Black Panthers in Illinois in the sixties, comes to us from a dynamic team. Director Shaka King (“Newlyweeds”) had met Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther”) in 2013 at Sundance. Coogler (“Black Panther”) approached Warner Brothers with 50% of the film’s financing in hand - ["At the Ready" Premieres at Sundance on Saturday, January 30th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/at-the-ready-premieres-at-sundance-on-saturday-january-30th/) - Director Maisie Crow of Austin, Texas, takes us inside Horizon High School, 10 mile from the border in El Paso, Texas, to explore the members of the Criminal Justice Club---students considering a career in law enforcement as members of the Border Patrol. The director’s write-up put it this way: “What is the price of pursuing - ["Land" Is Robin Wright's Feature Film Directorial Debut at Sundance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/land-is-robin-wrights-feature-film-directorial-debut-at-sundance/) - One of the more eagerly anticipated feature length films at “Sundance” was Robin Wright’s directorial debut, “Land.” Not only did she direct the piece, but she starred in it. Her co-star was Academy Award nominee Demian Bechir, nominated as Best Actor in 2011’s “A Better Life.” That sounded promising, as did the involvement of - ["Playing with Sharks" Features Fantastic Underwater Photography at Sundance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/playing-with-sharks-features-fantastic-underwater-photography-at-sundance/) - Filmmaker Sally Aitken took the glorious 16 millimeter film of Valerie May Taylor and her husband, Ron, and has made it into a 95-minute exploration of the fearless team, who braved the oceans of the world to study and photograph the alien world beneath the water, especially focusing on sharks. It was not their original - ["Misha and the Wolves" Is A Cautionary Tale at Sundance on January 31st](https://www.weeklywilson.com/misha-and-the-wolves-is-a-cautionary-tale-at-sundance-on-january-31st-world-premiere/) - Sam Hobkinson, the London-born writer/director of “Misha and the Wolves,” spoke to us prior to the World Premiere showing of “Misha and the Wolves” today at Sundance (1/31) and said, “This was a story I needed to film.” He went on to add, “This was a story about memory and imagination…about themes of storytelling. It - ["Coming Home in the Dark" at Sundance on HBO Max: Engrossing!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/coming-home-in-the-dark-at-sundance-on-hbo-max-engrossing/) - The New Zealand offering “Coming Home in the Dark,” from Director James Ashcroft unleashes a fast, high-energy road trip with a family that is set upon by two psychopaths with a grudge. The short story of the same name, written by Owen Marshall, was altered by Ashcroft and screenwriter Eli Kent, who had already adapted - [BYOB Means "Bring Your Own Brigade" in Sundance Documentary About Paradise (CA) Wildfire](https://www.weeklywilson.com/byob-means-bring-your-own-brigade-in-sundance-documentary-about-paradise-ca-wildfire/) - Brad Weldon is the “hippie star” and narrator for a documentary about the California wildfires entitled “Bring Your Own Brigade” ( BYOB.) Brad fought the Camp Fire of November 8, 2018, for 7 or 8 hours to save his house, likening it to “fighting an elephant with a piece of spaghetti.” In the course of - ["Sabaya" Has World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sabaya-has-world-premiere-at-sundance-film-festival-on-january-30-2021/) - The term “sabaya” refers to girls sold into sexual slavery in war-torn Middle Eastern countries. A Sabaya is a sex slave. This engrossing film from Hogir Hirori, his third film, captures and records the atrocities still ongoing in Sinjara province in northeast Syria. The Al-Hol camp there has 73,000 Daesh supporters, guarded by Kurdish forces. - ["Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided to Go For It" Premieres at Sundance on January 29, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rita-moreno-just-a-girl-who-decided-to-go-for-it-premieres-at-sundance-on-january-29-2021/) - This 90 minute documentary, directed by Mariem Perez Riera traces the life of Latino icon Rita Moreno, from her birth in Humacao, Puerto Rico in 1936, to her upcoming role reprising “West Side Story” with Steven Spielberg. (Film is slated for a December release). Along the way, such luminaries as Gloria Estefan, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi - [George Will's Remarks on Inauguration Day Address](https://www.weeklywilson.com/george-wills-remarks-on-inauguration-day-address/) - Remarks from George Will, abridged, Washington Post of 1/22/2021 Re Joe Biden's presidency: "There's some things that I'm going to be able to do by executive order," Biden said, "and I'm not going to hesitate to do it...but I am not going to violate the Constitution. Executive authority that my progressive fans talk about (e.g., - [Who Is Scott Perry, and What Are They Saying About Him?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/who-is-scott-perry-and-what-are-they-saying-about-him/) - Who is Scott Perry, and why are people calling for him to resign? Scott Perry (R, PA),s a retired Pennsylvania Army National Guard brigadier General. He served for nearly 40 years and had multiple deployments, including combat in Iraq. Perry was elected to the Pennsylvania legislature in 2012, a Republican from York County in Pennsylvania. - [Relief Mingled with Rage, from Black Writer Charles M. Blow](https://www.weeklywilson.com/relief-mingled-with-rage-from-black-writer-charles-m-blow/) - [Thoughts for today from New York Times writer Charles M. Blow, 1/22/2021, Abridged] “I had many feelings as I observed the Inauguration, a pageant of customs. The first was the feeling of having---remarkably and improbably---survived a calamity, like stumbling out of a wrecked car and frantically checking my body for injuries. Trump taught us, the - [Today's Thought of the Day from the Letters to the Editor in Austin, TX](https://www.weeklywilson.com/todays-thought-of-the-day-from-the-letters-to-the-editor-in-austin-tx/) - From Renee Potenza (of Austin, TX) "Get Off the Trump Train and Admit Your Mistake" To those friends and family members who voted for Donald J. Trump: Perhaps you are a life-long Republican. Maybe you have deeply held beliefs about those values for which the Republican Party used to stand. Maybe you got on the - [Liz Cheney Speaks Out & Further Editorial Remarks on 1/16](https://www.weeklywilson.com/liz-cheney-speaks-out-further-editorial-remarks-on-1-16/) - From Bret Stephens of the New York Times on 1/16/2021: "If Conservatives want to have a moral leg to stand on as they condemn a siege of a federal courthouse in Portland, Oregon, or a police station in Minneapolis, they have an obligation to impeach Trump now. The institutional case is clear: The president attacked - [January 13th is Historic Second Impeachment of Donald J. Trump](https://www.weeklywilson.com/january-13th-is-historic-second-impeachment-of-donald-j-trump/) - “Never trust politicians. They are craven. It’s an occupational attribute.” So began Charles M Blow of the New York Times in his essay today. I could relate to Mr. Blow, an African American essayist. I wrote this poem, entitled “Words” when I was 16 years old, in Independence, Iowa: If fewer words were spoken, If - [January 6th: How Lying to the U.S. for 4 Years Can Create Chaos](https://www.weeklywilson.com/january-6th-how-lying-to-the-u-s-for-4-years-can-create-chaos/) - The Austin American-Statesman Editorial Board (Austin, TX) posted this on Sunday, January 10, 2021: Politicians stretch the truth all the time. Some lies, though, are so big that they can pull at the seams of a nation, pit its people against one another, leave a wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood in the halls - [AntiFa Activists Not Responsible for the Insurrection at the Capitol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/antifa-activists-not-responsible-for-the-insurrection-at-the-capitol/) - Immediately after the breaching of the Capitol by Trump supporters, I experimented and checked to see if Fox was covering it (A: No, at that time). I went out on Twitter and Facebook to see what was being said. (A: "It was AntiFa!") Let the truth go forth. To steal a line from the Austin - [Kamala Harris Profiled by "Los Angeles Times"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18361-2/) - Kamala Harris official portrait (2017, Wikipedia.org) I picked up a copy of the Los Angeles Times' publication that profiled Kamala Harris. I plan to gift it to my granddaughters on their twelfth birthday this Monday, to show them that women can succeed at the highest levels of our society and that they must work hard - [How Did We Get Here? What's Happened to the GOP?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/how-did-we-get-here-whats-happened-to-the-gop/) - I don't know how many of you reading this digital page still get a REAL newspaper (i.e., paper) and, if you do get one, is it the Quad City Times? Since I am (currently) reading the Austin American-Statesman, a 150-year-old newspaper that was named Texas Newspaper of the Year 3 times and won national reocognition - [Our Wounds Are Deep: Let's Bind Them Up!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18352-2/) - On the heels of the data from the state of Texas that the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine is not set up in an equitable fashion (so far, nobody knows how, when, or where to get a shot), I read Eugene Robinson’s essay about Donald J. Trump’s attempt to overthrow our democracy. It originally appeared - [Trump's Lawless Masses Breach Capitol, Endanger Lawmakers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trumps-lawless-masses-breach-capitol-endanger-lawmakers/) - I'm watching CNN "live" and listening to the voice of Manu Raju, Senior Congressional Corespondent, as Vice President Pence is being escorted from the building. The Trump protesters have breached the building and the Vice President of the United States has been evacuated. Both chambers are now in recess and one U.S. female representative said - [January 6th: History Is Made on Capitol Hill During Ceremonial Meeting to Certify Election](https://www.weeklywilson.com/january-6th-history-is-made-on-capitol-hill-during-ceremonial-meeting-to-certify-election/) - Texas politicians have been involved in the contesting of the presidential election results far more than those of other states including: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (recently reported by his staff for taking bribes in the service of a wealthy realtor), U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert. The - [Racism in Trumpland](https://www.weeklywilson.com/racism-in-trumpland/) - Today is January 5th. Congress is meeting in Washington, D.C., preparing to certify Joe Biden's presidential win. Voting for 2 Georgia Senators is imminent. While browsing news channels at 3 a.m., I stumbled upon Don Lemon, interviewing Mitt Romney's old campaign manager and paired with a former campaign manager for Barack Obama. Both were talking - [Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to You !](https://www.weeklywilson.com/merry-christmas-happy-new-year-to-you/) - Today was two days after Christmas in Austin (Tx). It was 78 degrees at the airport. The holiday has also provided other 70+ days---all sunny---and, since arriving in early December, there have been at least 2 83 degree days. We celebrated Christmas Eve at my son's house opening presents and, on Christmas Day, between the - [Republicans and Their Dubious Relationship with Facts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/republicans-and-their-dubious-relationship-with-facts/) - Paul Krugman is a columnist for the New York Times, but he was reprinted in the Austin "American Statesman" today talking about why Republicans seem to have such a tenuous grip on facts. He has a point. I think some of the explanation behind Krugman's thesis can be laid at the feet of the fractured - [Podcast of December 17th: Christmas Book(s) for Sale!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/podcast-of-december-17th-christmas-books-for-sale/) - I posted the scheduled appearances for the rest of 2020 previously. This Thursday (Dec. 17) will, in fact, involve telling the audience about books for sale, but whether it will be Sean Leary's book or not remains to be seen. The evening will focus on the six-book series "The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats" if - [Listen to Weekly Wilson's Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/listen-to-weekly-wilsons-podcast/) - Available for download on Apple Itunes - [Podcast Guests in December Limned](https://www.weeklywilson.com/podcast-guests-in-december-limned/) - Tonight's guest on the 7 p.m. (CDT) Weekly Wilson podcast is Dylan Kai Dempsey, a New York-based writer/filmmaker and film critic. He covers all the major festivals and his reviews have been published in "Vanity Fair," "Variety," "NoFilmSchool," "Nonfiction.fr" and "IonCinema.com. In addition, Dylan is developing a graphic novel, #LikesforLukas" plus a TV series based - [Texas' Lt. Gov./Texas' Attorney General: Time for Changes Here?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-lt-gov-texas-attorney-general-time-for-changes-here/) - Posted By Sanford Nowlin on Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 3:20 PM From San Antonio; Reposted on Tuesday, Dec. 8th Wikimdia Commons / Gage Skidmore Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick After telling seniors they should be willing to risk contracting COVID-19 to protect the economy (see previous WeeklyWilson article), Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick doesn't seem to - [New Boston, Texas, on Night Three](https://www.weeklywilson.com/new-boston-texas-on-night-three/) - Day 3 found us driving from St. Louis to New Boston, Texas. The land was flat and uninspiring. I took several pictures along the way, especially one of a city sign for Pocahontas, Arkansas, in honor of our dear friends who used to live in Pocahontas, Iowa. Naturally, none of the pictures I took has - [Traveling Down to Texas: Day Two](https://www.weeklywilson.com/traveling-down-to-texas-day-two/) - Day Two of the Trip to Texas is upon us. I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. posting the previous post. That gave me time to watch all of the Sunday morning news shows that I had taped, which I had not had a chance to watch before our departure for Chicago. Being in Chicago at - [Travels to Texas: Night One](https://www.weeklywilson.com/travels-to-texas-night-one/) - On the road again. We've made it to Chicago and here is the view from my window. Way more lights in the South Loop than last year. On the way in on I-55 there was some sort of accident, so the 40 miles to the heart of Chicago took longer than usual, but we're here - [RoboCalls Number One in the State of Iowa (No Wonder No One Has A Land Line Any More)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/robocalls-number-one-in-the-state-of-iowa-no-wonder-no-one-has-a-land-line-any-more/) - According to James Q. Lynch of the Des Moines “Gazette” bureau, Iowa was Number One with a Bullet in receiving robo calls this election season. Transaction Network Services which analyzes over 1 billion calls a day determined that Iowa voters received more than 610,000 robocalls---most of them political in nature---during the presidential election. On November - [Dominion Voting Machine Conspiracy Theories: Only Crackpots Need Apply](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dominion-voting-machine-conspiracy-theories-only-crackpots-need-apply/) - Julian Sanchez of the Cato Institute warns that the crack-pot Dominion Voting Machine conspiracy theories are harming cyber-security: Last week, Julian Sanchez wrote about a crackpot conspiracy theory making the rounds: The allegation that voting machines or tabulation software produced by Dominion Voting Systems had somehow been “hacked” or “rigged” to alter the outcome of the - [Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned; Trump Sulks While A Quarter of a Million Die](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nero-fiddled-white-rome-burned-trump-sulks-while-a-quarter-of-a-million-die/) - The editorial below appeared in the Nov. 12th Quad City Times and was written by Michael Gerson (WaPo). When you're right, you're right and I'm sure Gerson has said this better than I could: ************************ President Donald Trump will be remembered for many things. For the audacity of his mendacity. (* He just fired the - [Trump Power Grab Is Going On Now: Pay Attention](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-power-grab-is-going-on-now-pay-attention/) - Trump exhorted his far-right army to mobilize for a sustained conflict over the election results. He refused to say whether he’d accept a legitimate loss. And he confirmed he’s expecting the Supreme Court to help invalidate countless legally cast ballots. Can Trump can pull off one of his most-discussed means for rigging the election: getting - [Thoughts, Post-Election, Regarding the Presidential Election of 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/thoughts-post-election-regarding-the-presidential-election-of-2020/) - I have purposely refrained from writing anything “post election,” hoping that I could post something very hopeful and positive. Instead, although former Vice President Joe Biden prevailed and has won enough votes to be declared the winner of the presidential race by everyone except hard-core Trump supporters, the news from the front was not as - ["Stormchaser" Is Well-done Short Film by Gretl Claggett](https://www.weeklywilson.com/stormchaser-is-potential-tv-pilot-and-well-done-short-film-by-gretl-claggett/) - Filmmaker Gretl Claggett both wrote and directed a short film/narrative pilot called “Stormchaser.” I’m not sure which Midwestern state is portrayed in this 27 minute film, but the license plate said Missouri, so I’ll take a wild guess that it was, indeed, Missouri. Gretl’s indie film, which might morph into a pilot if all goes - ["76 Days:" Engrossing Doc About the Outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan (Free Online)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/76-days-engrossing-doc-about-the-outbreak-of-covid-19-in-wuhan-free-online/) - “76 Days” is a 93-minute documentary about the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, a film directed and written by Hao Wu, Weixi Chen (the cinematographer) and an individual who chose to remain anonymous. One wonders how the team managed to record this battle within a Chinese hospital and whether the anonymity is because the - ["Drowning" (2020): Mom Obsesses Over Son's Service](https://www.weeklywilson.com/drowning-2020-mom-obsesses-over-sons-service/) - “Drowning” is a Melora Walters film, produced by Sergio Rizzuto’s Potato Eater Productions, in conjunction with Room in the Sky Films, Eight Trick Pony and Hero LA . Walters wrote, directed, and stars in the film. She has 110 credits as an actress, including “Boogie Nights,” and “Dead Poets’ Society.” She has 3 credits as - ["One of These Days:" A Snapshot of Small-town Texas Life at Hands On Contest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/one-of-these-days-a-snapshot-of-small-town-texas-life-at-hands-on-contest/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIs6jWlfyc4 Bastion Gauthier (Writer/Director) takes the topic of an annual endurance contest (Hands On) in Texas to win a pickup truck and turns it into a small-town tragedy. The contest promises thrilling entertainment to spectators and the chance of a lifetime for the participants, but it ends in real tragedy. The contest organizer, Joan Dempsey, - ["On Fellini's Footsteps" Retraces Fellini's Career](https://www.weeklywilson.com/on-fellinis-footsteps-retraces-fellinis-career/) - Meandering through Rome and Cinecittà, Gerald Morin, who worked with Fellini for over a decade, creates a touching portrait of the man, enriched by anecdotes from Fellini’s most important collaborators. The write-up on IMDB says it “throws us back to an era that is engraved in our collective memory.” I’ve been reviewing film non-stop for - ["The Comeback Trail" Will Leave You Laughing---and That's Just What We Need!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-comeback-trail-will-leave-you-laughing-and-thats-just-what-we-need/) - George Gallo and Josh Posner took an old idea (based on a 1982 film of the same name by Harry Hurwitz) and tweaked the basic idea of “The Producers” to give us the comedy “The Comeback Trail.” The movie stars Robert DeNiro, Tommy Lee Jones, Zach Braff, Morgan Freeman, Emile Hirsch and there is an - ["A Good Man" Is French LGBQT Film from Denver Film Festival and Cannes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18230-2/) - “A Good Man” is a LGBTQ French film directed by Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar. It is a Cannes Official Film Selection and the film had subtitles, but the trailer does not. (Dust off your French from high school or college.) Noemie Merlant, who was so powerful in last year’s “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” plays the - [Film Festival Favorite Theme: Losing One's Mind in "Little Fish"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/film-festival-favorite-theme-losing-ones-mind-in-little-fish/) - Every year, attending film festivals in Chicago, Texas, Colorado and elsewhere, there is often a pattern that emerges for that year’s films. Sometimes, it’s a similarity of titles. Sometimes, it’s a similarity of theme. In 1984 there was “The River” and “Places in the Heart,” two movies about families losing the family farm. One starred - ["Once Upon A Time in Venezuela:" Examines the Fate of the Village of Congo Mirador](https://www.weeklywilson.com/once-upon-a-time-in-venezuela-examines-the-fate-of-the-village-of-congo-mirador/) - This documentary that showed at the 43rd Denver Film Festival was helmed by Annabel Rodriguez Rios and Sepp R. Bruderon (editor/writer) who visited the remote village of Congo Mirador many times over the course of years, watching it shrink from a village with population of 700 to 30 families and, ultimately, to an abandoned village. - ["Til Kingdom Come" Explores the Evangelical/Jewish Connection](https://www.weeklywilson.com/til-kingdom-come-explores-the-evangelical-jewish-connection/) - “Til Kingdom Come” has played both the 56th Chicago International Film Festival and the 43rd Denver Film Festival, spelling out the close relationship between evangelical Christians and the Jewish community in Israel. The 77-minute film is directed by Director Maya Zinshtein. It’s difficult to understand how this symbiotic partnership has flourished, given the prophecies in - ["Meat the Future" Explains How Meat Can Be Grown in Labs and Replace "Real" Meat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/meat-the-future-explains-how-meat-can-be-grown-in-labs-and-replace-real-meat/) - Now playing the 43rd Denver Film Festival, “Meat the Future” is a Liz Marshall documentary that explains the brainchild of cardiac surgeon Uma Valeti, who has formed Memphis Meats to bring meat grown in laboratories to market. Dr. Valeti actually was a trained cardiac surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, but he had been haunted for - ["A Perfect Enemy" Is a Film To Intrigue from Director Kike Maillo](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-perfect-enemy-is-a-film-to-intrigue-from-director-kike-maillo/) - The intriguing film “A Perfect Enemy” starring Tomasz Kot (Cold War), was directed by 45-year-old Spanish-born director Kike Maillo. Maillo helmed the 2012 film “Eva,” when 37, and it won him the Best New Director award from the Cinema Writers Circle Award in Spain and an award for Best Special Effects (2012). This time out, - ["Bleeding Audio" Relates the Story of "The Matches" Band at Denver Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bleeding-audio-relates-the-story-of-the-matches-band-at-denver-film-festival/) - Chelsea Christer's documentary about Oakland’s “The Matches” rock band tries to answer the question, “What was ‘The Matches’ downfall?” In doing so, it may just open up a second chance for “Matches” stardom. The 91-minute documentary is currently playing the Denver Film Festival and doing well at other film festivals, nationwide. Tattoos with the message - [How Trump Might Try to Cheat to Win](https://www.weeklywilson.com/how-trump-might-try-to-cheat-to-win/) - This is a slightly truncated version of the original "Washington Post" article that explains one of the likely methods that DJT will/would try to use to steal the November 3rd presidential election. Could Trump steal the election? Here’s one way to find out. (Sept. 30, 2020) The disastrous debate that unfolded in Ohio should prompt - ["Kubrick by Kubrick" Entertains at the 56th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/kubrick-by-kubrick-entertains-at-the-56th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Stanley Kubrick was a legendary perfectionist whose demands for more and more takes for a scene in one of his movies would nearly drive the actors to drink. This documentary, showing at the 56th Chicago International Film Festival, discusses that facet of Kubrick’s work and personality. Sterling Hayden, interviewed in the documentary “Kubrick by - ["How Did You Like Them Apples?" (A: I Didn't)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/how-did-you-like-them-apples-a-i-didnt/) - Greek director Christos Nikou has crafted a film about a pandemic that causes amnesia and a bureau, the Disturbed Memory Department for Amnesiacs, that works to re-educate those so affected. It opens with the main character, Aris (Aris Servetalis) knocking his head against a wall and, shortly thereafter, he is on a bus but has - [Rachel Brosnahan Plays Jean in "I'm Your Woman," an Amazon Original Film at the 56th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rachel-brosnahan-plays-jean-in-im-your-woman-an-amazon-original-film-at-the-56th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Rachel Brosnahan, familiar to television audiences as Mrs. Maisel, has a different role as Jean in the feature length film, “I’m Your Woman,” an Amazon original movie now showing at the .56th Chicago International Film Festival and a nominee for the Golden Hugo award. The film unfolds a bit like peeling back the layers of - [Showtime "Belushi" Documentary Features Closest Friends' Testimony on Comic Star](https://www.weeklywilson.com/showtime-belushi-documentary-features-closest-friends-testimony-on-comic-star/) - The Opening Night Film of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival on Wednesday, October 14th, was the World Premiere of the documentary “Belushi.” It not only showed at a drive-in on Throop Street in Pilsen, but was streamed to those of us at home. John Belushi---one of the 7 original members of the “Saturday Night - [Dan Partland ("Unfit") Re-Scheduled for October 22nd on Weekly Wilson Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dan-partland-unfit-re-scheduled-for-october-22nd-on-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - My apologies to all who tuned in to hear me speak with Dan Partland, Writer/Director/Producer of “Unfit,” the #1 Amazon documentary that answers the question, “What the hell is wrong with Donald J. Trump?” Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, my show was not on the air on 10/15, but Dan Partland has agreed - ["Unfit" by Director Dan Partland Documents Trump's Mental Health](https://www.weeklywilson.com/unfit-by-director-dan-partland-documents-trumps-mental-health/) - The documentary “Unfit,” (now available for rental on Amazon Prime) is the perfect companion piece for Mary Trump’s book “Too Much and Never Enough.” Both informative works feature trained professional psychiatrists or psychologists speculating on the line that the documentary mentions early on, articulated by George Conway (husband of Kellyanne Conway), “What is wrong with - [It's Been A Rough Four Years](https://www.weeklywilson.com/its-been-a-rough-four-years/) - [Supreme Court: To Pack or Not to Pack. That is the Question.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/supreme-court-to-pack-or-not-to-pack-that-is-the-question/) - When I heard the accusation about “stacking the court” from Pence (at the VP debate) it rang a bell with me from the book by William Dallek I am currently reading, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt: A Political Life.” I knew that FDR had tried to “pack” the Supreme Court—-as Pence termed it. And FDR’s effort failed. - [Vice Presidential Race Held in Utah on Oct. 7, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vice-presidential-race-held-in-utah-on-oct-7-2020/) - The only vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence was held last night (October 7th) and the majority of viewers polled by CNN thought (59% to 38%) that Harris had won the debate. Some observations: Unanswered Questions – There was a distressing tendency for the participants NOT to answer the question asked. Sometimes - [Don't Cry For Me, White House Staffers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dont-cry-for-me-white-house-staffers/) - [President Contracts Covid-19: Debates Likely Dead](https://www.weeklywilson.com/president-contracts-covid-19-debates-likely-dead/) - Trump has tested positive for Covid-19. He was scheduled for a pair of rallies in Wisconsin tomorrow, October 2nd. What now? Supposedly Trump and Melania will quarantine at the White House, according to the First Lady's tweet. In coming back from Cleveland, Trump was surrounded by a large number of advisors and family members. The - [Trump VS Biden on Sept. 29th, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-vs-biden-on-sept-29th-2020/) - Debate #1 is history and it was largely "sound and fury signifying nothing. Besides probably yukking it up about the complete lack of presidential decorum displayed, it was described by Jake Tapper as “A hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” Others called it “exhausting,” “ove-torqued,” “monstrous,” “out-of-control” and “frightening.” Even Republican - ["New York Times" Reveals Details of Trump's Tax Records](https://www.weeklywilson.com/new-york-times-reveals-details-of-trumps-tax-records/) - The New York Times article (which I read) says Trump paid $750 in taxes in 2016 and again in 2017 but no taxes at all in 10 of the last 15 years. “A devastating picture of a president who is counting on the presidency to prop him up.” That assessment is consistent with the reasons - ["Infidel," Starring Jim Cavaziel, Entertains While Subtly Preaching](https://www.weeklywilson.com/infidel-starring-jim-cavaziel-entertains-while-subtly-preaching/) - The film “Infidel,” backed by notoriously conservative producer (and convicted felon) Dinesh D’Souza, opened September 18th with lead Jim Cavaziel portraying Doug Rawlins, the husband of a U.S. state department employee (she deals with trade matters) who is kidnapped in Egypt while on a speaking tour. Doug makes the bad mistake of trying to sell - [FREE Book Give-away Details & October "Weekly Wilson" Programs](https://www.weeklywilson.com/free-book-give-away-details-october-weekly-wilson-programs/) - The Weekly Wilson program of 9/24 was a pot-pourri of my favorite topics: politics, movies, books and random facts. I did announce the FREE give-away that will coincide with the debate dates. Consider it your reward for being a good citizen and sitting through the 4 debate nights: 9/29; 10/7; 10/15; 10/22 and 10/23. What - [Firefly II, 20th Anniversary Prius, Almost Drives A Mile Before Being Rear-ended](https://www.weeklywilson.com/firefly-ii-20th-anniversary-prius-almost-drives-a-mile-before-being-rear-ended/) - It's Tuesday and I drove to the Toyota dealership to pick up my brand new Toyota Prius. This wasn't just ANY Prius. It is a 2021 Twentieth Anniversary Prius, with only 1200 being made, nationwide, with exactly the type of detail, and our dealership (Hiland Toyota) getting only 2 cars: red and white, both with - [Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" Hits Theaters](https://www.weeklywilson.com/christopher-nolans-tenet-hits-theaters/) - Director Christopher Nolan started tinkering around with the concept of time many years ago on a much smaller budget with 2000’s “Memento.” I liked it so much that, on a visit to the Twin Cities, I took a girlfriend and her husband to see it, my second time. It was unique, original, interesting, exciting and - [Reprint of Some Relevant Information](https://www.weeklywilson.com/reprint-of-some-relevant-information/) - Trump has a long history of racist controversies Here’s a breakdown of Trump’s history, taken largely from Dara Lind’s list for Vox and an op-ed by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times: 1973: The US Department of Justice — under the Nixon administration, out of all administrations — sued the Trump Management Corporation for violating the Fair Housing Act. Federal - [Baby Hannah Gets Married (Sept. 6, 2020)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/baby-hannah-gets-married-sept-6-2020/) - [A Look Back at Thoughts on Quora 2 Years Ago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-look-back-at-thoughts-on-quora-2-years-ago/) - Are there people who should not have been born? Connie Wilson · November 14, 2018 Film Critic: www.TheMovieBlog.com (1970–present) Originally Answered: Out of all the famous people in history, who do you think should have never been born? The obvious answer to “Who in history should never have been born?” would be Adolph Hitler, but, - [Sergio Rizzuto on September 10th "Weekly Wilson" Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sergio-rizzuto-on-september-10th-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - I passed the halfway point in podcasting tonight, with the 27th show in a year-long commitment on the Bold Brave Media Global Network. The show is entitled Weekly Wilson, just like my blog, and, aside from not being able to do a show after the derechco of August 10th knocked out my Internet and our - [Jonathan Baker, Director, to Guest on Sept. 3rd on Weekly Wilson Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jonathan-baker-director-to-guest-on-sept-3rd-on-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - Thursday night's Weekly Wilson podcast (7 to 8 p.m. on the Bold Brave Media Global Network) will feature aspiring director Jonathan Baker, whose film "Inconceivable," featuring Nicolas Cage, Gina Gershon and Faye Dunaway, was released by Lionsgate and was the director's first feature length film. Jonathan had director Neal Thibedeau follow him as he contacted - [Portland Mayor: Stay the Hell Out of the Way](https://www.weeklywilson.com/portland-mayor-stay-the-hell-out-of-the-way/) - "President Trump: For 4 years, we've had to live with you and your racist attacks on black people. We learned early about your sexist attitudes towards women. We've had to endure clips of you mocking a disabled man. We've had to listen to your anti-democratic attacks on journalists. We've read your tweets slamming private citizens - [Russell Crowe is "Unhinged" in the Film of the Same Name](https://www.weeklywilson.com/russell-crowe-is-unhinged-in-the-film-of-the-same-name/) - About 62 percent of U.S. locations were open this weekend, with an estimated total gross of around $15 million to $16 million. If all theaters were open, $25 million or above would have been the total. That same weekend last year (which included the three days before Labor Day) totaled $92 million. Conclusion: movie theaters - [Chadwick Boseman of "Black Panther" Dead at 43](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chadwick-boseman-of-black-panther-dead-at-43/) - The news that Chadwick Boseman was dead at 43, which came to us on Friday, August 28th, was very sad news, indeed. Boseman had been battling colon cancer for 4 years. He was married to Taylor Simone Ledward. This young actor from Anderson, South Carolina, was a great one. He was the son of Carolyn - [Former Head of Homeland Security Supports Biden](https://www.weeklywilson.com/former-head-of-homeland-security-supports-biden/) - Mi - [RNC's Disconnect from Reality](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rncs-disconnect-from-reality/) - [Having just finished watching both the DNC and the RNC and doing a "live" podcast discussing both, I am reprinting here the observations of another, Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post. I'll ultimately put down my own thoughts about the two conventions, articulated "live" on Weekly Wilson podcast last night in discussion with author Michael - ["Hard Kill" Lead Sergio Rizzuto on September 10th Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hard-kill-opens-on-aug-25th-talk-with-its-3rd-lead-on-sept-13-live-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - “Hard Kill” is a typical Bruce Willis action movie that features lots of shooting and numerous fights. It stars Bruce Willis, although the heavy water is lifted by Good Guy Jesse Metcalfe as Derek Miller, the leader of a brave band of former Special Forces types who are hired to protect Willis and help him - [Steve Bannon Is Arrested for Fraud on Aug. 20, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/steve-bannon-is-arrested-for-fraud-on-aug-20-2020/) - Former top Trump strategist Steve Bannon was arrested for defrauding the public with a "We Build the Wall" Go Fund Me campaign that began in December of 2018 and brought in in excess of $25 million dollars. Bannon was not really building a wall. He was collecting money from suckers to build a wall. All - [Michelle Obama Is Keynote at DNC First Night Aug. 17, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/michelle-obama-is-keynote-at-dnc-first-night-aug-17-2020/) - [Jon Land, Author, to Guest on Weekly Wilson Podcast on August 20th (7 p.m., CDT)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jon-land-author-to-guest-on-weekly-wilson-podcast-on-august-20th-7-p-m-cdt/) - New York Times Best-selling author Jon Land will be my guest on Weekly Wilson podcast this coming Thursday, Aug. 20th, at 7 p.m.CDT on the Bold Brave Media Global Network and Tune-In Radio. New York Times Best-selling author Jon Land has a new offering in his Caitlin Strong series. The new book, eleventh in the - [](https://www.weeklywilson.com/18054-2/) - [Storm Hits Quad Cities with 130 MPH Winds on August 10th, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/storm-hits-quad-cities-with-130-mph-winds-on-august-10th-2020/) - A storm stretching 777 miles, with a diameter of 140 miles hit the Quad Cities and much of the rest of the state(s) of Iowa, Illinois an Nebrasks (among others) cut a wide swath of destruction and downed power lines. I was on the phone at roughly 2 p.m. when the wind began throwing branches - [The Lincoln Project's "Mourning in America" Paints a Picture of the U.S. Today](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-lincoln-projects-mourning-in-america-paints-a-picture-of-the-u-s-today/) - [Biden: Building Back Better](https://www.weeklywilson.com/biden-building-back-better/) - (*The following Opinion piece is by famous Conservative columnist George Will and is being reprinted here after its appearance in the Quad City Times. Will writes for the Washington Post.) Moments after becoming president on August 9, 1973, Gerald Ford said, "Our long national nightmare is over." Having served a quarter-century in Congress, he understood that - [Drive-In Movies: Are They Back?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/drive-in-movies-are-they-back/) - Drive-in theaters will definitely make a “comeback,” if you want to call it a comeback when there were always a few that were still operating. My birthday was Thursday and, in an attempt to go to a movie somewhere other than my living room, I searched for any operating theaters in a two-state area near - [Don, Jr., Describes Dear Old Dad](https://www.weeklywilson.com/don-jr-describes-dear-old-dad/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HJlk_EH1_Y - [Tori Eldridge to Speak on Thursday, July 16 "Weekly Wilson" Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tori-eldridge-to-speak-on-thursday-july-16-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - Tori Eldridge is the Anthony and Lefty Awards-nominated author of The Ninja Daughter, which was named one of the Best Mystery Books of the Year by the South Florida Sun Sentinel and awarded 2019 Thriller Book of the Year by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network. Her short stories appear in several anthologies and - [Donald J. Trump and His Racist History](https://www.weeklywilson.com/donald-j-trump-and-his-racist-history/) - Trump has a long history of racist controversies Here’s a breakdown of Trump’s history, taken largely from Dara Lind’s list for Vox and an op-ed by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times: 1973: The US Department of Justice — under the Nixon administration, out of all administrations — sued the Trump Management Corporation for violating the Fair Housing Act. Federal - [Suzi Quatro as Leather Tuscadero on "Happy Days"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/suzi-quatro-as-leather-tuscadero-on-happy-days/) - [Suzi Quatro: "If You Can't Give Me Love"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/suzi-quatro-if-you-cant-give-me-love/) - [Suzi Quatro Performances](https://www.weeklywilson.com/suzi-quatro-performances/) - [Details for Watching the Suzi Quatro Documentary](https://www.weeklywilson.com/details-for-watching-the-suzi-quatro-documentary/) - Some of you who hear the Suzi Quatro interview on Thursday, June 25th at 7 p.m. on the Bold Brave Media Global Network (or Tune-In Radio) may be wondering how you can find the documentary on her life and her music. With theaters closed, Utopia Distribution will host a "SUZI Q" virtual event on July 1st - [Suzi Quatro To Guest on Weekly Wilson on Thursday, June 25](https://www.weeklywilson.com/suzi-quatro-to-guest-on-weekly-wilson-on-thursday-june-25/) - Suzi Quatro, rock & roll legend, will be calling in to chat on the Weekly Wilson program of Thursday, June 25th. (Bold Brave Media Global Network and Tune-In Radio; 7 p.m. CDT on Thursday.) U.S. audiences often remember Suzi best for her portrayal of Leather Tuscadero on "Happy Days" and her hit "Stumblin' In," which - [New York Times Best-Selling Author Heather Graham Pozzessere on Weekly Wilson 6/18](https://www.weeklywilson.com/new-york-times-best-selling-author-heather-graham-pozzessere-on-weekly-wilson-6-18/) - Heather Graham Pozzessere will join me in roughly 4 hours on the podcast "Weekly Wilson" and we will all find out how a woman with 5 children can possibly write hundreds of novels in her spare time. Heather has been turning out a prodigious amount of work since the 1980s, having retired from her previous - [Spike O'Dell (Spike At the Mike) Entertains on June 11th Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/spike-odell-spike-at-the-mike-entertains-on-june-11th-podcast/) - Spike O’Dell, former WGN and Quad City native and radio personality, was the guest on the hour-long podcast Weekly Wilson on Thursday, June 11th, from 7 to 8 p.m. The hour-long podcast is carried by the Bold Brave Media Global Network and Tune-In Radio, Channel 100. [While the site says it is on at 8 - [SPIKE "At the Mike" O'DELL TO GUEST on 6/11](https://www.weeklywilson.com/spike-at-the-mike-odell-to-guest-on-6-11/) - We recently drove from Austin, Texas, to the Quad Cities, through Oklahoma, Missouri, and Chicago. The entire landscape seemed dystopian and surreal. Nothing was open except large food chains like Wendy’s, Taco Belle, and McDonald’s, which had lines snaking through the drive-throughs, but signs on the doors saying, “No dining inside. Curb pick-up only.” Rest - [Podcast Shows of June, July, and Mid-August](https://www.weeklywilson.com/podcast-shows-of-june-july-and-mid-august/) - I am currently booking guests for my Thursday night podcast into August. While my last post addressed the months of May (one week remaining) and June, here are those tentatively scheduled for June, July and August. This week's author is Anita Oswald, author of "West Side Girl," a nice companion to last week's book "Redlined" - [Weekly Wilson Programs of May 21 and May 28th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weekly-wilson-programs-of-may-21-and-may-28th/) - May 21st - My guest on Weekly Wilson, the podcast, at 7 p.m. (CDT) on Thursday was Linda Gratz, talking about her book "Redlined." It was a fascinating hour. May 28th - My guest this coming Thursday will be Anita Solick Oswald, author of "West Side Girl" ad a founding member of the Boulder Writing - [FREE BOOKS ON AMAZON FOR THREE DAYS](https://www.weeklywilson.com/free-books-on-amazon-for-three-days/) - Just a reminder that THE COLOR OF EVIL, book number one in the award-winning series of the same name, is FREE for 3 days: May 15, 16 and 17th. In addition, the second book in the three-book series, RED IS FOR RAGE, is also being offered FREE for those 3 days. This series was named - [This Ad Says It All](https://www.weeklywilson.com/this-ad-says-it-all/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOhs-tzVm1g - [Glen Campbell Documentary on Alzheimer's Hits Home](https://www.weeklywilson.com/glen-campbell-documentary-on-alzheimers-hits-home/) - My father had Alzheimer's disease. He knew he was losing his memory as early as his 65th birthday, and he took me aside to tell me that he was divesting of all trusts where he was the trustee and trying to "get out from under" all obligations, because he was losing his memory. When I - [Weekly Wilson Podcasts of May 7th and May 14th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weekly-wilson-podcasts-of-may-7th-and-may-14th/) - The Weekly Wilson podcast of May 7th featured Dan Decker, filmmaker, author, lecturer, founder of the Chicago Screenwriting School and the Las Vegas Shakespeare Troupe. Whoever called in from Chicago (Dan’s home town), we apologize for not getting to your question. The period of time on hold tends to be quite long, with up to - [What's Trump Been Up To? GOP Against Trump's New Ad](https://www.weeklywilson.com/whats-trump-been-up-to-gop-against-trumps-new-ad/) - [Jennifer Berliner, Heart Transplant Survivor, on Weekly Wilson on 4/30](https://www.weeklywilson.com/17884-2/) - Weekly Wilson of 4/30 with heart transplant survivor Jennifer Berliner brought in a record number of phone call questions. There were 5 callers, [although one left line before we could get past the commercial to take the question]. One was from Colorado. I don't know anyone in Colorado. One was from area code 301. (What - [4/30/2020 Podcast with Jennifer Berliner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/4-30-2020-podcast-with-jennifer-berliner/) - My guest on my Weekly Wilson podcast on the Bold Brave Media Global Network and Tune-In radio on April 29, Thursday, at 7 p.m. (CDT) will be Jennifer Berliner (pictured above). At 15 years old, Jennifer was treated for bone cancer (Askin’s Sarcoma) and one of the drugs used afterwards, known as “red devils,” caused - [Heart Transplant/Cancer Survivor Gives Sheltering Tips on 4/30 WEEKLY WILSON Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/heart-transplant-cancer-survivor-gives-sheltering-tips-on-4-30-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - My guest on my Weekly Wilson podcast on the Bold Brave Media Global Network and Tune-In radio on April 29, Thursday, at 7 p.m. (CDT) will be Jennifer Berliner (pictured below and to the left). At 15 years old, Jennifer was treated for bone cancer (Askin’s Sarcoma) and one of the drugs used afterwards, known - [Coronavirus Updates from the Front](https://www.weeklywilson.com/coronavirus-updates-from-the-front/) - We've hit yet another shocking and tragic milestone: More than 1 million Americans are confirmed through testing to have been infected with the coronavirus, and the real number is far higher than that because of all the testing that's not being done. That's one-third of all the cases in the world. Here in the richest, - [Easter During the Pandemic in Austin](https://www.weeklywilson.com/easter-during-the-pandemic-in-austin/) - It's Easter Sunday and my family and I are still sheltering in place in Austin (TX). On Thursday, April 9th, the long-awaited interview with Eric and Eliza Roberts went off without too many hitches, and you can hear it for yourself by clicking on the button on this page. The couple couldn't have been more - [Rest in Peace, Wendy: We Love You](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rest-in-peace-wendy-we-love-you/) - We lost Wendy (far right), the Best Sister-in-Law in the World, on Saturday, April 18th. She was 62. She had been battling cancer for over a year. Recently, the cancer (leukemia, this time) had returned and her immune system was compromised when 3 different strains of flu hit. She had a high fever and - [Executive Producer Ed Dezevallos Shares on Weekly Wilson Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/executive-producer-ed-dezevallos-shares-on-weekly-wilson-podcast/) - Tonight's guest on "Weekly Wilson," Ed Dezevallos, the 75-year-old Executive Producer of "Lone Star Deception" (now streaming on Amazon) was my guest tonight at 7 p.m. CDT. Ed was an especially great guest, as he could "take the ball and run with it" conversationally, and, therefore, you get to hear less of me and more - [I had my teeth cleaned on February 19th.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/i-had-my-teeth-cleaned-on-february-19th/) - ["Shooting Heroin" Examines the Opioid Epidemic in Pennsylvania](https://www.weeklywilson.com/shooting-heroin-examines-the-opioid-epidemic-in-pennsylvania/) - “Shooting Heroin” is a film from writer/director/producer/editor Spencer T. Folmar of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. It has a vigilante justice approach to solving the problem of young people shooting heroin and overdosing in this remote area right in the middle of the state of Pennsylvania, where 10 teenagers a day were dying of the opioid epidemic in - [Tune In to Weekly Wilson, the Podcast on Thursday Nights (7 p.m., CDT)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tune-in-to-weekly-wilson-the-podcast-on-thursday-nights-7-p-m-cdt/) - The upcoming guest list for the Weekly Wilson podcast on the Bold Brave Media Global Network, while subject to changes in these uncertain times, looks like this through mid-May: April 2, Thursday, 7 p.m. CDT – Texas author Charlotte Canion will speak with Connie about her book, “You Have to Laugh to Keep from Crying,” - [Weekly Wilson Podcast(s) of April 2 and April 9, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weekly-wilson-podcasts-of-april-2-and-april-9-2020/) - Tonight's podcast with Texas author Charlotte Canion went well. Charotte said she had had two previous radio shows, and she had much to share about caring for one's elderly relatives, while also coping with one's own health and family responsibilities. Charlotte has 20 grandchildren or great-grandchildren and is a cancer survivor. We talked about her - [Singing in Italy During the Pandemic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/singing-in-italy-during-the-pandemic/) - ["Keep Austin Weird"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/keep-austin-weird/) - [Trump's Statements Through This Crisis Tell the Truth (Which He Doesn't)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trumps-statements-through-this-crisis-tell-the-truth-which-he-doesnt/) - The Covid-19 Coronavirus was first reported on December 1, 2019, in China by a courageous physician, Dr. Li Wenliang, who told other physicians that a SARS-like illness was spreading. For his concern, he was arrested along with 6 others and obliged to apologize for "spreading rumors." Dr. Li Wenliang died of COVID-19 on February 7th. - [Texas Lt. Gov. Patrick Calls for the Wrong Kind of Sacrifice](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-lt-gov-patrick-calls-for-the-wrong-kind-of-sacrifice/) - (*This is reprinted from the Opinion page of the 3/25 Austin American Statesman, who responded to the news that Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick had made some remarks about re-opening the economy, which were not only controversial, but stupid). "Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has offered a reckless and false choice: Let some seniors die or - ["Weekly Wilson" Podcast of Thursday, March 26th: Politics](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weekly-wilson-podcast-of-thursday-march-26th-politics/) - My second podcast was an interview with Texas author Michael Serrapica, author of "Conned Conservatives and Led-On Liberals." We talked about the various propaganda techniques that abound in politics. Michael has agreed to join me at 7 p.m. (CDT) on Thursday, March 26th, to talk more about politics, in general, and about my two political - [What You Might Stream or Screen While Maintaining Social Isolation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/what-you-might-stream-or-screen-while-maintaining-social-isolation/) - Ted Hicks (worked in film in NYC.) His degree from Iowa was as a filmmaker. He was in charge of awarding the Christopher Award in New York City for years, post military service. He was a college friend at the University of Iowa. Ted has put together a list of good things to stream, and - [Low Cut Connie Fuels March 21st Birthday Party & Will Sing Again on March 23rd](https://www.weeklywilson.com/low-cut-connie-fuels-march-21st-birthday-party-will-sing-again-on-march-23rd/) - https://www.facebook.com/lowcutconnie/videos/215976749611641/ Low Cut Connie, the South Philly group that emulates Jerry Lee Lewis in his prime, played a gig from the bedroom of lead singer Adam Weinert on Saturday, March 21st at 5 p.m. CDT. The group has, on a previous occasion, played the Rust Belt in East Moline, although we saw him at Lucy's - [Al Franken Speaks Out on Covid-19 Crisis](https://www.weeklywilson.com/al-franken-speaks-out-on-covid-19-crisis/) - (From former Senator Al Franken, 3/19) Well, it finally isn’t funny anymore – the grandiosity, the ignorance, the cruelty, the bullying, the racism, the petty insults and incessant stupidity. But especially the non-stop lying. The greatest asset that a president can bring to a crisis is credibility. On Day One of his presidency, Donald Trump - [Film Star Eric Roberts Speaks to "Weekly Wilson"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/film-star-eric-roberts-speaks-to-weekly-wilson/) - The interview with Eric Roberts (up as podcast #3) saw me prepare an Introduction and some questions for the actor. It ended up being me talking "All About Eric" and speaking with the Executive Producer Ed Dezevallos about the film "Lone Star Deception," but the actual interview was bumped. Plans were to do the interview - [Bold Brave Media Postpones all Podcasts, Including "Weekly Wilson" Podcast of 3/19](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bold-brave-media-postpones-all-podcasts-including-weekly-wilson-podcast-of-3-19/) - I received a memo from Bold Brave Media Global Network, originators of my podcast "Weekly Wilson" today, stating: "Due to the current situation that is facing our country and our world today, BBM will not be broadcasting live shows this week. All shows will air a rerun of a previous show. We are monitoring the - [March 19th "Weekly Wilson" Podcast to Feature Eric & Eliza Roberts, Ed DeZevallos](https://www.weeklywilson.com/march-19th-weekly-wilson-podcast-to-feature-eric-eliza-roberts-ed-dezevallos/) - Due to circumstances beyond our control, the podcast of March 12th turned into a one-hour stroll down memory lane and into the storied career of film star Eric Roberts, with a call-in from "Lone Star Deception" Executive Producer Ed Dezevallos. Ed not only co-wrote "Lone Star Deception" and had a small part as Dwight Jones, - [Eric Roberts to Be Interviewed on "Weekly Wilson"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/eric-roberts-to-be-interviewed-on-weekly-wilson/) - Film star Eric Roberts ("King of the Gypsies," "RunAway Train," "The Pope of Greenwich Village," "Star 80") will be a guest on Thursday, March 12th, 7 p.m., on the podcast "Weekly Wilson." His newest film, "Lone Star Deception," will be one of the topics under discussion (*Film soon available on Amazon). Tune in to Bold - [Weekly Wilson on Channel 100, Bold Brave Media Global Network Debuts 2/27 @ 7 p.m. (CDT)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weekly-wilson-on-channel-100-bold-brave-media-global-network-debuts-2-27-7-p-m-cdt/) - My podcast, entitled Weekly Wilson (like this blog) launches at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th on Channel 100 of Bold Brave Media Global Network. As the maiden voyage of the Hindenburg floats out over the airwaves of Bold Brave Media Global Network, you can call in at 866-451-1451. I've already lined up eleven-year-old twins - [H.Q. Trivia Game Dies A Grisly Death on Valentine's Day (2020)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/h-q-trivia-game-dies-a-grisly-death-on-valentines-day-2020/) - H.Q. Trivia dies. - [Revolution or Evolution? New Hampshire & Politics](https://www.weeklywilson.com/revolution-or-evolution-new-hampshire-politics/) - The New Hampshire primary election results are in, and the political choice between revolution and evolution continues. I liked Chris Matthews characterization of the race as this: "Americans are looking for a designated driver. They just want someone to safely drive the car so they can say, 'You got this' and go do anything else." - [Oscar Night Predictions on February 9, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/oscar-night-predictions-on-february-9-2020/) - My favorite picture of the year, if anyone cares, for sheer enjoyment, was “Ford v. Ferrari.” It doesn’t have a chance for anything but the sound editing and potentially some visual effects. So, here are my picks, based on having seen almost all of the films. (I do admit that I have not seen “Little - [Chaos and Confusion in the Corn State](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chaos-and-confusion-in-the-corn-state/) - Iowa drops the ball on caucus night, February 3. We still don't know the results of the Iowa caucuses of Monday night, and it's Tuesday afternoon. Donald J. Trump will, no doubt, say something along the lines of, "Look at the Democrats. They can't even hold an election. How can they run a country?" when - [E-book Titles on Sale & Radio Show Coming](https://www.weeklywilson.com/e-book-titles-on-sale-radio-show-coming/) - I've been offering some titles for sale (on Kindle) for $1.99 this month, and it seems like a good time to mention which ones are (still) going to be reduced in price for the rest of January and February. January 26, "Obama's Odyssey: The 2008 Race for the White House," Vol. 2, will be on - [Who Will Be Nominated for the Oscars on January 13th?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/who-will-be-nominated-for-the-oscars-on-january-13th/) - First, let’s mention the potential Best Actor nominees to be awarded in 2020 for the films of 2019. BEST ACTOR: Joaquin Phoenix, who will probably win, if nominated, for “The Joker.” Christian Bale for “Ford v. Ferrari” Taron Egerton as Elton John in “Rocketman” Either or both of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt for “Once - [Dr. Jill Biden Addresses Supporters in Clinton on January 2, 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dr-jill-biden-addresses-supporters-in-clinton-on-january-2-2020/) - Dr. Jill Biden came to Clinton, Iowa’s Biden headquarters at 415 South 2nd Street and spoke to a crowd of approximately 30 faithful Democratic supporters who agree with former Vice President Joseph Biden’s wife that, “Anyone can tell you what they want to do, but Joe Biden can tell you what he’s done.” Most of - [Best Movies of 2000-2019?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/best-movies-of-2000-2019/) - With Oscar Isaac at the premiere of "Inside Llewyn Davis" at the Chicago International Film Festival in 2013. Two writers (Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr) from the Associated Press recently penned an article entitled “A Look at the Decade’s Best Big-Screen Releases.” The list, according to these two, was as follows: “Tree of Life” “Phantom - [Director Sam Mendes Appears with "1917" in Chicago December 10 at the AMC Theater](https://www.weeklywilson.com/director-sam-mendes-appears-with-1917-in-chicago-december-10-at-the-amc-theater/) - Sam Mendes, director of such classic films as “American Beauty,” “Road to Perdition.” “Skyfall” (one-time husband of actress Kate Winslet---7 years, ending in 2010) visited Chicago with the two leads from “1917.” His co-writer on the film, Krysty Wilson-Caerns and stars George McKay and Dean-Charles Chapman were also in attendance. “1917, plotwise, is a bit - ["A Marriage Story" Highlights Divorce in Oscar-Worthy FIlm](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-marriage-story-highlights-divorce-in-oscar-worthy-film/) - This examination of a marriage in its death throes stars Adam Driver and Scarlet Johansson. - [Andy Warhol Exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/andy-warhol-exhibit-at-the-art-institute-of-chicago/) - We took in the Andy Warhol exhibit in Chicago this past week. We selected a weekday, because the exhibit has been well-received and we thought it would be very crowded on the weekend. As an advertisement illustrator in the 1950s, Warhol used assistants to increase his productivity. Collaboration would remain a defining (and controversial) aspect - [Watch All the Originals: Netflix, Amazon, Hulu & Now Apple](https://www.weeklywilson.com/watch-all-the-originals-netflix-amazon-hulu-now-apple/) - The battle for viewers is ramping up on streaming services, with Apple’s entry into the field, competing with the more established Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and---also---with channels such as the Sundance Channel. Add to that services like Showtime and HBO and the competition for viewers becomes even more fierce. A recent entry on Netflix, which began - ["Parasite" Is Lauded As One of the Best Films of the Year](https://www.weeklywilson.com/parasite-is-lauded-as-one-of-the-best-films-of-the-year/) - Now seems like a good time to mention the film "Parasite." It's being hailed as one of the best films of the year and is playing at the local Davenport theater(s), even though it is sub-titled because the South Korean leads speak only that country's language. It is a new offering from fifty-year-old director Joon-ho - [Four of the Best Casino Scenes in James Bond Films](https://www.weeklywilson.com/four-of-the-best-casino-scenes-in-james-bond-films/) - If there’s one man who has single-handedly popularized casinos, it’s James Bond. First introduced in the novels by Ian Fleming, Bond has quite the penchant for high-stakes action. In the film franchise, we see 007 take on pretty much every casino game under the sun. Baccarat, Roulette, Poker, and even Sic Bo – he's played - ["Knives Out" Opens Denver Film Festival & Entertains in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/knives-out-opens-denver-film-festival-entertains-in-chicago/) - The Denver Film Festival opened on Halloween (Oct. 31, 2019) with a showing of Rian Johnson's ("The Last Jedi") film "Knives Out." The director was there in person to accept the John Cassavetes Award and discuss the film in a Q&A afterwards with John Wenzel of the Denver "Post." The film is a throwback homage - ["Waves" Directed by Trey Edward Shults Premieres in Chicago on Oct. 20th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/waves-directed-by-trey-edward-shults-premieres-in-chicago-on-oct-20th/) - Acclaimed Writer/Director Trey Edward Shults brings “Waves” to the screen with a cast that includes both new and seasoned performers, all in top-notch form. The film’s camera work is beautiful, which makes sense when it is Shults, who learned so much working with the legendary Terrence Malick. (Shults gave huge props to his D.P., True - [Celebrities Walk the Red Carpet in Chicago at 55th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/celebrities-walk-the-red-carpet-in-chicago-at-55th-chicago-international-film-festival/) - The Chicago premier of "Knives Out" took place in Chicago at the AMC Theater and Writer/Director Rian Johnson ("The Last Jedi") attended, along with cast member Michael Shannon, who has a longstanding connection to Chicago. The film was well-received in its Wednesday premiere and a Q&A was held following the film. On Saturday night, Gael - ["The Aeronauts" Is A Gorgeous Cinematic Adventure](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-aeronauts-is-a-gorgeous-cinematic-adventure/) - Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar for playing Stepen Hawkings in “The Theory of Everything,” and Felicity Jones, who played Jane Hawkings in that film, are cast opposite one another again in the Tom Harper directed film “The Aeronauts.” Hamish Patel---who was so good as the lead in “Yesterday”---also has a supporting role. The film - [Scorsese's "The Irishman" Is One of the Best of the Year](https://www.weeklywilson.com/17543-2/) - Martin Scorsese, at 77, still has it. He had a film at the Chicago International Film Festival 52 years ago (“Who’s That Knocking At My Door?”) in 1967. Now, he’s the undisputed master of this sort of crime drama, sharing the throne with Francis Ford Coppola. The fact that you can be so thoroughly interested - [At the Movies (55th Chicago International Film Festival) With Me](https://www.weeklywilson.com/at-the-movies-55th-chicago-international-film-festival-with-me/) - [Greta Fernandez Makes Sara Sensational in "A Thief's Daughter" at CIFF](https://www.weeklywilson.com/greta-fernandez-makes-sara-sensational-in-a-thiefs-daughter-at-ciff/) - Living in public housing with her infant son, Joel, in tow, Sara hustles to string together enough part-time work in menial jobs to move out. The 22-year-old is determined to make a better life for herself and her child and to rescue her kid brother, Martin, who is crippled and living in a social services - ["The Song of Names" Is Canadian Entry at Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-song-of-names-is-canadian-entry-at-chicago-international-film-festival/) - The program notes for the Canadian film “The Song of Names,” directed by Francois Girard, read as follows: “Martin Simmonds (Tim Roth) has been haunted throughout his life by the mysterious ‘disappearance’ of his ‘brother’ and extraordinary best friend, a Polish Jewish virtuoso violinist, David Rapoport, who vanished shortly before the 1951 London debut concert - ["Ford v. Ferrari" and "Girl on the Third Floor" in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ford-v-ferrari-and-girl-on-the-third-floor-in-chicago/) - “Ford v Ferrari” – In what is sure to be one of the best movies of the year, Christian Bale and Matt Damon recreate the face-off between Ford Motor Company and Ferrari at the 24 Hour of LeMans in 1966. Everything about the movie is top-notch, including the performances, the cinematography, and the music by - ["Zombieland: Double Tap" Out Now](https://www.weeklywilson.com/17515-2/) - “Zombieland: Double Tap” opens today in theaters. Right from the opening credits, you know you’re in for more irreverent humor a la 2009’s “Zombieland”. It starts with the Columbia lady on her pedestal using the torch to beat down two zombies attacking her. There is also a voice-over from Jesse Eisenberg, thanking audiences for choosing - [55th Chicago International Film Festival Begins October 16th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/55th-chicago-international-film-festival-begins-october-16th/) - The 55th Chicago International Film Festival starts Wednesday, October 16th, opening with Edward Norton directing and starring in the film adaptation of “Motherless Brooklyn” (with Bruce Willis co-starring). The book, by Jonathan Lethem, won the New York Book Circle Award some years back and it has been a long time coming to the screen. “Motherless - ["El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie" Is Great for "Breaking Bad" Fans](https://www.weeklywilson.com/el-camino-a-breaking-bad-movie-is-great-for-breaking-bad-fans/) - We watched "El Camino: The Breaking Bad Movie" last night and liked it very much .There are numerous flashbacks that provide some “Walt” for those who have to have Walt with their Jessie. Since the original series had been off the air for 6 years, I confess to being hazy on some of the finer - [Fun Facts About Madonna](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fun-facts-about-madonna/) - Madonna onstage during her participation in the 1990 film "Dick Tracy." Just when you think you know a girl, you find out something that surprises you. So, here are some fun facts about the reigning Queen of Pop that you might not have known! Her Papa Don't Preach... He Was An Engineer Madonna was - ["Joker" May Bring Joaquin an Oscar](https://www.weeklywilson.com/joker-may-bring-joaquin-an-oscar/) - JOKER Joaquin Phoenix has turned in another riveting, intense performance in “Joker,” this time as Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill young man who lives with his invalid mother and works as a clown. In the opening scene, he is twirling a sign on the rat-infested, garbage-strewn streets of Gotham (1970s New York City) when 5 - [Renee Zellweger Lights Up Screen in "Judy" Bio-Pic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/renee-zellweger-lights-up-screen-in-judy-bio-pic/) - “I don’t know how these stories get started, but I do not approve nor sanction the upcoming film about Judy Garland in any way. Any reports to the contrary are 100% fiction.” So said the largely MIA Liza Minelli about the bio-pic “Judy”, which focuses on her mother, Judy Garland. The performance should earn Renee - ["Ad Astra" Features Brad Pitt in Space](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ad-astra-features-brad-pitt-in-space/) - “Ad Astra” translates to “To the Stars” and in this James Gray-directed film, which opened Friday, September 20th, Brad Pitt travels to the far reaches of outer space in search of his astronaut father long thought to be dead. (Tommy Lee Jones).” The setting is “The near future. A time of both hope and conflict.” - [80 Iconic Dresses from Movies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/80-iconic-dresses-from-movies/) - 80 Iconic Dresses from Movies 80 Iconic Dresses from Movies – Lulus - [Check It Out!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/check-it-out/) - Rare America - [Beaux Arts Fair in Davenport, Iowa, on September 8th, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beaux-arts-fair-in-davenport-iowa-on-september-8th-2019/) - After learning that the Beaux Arts Fair was in town this weekend, I drove over to our Figge Art Gallery to check out the treasures. Over the years, I've bought many pieces of jewelry, pottery, and some metal or wood work at the Beaux Arts Fair. This year was no different. I walked up the - [Last Day at Sea and Last Day of August](https://www.weeklywilson.com/last-day-at-sea-and-last-day-of-august/) - It's our last day at sea and it is foggy. It was too foggy to see much earlier in the day, but, as we near Vancouver, it is becoming less so. I went up to the 14th floor to play trivia. (General Knowledge) I was seated near a woman from Australia who was complaining about - [Ketchikan, Alaska, on Friday, August 30th, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ketchikan-alaska-on-friday-august-30th-2019/) - Ketchikan is near the southernmost tip of Alaska's panhandle and is a small town squeezed between mountain and sea. It gets its name from the Tlingit Indian name, Ketchikan, meaning "Thundering Wings of an Eagle." If you climb the 3,000 foot Deer Mountain that overlooks the town, the town, a Tlingit summer fishing camp, sprawls - [Mendenhall & Hubbard Glaciers: August 28, 29, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mendenhall-hubbard-glaciers-august-28-29-2019/) - We flew in a small plane (Cessna) with 8 people on Wednesday to view the Hubbard Glacier and today we went up in a helicopter with a grand total of 5 of us, to view and walk on the Mendenhall Glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier is about 9 miles outside of Juneau, Alaska. The ice is - [Juneau, Alaska, on Thursday, August 29th, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/juneau-alaska-on-thursday-august-29th-2019/) - Getting ready to disembark in Juneau, Alaska, capital of the state. Population: 32,500. The largest state capitol by area in the U.S. Here, we will get on a helicopter and then walk on a glacier, which promises to be unusual, interesting, and, possibly, cold. Not sure how cold it is out today, but it was - [Alaska Now and Tomorrow!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/alaska-now-and-tomorrow/) - I've been trying to upload photos taken here in Alaska for the better part of the last hour. No luck. We're in the ocean, heading for Icy Strait Point, which we will reach at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow. (That is 5:30 p.m. Quad City time). So far, I've managed to shut my left hand index finger - ["Snoopy, Come Home!" Re-Released in Theaters on Sept. 29th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/snoopy-come-home-re-released-in-theaters-on-sept-29th/) - The1972 film “Snoopy, Come Home” is the rare exception to the other films involving Charlie Brown and the “Peanuts” gang in that (1) Charlie Brown’s name does not appear in the title, and, (2) When originally released, it earned back only $245, 073 of its one million-dollar budget. The failure to do well at the - [Bryan Adams Plays the Taxslayer Center in Moline, Illinois, on August 15, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bryan-adams-plays-the-taxslayer-center-in-moline-illinois-on-august-15-2019/) - I admit that, going into tonight's concert, I really only knew well Bryan Adam's song "Summer of '69," although, as I promised my husband, "We'll know a lot of other songs. Actually, the 59-year-old singer has had 3 Oscar nominations and 5 Golden Globe nominations for songs of his that have been used in films, - ["A Boy Named Charlie Brown" Returns on August 18th at the Movies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-boy-named-charlie-brown-returns-on-august-18th-at-the-movies/) - Way back in 1969, half a century ago, when my son was a year old, we watched “A Boy Named Charlie Brown,” directed by Bill Melendez and showcasing the lovable loser Charlie Brown from the “Peanuts” comic strip that Charles Schulz created. It’s 50 years later and, on October 18th, 2019, the film is being - [Link to "LIve" Radio Interview of July 31, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/link-to-live-radio-interview-of-july-31-2019/) - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6563639164867276800/?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A(activity%3A6563639164867276800%2C6564148660295262210) I hope that is the link to the "live" radio interview I did with CUTV on July 31st at 1 p.m. (CDT) 2 pm. EDT. If so, have a listen. If not, I will have to try to type the link for you, when you let me know it didn't "work." - [Bee Gone: A Political Parable & new Christmas Cats Book Are Discussed on CUTV News on July 31st](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bee-gone-a-political-parable-new-christmas-cats-book-are-discussed-on-cutv-news-on-july-31st/) - Bee Gone: A Political Parable is up on Amazon Kindle (Kindle only, at this point) in a pre-sale due to go “live” on July 31st for $2.99. If you order early from the link at the bottom of this article, it will automatically be delivered to your Kindle that day. If you DO order this - ["Yesterday" Offers 17 Beatles Songs & Ed Sheeran](https://www.weeklywilson.com/yesterday-offers-17-beatles-songs-ed-sheeran/) - The second “sleeper” film of the summer, after “Late Night,” is “Yesterday,” an upbeat story of love and the Beatles. Helmed by Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “Shallow Grave,” “Trainspotting”) from a script by Richard Curtis (“Notting Hill,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Love Actually”) “Yesterday” has an improbable plot that presents as fact the idea - [Independence: "Our Fame Is In Our Name" on July 4, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/independence-our-fame-is-in-our-name-on-july-4-2019/) - I'm from a little town in northeast Iowa called Independence. It is 38 miles north of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 20 miles to the east of Waterloo/Cedar Falls,at the junction of Highways 150 and 218. It is the Fourth of July and it is an election year. The last line of the paragraph above reminds - [Baton Rouge National Federation of Press Women on June 27th, Thursday](https://www.weeklywilson.com/17298-2/) - Thursday, June 27th activities at the National Federation of Press Women began with a memorial service to former presidents of state organizations who had died in the past year. Candles were lit and and passed from member to member representing that state. We sang "Amazing Grace" (lyrics were passed out) and, since it was the - [Baton Rouge: Here I come!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/baton-rouge-here-i-come/) - I started the day at 10:30 a.m. heading for O'Hare to catch a plane to Houston and, from there to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I will be for the next 3 days, taking pictures as the official photographer for the National Federation of Press Women Conference. (Wish me lots of luck!) The getting onto the - [Nelson G. Peterson Shuffles Off This Mortal Coil June 24](https://www.weeklywilson.com/nelson-g-peterson-shuffles-off-this-mortal-coil-on-june/) - My best in-town friend, Nelson G. Peterson, age 95---almost 96---died today (June 24th) at 9:10 a.m. I was planning on popping into Heartland (nursing home and rehabilitation center) to visit him before leaving for Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take pictures at the National Federation of Press Women Conference, but another good friend of 50 years' - [Rolling Stones Rock Soldier Field on Friday, June 21st, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/rolling-stones-rock-soldier-field-on-friday-june-21st-2019/) - The Rolling Stones played for the 8th time at Soldier Field on Friday night, June 21st, beginning at 7:30 p.m. with the lead-in act, St. Paul and the Broken Bones from Alabama. Before arriving at the venue, we were told not to bring large purses. Specific dimensions were sent and a suggestion was made - [The Dead Don't Die: Observations from the Theater](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-dead-dont-die-observations-from-the-theater/) - An Irish illustrator, John Rooney, sent me his work on "The Films of Bill Murray." Since I just took myself to see "The Dead Don't Die" in Chicago at the AMC Theater, I told him I'd run his artwork with a few observations about the film. It's not really a "review," but simply some observations after - [Sarah Huckabee Sanders to Leave White House Post](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sarah-huckabee-sanders-to-leave-white-house-post/) - OPEN ON C-SPAN LOGO OVER CAPITOL: ANNCR. V.O.: Earlier today former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders testified before the House Special Committee on Impeachment. Ms. Sanders was questioned by Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler of New York about various statements she has made to the media that she later acknowledged were not true. FADE - [My Paul McCartney Concert Experiences To Date](https://www.weeklywilson.com/my-paul-mccartney-concert-experiences-to-date/) - My first "live" Paul McCartney concert experience was in 1965 at the San Francisco Cow Palace when he played and sang with a little group called the Beatles. My boyfriend of the time and I had cut class at Berkeley and drove up on his purple Czechoslovokian motorcyle. We had no tickets. We got there - [Warning Re War with Iran: Congress Must Decide](https://www.weeklywilson.com/warning-re-war-with-iran-congress-must-decide/) - Here's the quote for the day: "Now is not the time to trust an untrustworthy Administration. But now is exactly the time for Congress to reassert its constitutional authority." ("Time" columnist David French on p. 32 of the June 3-10, 2019 issue). You may think I'm referencing the recent decision by the House to issue - [Doris Day (My Doppelganger?) Dead at 97](https://www.weeklywilson.com/doris-day-my-doppelganger-dead-at-97/) - A few days ago (May 13th), Doris Day shuffled off this mortal coil at the ripe old age of 97. I remember her well from movies like "Pillow Talk," with Rock Hudson (one of her best) and---when I was a young college girl, working as a waitress at Armstrong's Department Store Cafe in downtown Cedar - [Samsung Television Bites the Dust; We Hit the Road](https://www.weeklywilson.com/samsung-television-bites-the-dust-we-hit-the-road/) - So, our 17-year-old Samsung television has developed an annoying habit of flickering as though the vertical hold has gone out on a TV, circa 1950. Remember when you used to call the television repairman to come fix this annoying glitch, and, as soon as he would arrive, the TV set would be fine? At - [My Twitter Conversation with a Twitter Twit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/my-twitter-conversation-with-a-twitter-twit/) - Hi there! Let’s go through a few questions so I can make sure to get the right information to our support team. First, select the issue you need help with from the list below. Report this message sent from Twitter SupportDelete this message sent from Twitter Support Apr 23 I got a bill for $99 - [Fourth-graders Ava & Elise Wilson Report on the Eiffel Tower from Paris](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fourth-graders-ava-elise-wilson-report-on-the-eiffel-tower-from-paris/) - My twin granddaughters, Ava (the brunette) and Elise (the blonde) were with Mom and Dad in England and France this past week. True, they missed one week of fourth grade in Austin, Texas, but who among you would say they would have learned more during the last week of school at Baranoff Elementary than they - [Connie (Corcoran) Wilson Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (Who's Who)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/connie-corcoran-wilson-presented-with-the-albert-nelson-marquis-lifetime-achievement-award-whos-who/) - EAST MOLINE, IL, May 17, 2019, Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Connie Corcoran Wilson with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Ms. Wilson celebrates many years’ experience in her professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the - [Bill Duke: An Autobiography Worth Reading](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bill-duke-an-autobiography-worth-reading/) - Bill Duke: My 40-year Career On Screen and Behind the Camera Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, 193 pages, plus index and photographs (15 pages) Amazon: Print - $16.47. E-book: $13.99. Bill Duke, with his 62 directorial credits, 17 as a producer, and 4 as a writer, is a face on the screen that movie-goers have - [Cancun, Mexico on April 19th: Vacation Pictures](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-mexico-on-april-19th-vacation-pictures/) - We've been here in Cancun, Mexico, since April 6th. In that time, we have watched Notre Dame burn down, eaten at fine restaurants, and had great times with good friends and family. One of the nicest places we dined was Harry's, although Captain's Cove is a long-time favorite. We have been coming to Cancun at - [Notre Dame Cathedral: View from the Top As You'll Never Be Able to See It Again](https://www.weeklywilson.com/notre-dame-cathedral-view-from-the-top-as-youll-never-be-able-to-see-it-again/) - Thedestruction of Notre Dame Cathedral by fire has gripped the nation and the world in its grasp. It is an iconic symbol of so many things to so many people. And now, with the destruction of much of it, you'll never be able to climb to the top and take the pictures I am going - [Week Two in Cancun, Mexico at the Royal Islander Commences](https://www.weeklywilson.com/week-two-in-cancun-mexico-at-the-royal-islander-commences/) - Week Two in Cancun commences. "Game of Thrones" premieres tonight, so the entire idea of dining out and about in Cancun will give way to a chicken dinner delivered to and eaten in the room. One of the nice features of the Royal Resorts is that we have two U.S. television channels, one from Detroit - [Cancun, Mexico on April 7, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-mexico-on-april-7-2019/) - Cancun, Mexico on Day One: Ava and Elise enjoy the beach at the Royal Sands in Cancun, Mexico. They left at 5 a.m. and were on the beach by 9 a.m. We left at 9 a.m., changed planes in Houston, and arrived in Cancun around 3 p.m. There are 12 of us, which is down - [Abortion Rights Under Attack in the U.S.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/abortion-rights-under-attack-in-the-u-s/) - For close to half a century, the GOP has tried to overturn Roe v. Wade and curb women's right to reproductive freedom. This concerted effort to prevent a pregnant female from deciding not to carry a child to term does not come with adequate funding or societal help to assure that the overwhelmed potential mother - [Forgetabout Joe Biden's Hugging Penchant and Concentrate on REAL Problems](https://www.weeklywilson.com/17021-2/) - Okay...I've waited for a while to weigh in, but I'm watching Bill Maher's show right now and they are discussing the fact that the recent hoopla over Joe Biden's kissing the back of a candidate's head (which only now, many years later, she has decided offended her) is "much ado about nothing." They are discussing - [Suzanne Weinert of Flatiron Pictures Is Writer/Producer/Director On the Rise](https://www.weeklywilson.com/suzanne-weinert-of-flatiron-pictures-is-writer-producer-director-on-the-rise/) - Suzanne Weinert is the president of Flatiron Pictures, located in Austin (TX),which specializes in producing independent feature films throughout the Southwest. Her short “A Good Son,” which she directed, just had its World Premiere at SXSW. Thematically, it bears some resemblance to a Burt Reynolds film, “The End.” (1978) The short is playing at the - [Bits & Pieces of Random News for April 3, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bits-pieces-of-random-news-for-april-3-2019/) - Some random thoughts of the day: One of the Decorah eaglets has died. Poor little thing had a name/number, like DN10, but he (or she) was one of 2 born in the Raptor Research nest and it appears---judging from the way Mr. North pushed the little bird body off to the side of the nest--- - [The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville & Low Cut Connie, Redux](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-bluebird-cafe-in-nashville-low-cut-connie-redux/) - Earlier in the festivities I did a review of a wonderful new documentary called "The Bluebird," which is a visit to the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, which is (apparently) the subject of a television show starring Connie Britton. (I've never watched it). I attended the Bluebird documentary, however, taking many pictures of the director - ["Us" Film Rakes in $70.3 Million in Ticket Sales](https://www.weeklywilson.com/us-film-rakes-in-70-3-million-in-ticket-sales/) - Jordan Peele's film "Us," his follow-up to the popular "Get Out," which premiered at SXSW on March 8th, has opened well above forecasts, raking in a 94% "fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes and marking it as the largest debut for an original horror movie and one of the highest openings for a live-action original film since - [Camp Sandy Shenanigans & Other Promotional Things at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/camp-sandy-shenanigans-other-promotional-things-at-sxsw/) - I thought readers might enjoy seeing some photos from one of the promotional things that went on during SXSW in Austin, Texas. This particular promotion was sent to me as Press and involved the sponsors (a local whiskey and Turtle Wax) being willing to send an Uber to pick me up in Austin and ferry - [The Meaning of "Us," Jordan Peele's New Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-meaning-of-us-jordan-peeles-new-film/) - I saw “Us” here in Austin, where it premiered on March 8th. Don’t read any further if you don’t want to have plot details ruined (spoiler alert). I’m still letting my thoughts on “Us” and its meaning percolate. Here are 10 possible explanations for plot points in "Us." It has been pointed out by - ["The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley" on HBO Reveals $9 Billion-Dollar Start-Up That Didn't](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-inventor-out-for-blood-in-silicon-valley-on-hbo-reveals-9-billion-dollar-start-up-that-didnt/) - Elizabeth Holmes (youtube.com) The documentary about Theranos, directed by Alex Gidney, showed March 8th, 10th and 13th at SXSW and is now streaming on HBO. It focuses on a $9 billion-dollar start-up in Silicon Valley headed by a 19-year-old Stanford drop-out, Elizabeth Holmes. Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney was responsible for “Taxi to the Dark Side” - [Trump Twitter Museum Is Launched at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-twitter-museum-is-launched-at-sxsw/) - As President Donald J. Trump continues to castigate a fallen war hero 7 months after his death, it seemed particularly timely to post the photos of the Presidential Twitter Library that Trevor Noah's "The Daily Show" people put up at SXSW on the mezzanine of the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. There are counts of - ["Pet Sematary" Re-Imagined at SXSW Premiere 30 Years After Its 1989 Predecessor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/pet-sematary-re-imagined-at-sxsw-premiere-30-years-after-its-1989-predecessor/) - In the 1989 original film“Pet Sematary” pets buried in a spooky backwoods cemetery come back to life. When a tragedy befalls a child of Louis and Rachel Creed (Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz), the lure of having their dead child returned to them by reburying the body in the Pet Sematary is too great to - ["Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins:" Documentary on the Journalist at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/raise-hell-the-life-and-times-of-molly-ivins-documentary-on-the-journalist-at-sxsw/) - (*Named an Audience Favorite Documentary at SXSW) “Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins” showed at the Paramount Theater in Austin as part of SXSW. It premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January. Director Janice Engel has culled footage of the legendary Texas wit and journalist to entertain and inform us of her - [Olivia Colman in "Them That Follow" Is Snake-Handling Pentecostal in Appalachia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/olivia-colman-in-them-that-follow-is-snake-handling-pentecostal-in-appalachia/) - “Them That Follow,” from Directors Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage, is described in the SXSW program this way: “Set deep in the wilds of Appalachia, where believers handle death-dealing snakes to prove themselves before God, “Them That Follow” tells the story of a pastor’s daughter who holds a secret that threatens to - ["Shrill," New Aidy Bryant Series on Hulu, Out March 15th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/shrill-new-aidy-bryant-series-on-hulu-out-march-15th/) - Aidy Bryant’s new Hulu series “Shrill” drops today (March 15th). To promote it, Chicago’s Columbia College alumnus Aidy Bryant, her producer Elizabeth Banks (“30 Rock,” “The Hunger Games”), author Lindy West (“Notes from a Loud Woman”), writer Ally Rushfield, and co-star Lolly Adefope were in Austin at a SXSW screening of the first two episodes - ["Bluebird" Is SXSW Documentary about Nashville's Bluebird Cafe Launching Pad to Songwriting Stardom](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bluebird-is-sxsw-documentary-about-nashvilles-bluebird-cafe-launching-pad-to-songwriting-stardom/) - “Bluebird” premiered at SXSW on Thursday, March 14th, with Director Brian Loschiavo and many of the crew in attendance, including the now-retired owner of the 1,000 foot café in Nashville on 16th Avenue, Amy Kurland. Director Brian Loschiavo, a Philadelphia film school graduate, spent 10 years in Los Angeles as a freelance screenwriter and Senior - ["Sunset Over Mulholland Drive" @ SXSW Proves You're Never Too Old to Be Creative](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sunset-over-mulholland-drive-sxsw-proves-youre-never-too-old-to-be-creative/) - “Sunset Over Mulholland Drive” is a behind-the-scenes look into the Motion Picture and Television Relief Fund’s Hollywood retirement home and grounds. The piece was a German entry into the documentary spotlight at SXSW, directed by Uli Gaulke with writing assistance from Marc Pitzke. It was produced by Helge Albers. When I failed to gain entrance - [Celebrities Hit the Red Carpet for "The Beach Bum" at SXSW in Austin, TX](https://www.weeklywilson.com/celebrities-hit-the-red-carpet-for-the-beach-bum-at-sxsw-in-austin-tx/) - While the flow of movie stars to SXSW continues, the Red Carpet opportunities seem fewer than in previous years. Nevertheless, there have been some names showing up and here are a few of the celebrities who walked the red carpet for "The Beach Bum." Much of the action this year seems to be in the - ["For Sama," Named Best Feature Documentary at SXSW: Behind the Scenes of the Siege in Syria](https://www.weeklywilson.com/for-sama-named-best-feature-documentary-at-sxsw-behind-the-scenes-of-the-siege-in-syria/) - Photo of Waad al-Kateab, documenting the violence in Aleppo, Syria (SXSW Press Still) "For Sama," Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts' searing documentary about the Syrian crisis, was named Best Documentary Feature at SXSW on March 12th. Said the judges, "This extraordinary and harrowing documentary captures an epic personal story of a mother's love - ["Lowland Kids" Attests to the Effects of Global Warming: World's First Climate Change Refugees](https://www.weeklywilson.com/lowland-kids-attests-to-the-effects-of-global-warming-worlds-first-climate-change-refugees/) - “Lowland Kids,” a documentary short showing at SXSW directed by Sandra Winther and beautifully shot by Director of Photography Todd Martin tells the story of America’s first climate change refugees. Brother and sister Juliette and Howard Brunet are being raised by their Uncle Chris Brunet, who is handicapped and confined to a wheelchair. The parents - ["The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story" Premiering on Wednesday, March 13th at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-boy-band-con-the-lou-pearlman-story-premiering-on-wednesday-march-13th-at-sxsw/) - The Boy Ban Con: The Lou Pearlman Story is a You Tube Original documentary, presented by Pilgrim Media in conjunction with Lance Bass Productions. It premieres at SXSW on Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theater. Lance Bass is onscreen discussing Pearlman’s defrauding of the boy bands he formed, as is - [H.Q. Trivia Goes "Live" in Austin at SXSW with Scott Rogowski---And You Are There!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/h-q-trivia-goes-live-in-austin-at-sxsw-with-scott-rogowski-and-you-are-there/) - The inimitable host of H.Q. trivia, Scott Rogowsky, hit SXSW in Austin, to conduct a first-ever "live" version of H.Q. on Sunday, March 11th at 90 Rainey Street in Austin Texas at 4:15 p.m. An avid player, I made certain to get in to the small bar, where we were given tickets good for 2 - [Has James P. Allison Found the Cure for Cancer? The Nobel Prize Committee Awards University of Texas Researcher the 2018 Prize for Medicine](https://www.weeklywilson.com/has-james-p-allison-found-the-cure-for-cancer-the-nobel-prize-committee-awards-university-of-texas-researcher-the-2018-prize-for/) - James P. Allison [Nobel Media Phot0] James P. Allison of Alice, Texas, was inspired to try to develop a cure for cancer when he was eleven years old in 1959. That year, Jim's mother died of lymphoma. As the years went by, one brother died of prostate cancer and one developed metastatic melanoma. - [Texas Film Awards Held on March 7, 2019, with Stars in Attendance](https://www.weeklywilson.com/texas-film-awards-held-on-march-7-2019-with-stars-in-attendance/) - The Austin Film Society was founded in 1985 by filmmaker Richard Linklater ("Dazed & Confused," "Before Sunrise," "Boyhood"). Its mission is to empower the community to make, watch and love creative media while shining the national spotlight on Texas filmmakers. The Texas Film Awards followed. The Texas Hall of Fame awards were founded by Evan - [What Does the Cast of "Office Space" Look Like 20 Years Later?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/what-does-the-cast-of-office-space-look-like-20-years-later/) - "Office Space" is that rare film that grew from a less-than-stellar opening to become one of the most loved (and rented) films in history. It has gained fans around the world, its popularity spreading via word-of-mouth, since the unfortunate "Big Bird" poster advertising the film was considered a major faux pas at the time. (It - ["Mr. Jimmy" Is the Recreation of Guitarist Jimmy Page; Playing Soon at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mr-jimmy-is-the-recreation-of-guitarist-jimmy-page-playing-soon-at-sxsw/) - Jimmy Sakurai, a Japanese guitarist and devoted fan of Jimmy Page of “Led Zeppelin,” has spent 35 years of his life emulating Jimmy Page as Mr. Jimmy. He might be called Jimmy Page’s Number One fan. A close second (Number Two fan?) might be the Director of the 110 minute documentary “Mr. Jimmy,” Peter Michael - [Adam Schiff, John Bolton on "Face the Nation" on March 3, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/adam-schiff-john-bolton-on-face-the-nation-on-march-3-2019/) - “I saw Little shifty Schiff,” is the way the President of the United States referred to the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee recently when addressing the CPAC Conservative conference. The following article summarizes appearance(s) by John Bolton and Adam Schiff as part of “Face the Nation” on March 3, 2019 (today). “The President’s - ["Woodsride" Documentary Quote for the Day: Words to Live By](https://www.weeklywilson.com/woodsride-documentary-quote-for-the-day-words-to-live-by/) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4147238/mediaviewer/rm1618046464 I spent part of today watching a screener of a documentary entitled "Woodsride" by Sadie Ford. I can't review this documentary until March 13th, but I can share with you the quote that is super-imposed at the beginning of the film: "Brother, told me about a physical law that teases me: the Doppler effect. - [North Korea Nuclear Summit Bulletin from Vietnam at 1:30 A.M. (CDT) on Feb. 28: No Nukes Is Good News?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/north-korea-nuclear-summit-bulletin-from-vietnam-at-130-a-m-cdt-on-feb-28-no-nukes-is-good-news/) - Kim Jong Un of North Korea (Wikipedia image) The Nuclear Summit between North Korea and the United States ended abruptly 2 days into the process and was carried on NBC News at 1:30 a.m. CDT: Trump: “I want to thank all of the people of Vietnam for having - [Michael Cohen on "Late Night": Were the Congressional Hearings of 2/27 the "Not-Ready-for-Prime-Time Players"?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/michael-cohen-on-late-night-were-the-congressional-hearings-of-2-27-the-not-ready-for-prime-time-players/) - I watched (most of) the Michael Cohen testimony today on CNN. I even taped the earlier testimony, in case I wanted to go back and watch, for instance, the argument that broke out between a Democrat and a Republican about Donald J. Trump's racist tendencies. I thought these tendencies had been fairly well established back - [The Oscars and The Blizzard in Iowa on Feb. 25th, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-oscars-and-the-blizzard-in-iowa-on-feb-25th-2019/) - The morning after the Academy Awards. I've not done as much due diligence about other people's opinions of the Oscars this year as I will in the hours that loom sitting in airports between here (Des Moines, Iowa), where the temperature feels like zero, or 43 minutes away (by air) in St. Louis, Missouri, (or - [Schiff on Mueller Investigation: "We'll Take Trump to Court!"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/schiff-on-mueller-investigation-well-take-trump-to-court/) - [Adam Schiff Image from Wikipedia] Adam Schiff, Democratic Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, on George Stephanopoulus on February 24, 2019 had the following message for the nation about the Mueller investigation. Q: George Stephanopoulus: What do you hope to learn when Michael Cohen testifies tomorrow (Feb. 27th)? A: Well, many things. Why the false - [Oscar Winners On Feb. 24th are "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Roma" and "Black Panther"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/oscar-winners-on-feb-24th-are-bohemian-rhapsody-roma-and-black-panther/) - This year, because we were going to be traveling, I was forced to make my Oscar predictions much further in advance than any other year. I tried going with my gut instinct and not playing the "odds." I also did not want to do any "research" because the other 3 people in our long-time Oscar - ["Meet the Press:" Mueller's Report; Home-Grown Terrorist; Florida Amendment 4](https://www.weeklywilson.com/meet-the-press-muellers-report-home-grown-terrorist-florida-amendment-4/) - If Mueller is going to have more indictments, they would come before the report. "They'd be returned, if not revealed," said one of the talking heads on Sunday morning's "Meet the Press" on February 24, 2019. Q: Would we see the Russian collusion charge revealed? (From Chuck Todd) A: "Mueller has indicted Roger Stone for - [Arrived in Des Moines for Oscar Night Prediction Party](https://www.weeklywilson.com/arrived-in-des-moines-for-oscar-night-prediction-party/) - We have arrived in Des Moines (Iowa) from Austin (Texas) for our Annual Oscar Predicting Contest with our oldest and dearest friends. The planes out of Austin to Des Moines were few and far between. There were two and neither flight was direct. We flew through St. Louis and I was able to put my - [Beto O'Rourke Speaks Out (Con't., The End)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beto-orourke-speaks-out-cont-the-end/) - Texas Legislature Image, Beto O'Rourke (From Beto O'Rourke, on the border wall controversy) But we still have a choice. In this democracy, if, in fact, the people are the government and the government is the people, we still have a chance to prove it. We can decide that we'll get past the lies and fear, - [Beto O'Rourke Speaks Out (Day #3)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beto-orourke-speaks-out-day-3/) - Beto O'Rourke's piece about the border wall, mailed out from Beto O'Rourke headquarters. As someone who has captured a great deal of interest from the general public in his run against Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, it is safe to say that we haven't heard the last of Beto O'Rourke. "After terror attacks in the - [Beto O'Rourke Speaks Out (Con't, #2)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beto-orourke-speaks-out-cont-2/) - Beto O'Rourke, Wikipedia Here's why the illegal immigration population grew: as we made it harder for people to cross into the United States, we made it less likely that, once here, they would attempt to go back to their home country. Fearing an increasingly militarized border, circular patterns of migration became linear, with immigrants - [Oscar Predictions for February 24, 2019 Academy Awards](https://www.weeklywilson.com/oscar-predictions-for-february-24-2019-academy-awards/) - 2019 Oscar Predictions My Oscar Predictions for February 24, 2019, have to be put up early, so I can start the trek back to the Midwest for our Annual Oscar Party with friends. Meanwhile, I’ve had 2 requests from wannabe bloggers to guest post. I asked each of them to prepare a “Predicting the Oscars” - [Beto O'Rourke Speaks Out](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16733-2/) - Beto O'Rourke photo from his Facebook page. Beto O'Rourke reached out via an e-mail and, since I'll be traveling for the Oscar weekend, I'm going to break it up into smaller sections and share it with those of you who have, perhaps, not received it. I probably received it because I contributed to his campaign - [Will Hurd (R, TX) Speaks Out Against Trump's Border Wall](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16716-2/) - Will Hurd (R,Tx) Image from Wikipedia Will Hurd, (R,TX) on “Face the Nation” on February 17, 2019 was asked about the looming show-down over President Trump's declaration of a national emergency to get funding for his border wall. Q: You have 800 miles of the border in your district? How will the National Emergency Declaration - [Promotion of Volume 2 of "Obama's Odyssey": Today and Tomorrow](https://www.weeklywilson.com/promotion-of-volume-2-of-obamas-odyssey-today-and-tomorrow/) - As usual whenever I plan a promotion, nothing is going "right." First, the website (ConnieCWilson.com) crashed, after I had pointed out to my computer assistant that there were several framed squares with nothing in them. She says it can't be fixed until she can talk to GoDaddy. That will most likely not be before Tuesday. The - ["Obama's Odyssey" (Vol. 2) ON SALE for $1.99 Tomorrow (2/17); Paperback $4.95 on 2/17 & 2/18](https://www.weeklywilson.com/obamas-odyssey-vol-2-on-sale-for-1-99-tomorrow-2-17-paperback-4-95-on-2-17-2-18/) - "Obama's Odyssey" (Vol. 2) (Convention to Inauguration) with 61 photographs from the field that have appeared nowhere else will be ON SALE in honor of Presidents' Day, February 18th. The sale will commence on Feb. 17 (e-book) and continue through Feb. 18 for the paperback version. Both books are significantly reduced in price, from 66 - [Bombshell Andrew McCabe "60 Minutes" Interview Runs (Feb. 17)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bombshell-andrew-mccabe-60-minutes-interview-runs-feb-17/) - Andrew McCabe 16th Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Wikipedia image) Former Acting FBI director Andrew McCabe of the FBI, regarding a "Sixty Minutes" interview to be aired on February 17th: "I wrote memos about my interactions with President Trump for the same reason that Comey did: to have contemporaneous records of talks with - [Adam Schiff Lays It Out on "Meet the Press" (Feb. 3, 2019)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/adam-schiff-lays-it-out-on-meet-the-press-feb-3-2019/) - Adam Schiff, Wikipedia image Representative Adam Schiff, who is heading up the investigative committee on Trump in Congress, appeared on Chuck Todd's "Meet the Press" on February 3rd. I copied down his remarks (as best I could) because he is always articulate and it is such a nice change from the chaotic, incomprehensible utterings emanating - [Presidents' Day Sale on "Obama's Odyssey," Vol. II](https://www.weeklywilson.com/presidents-day-sale-on-obamas-odyssey-vol-ii/) - "Obama's Odyssey: The 2008 Race for the White House" (Vol. I) was put on sale a while ago. The response was so overwhelming (from heartsick Democrats?) that the long Presidents' Day weekend seems the perfect time to offer Volume II of "Obama's Odyssey" for sale. "Obama's Odyssey: Convention to Inauguration," Volume II, contains 61 previously - [Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar Announces Her Run for President](https://www.weeklywilson.com/minnesota-amy-klobuchar-announces-her-run-for-president/) - Amy Klobuchar, (D, MN) Senator Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announced that she is running for President today in a snowy appearance from Minneapolis, where it was 16 degrees. She is among the other female candidates (5 others by last count) who have thrown down the gauntlet, but she is the first one to announce - ["Cold Pursuit:" Liam Neeson Seeks Revenge for his Son's Death](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cold-pursuit-liam-neeson-seeks-revenge-for-his-sons-death/) - “Cold Pursuit,” based on the 2014 Norwegian film “In Order of Disappearance,” stars Liam Neeson as a father intent on avenging the death of his son Kyle (Micheal Richardson). I saw the original Norwegian film on the recommendation of novelist F. Paul Wilson. My remembrance of the differences between the Norwegian version and this Americanized - ["Cold Pursuit" Review by Day's End](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cold-pursuit-review-by-days-end/) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5719748/videoplayer/vi2021964313?ref_=tt_ov_vi So, yes, I saw "Cold Pursuit" with Liam Neeson. And, yes, I also saw "In Order of Disappearance," the 2014 Norwegian film on which "Cold Pursuit" is based. Both were directed by Hans Petter Moland. I suggest you rent the original film first. More details later today. - [Quotes: Fifteen John Fitzgerald Kennedy Quotes for Today](https://www.weeklywilson.com/quotes-fifteen-john-fitzgerald-kennedy-quotes-for-today/) - President of the United States, 1960-1963 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy would have turned 100 this year, in May. He was shot down in Dallas in 1963 when only 46 years old. During his brief tenure in office, JFK gave us many quotes which resonate today. Here - [Trump's First Hotel (Grand Hyatt NYC) Will Crash Like Builder](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trumps-first-hotel-grand-hyatt-nyc-will-crash-like-builder/) - Today’s good news is that the Hyatt (Manhattan) in New York City attached to Grand Central Station (Hyatt Grand Central) that Donald Trump bought when it was the Commodore and revamped is being bought and torn down. Yay! This has to be one of the worst Hyatts, (if not one of the worst hotels in - [Trump "Live" Breaking News Announcement of ISIS' Defeat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-live-breaking-news-announcement-of-isis-defeat/) - President Donald J. Trump made a "live" announcement (covered by CNN) at 2:50 p.m. CDT to the effect that the United States has defeated ISIS: "Tens of thousands of ISIS fighters are gone. We have freed the people from more than 5 million bloodthirsty killers. “We’ve had victory after victory after victory. 23, 320 square - ["Glass" Review: Does Splicing "Unbreakable" and "Split" Work?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/glass-review-does-splicing-unbreakable-and-split-work/) - Glass: Please be warned that I may talk about the end of this movie, so don’t read on if you’re saving up to watch it and be surprised. I saw “Glass” the day it opened and it’s still keeping a slim hold on the #1 box office spot for the third week. Estimates are that - [New Content Coming Tomorrow: Stay Tuned](https://www.weeklywilson.com/new-content-coming-tomorrow-stay-tuned/) - Content: I've been experimenting with trying to post new content on this blog every day. This is hard when you are a staff of one and have a life, but no new material, i.e., content. Of course, I don't have much of a life at the moment, but I did play Hand & Foot Canasta - [Democratic Presidential Candidates Running in 2020](https://www.weeklywilson.com/democratic-presidential-candidates-running-in-2020/) - You really need a scorecard to know who is "in" and who is "out" of the forthcoming 2020 Democratic presidential race. While I question whether Sherrod Brown shouldn't be on the "Definitely In" list (didn't he already declare he was running?), this list comes to us compliments of the Sunday, February 3, 2019, "Austin American - [Fact-Checking Trump's Feb. 1st Claims](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fact-checking-trumps-feb-1st-claims/) - I never thought I'd see the day when I would have to fact check every single claim that a sitting U.S. President made, but that day has arrived. Oh, yes, we always had to take some figures and facts from any president ("W," in particular) with a grain of salt, but it has become increasingly - [Trump's Noon Announcement(s): The Wall on February 1, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trumps-noon-announcements-the-wall-on-february-1-2019/) - Trump: “We’re building a lot of wall right now. The wall is going to get built, one way or another. If you look at El Paso, it was one of the most dangerous cities in the whole country, it immediately became one of the safest cities in the whole country. A lot of you know - [](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16643-2/) - "Nancy Pelosi would be begging for a wall." (Aaaarrrrggghhhh. DJT speaks from the Oval Office.) DJT, "Live" moments ago on CNN. "They wanted the wall built so badly in San Diego. The minute it was built they started saying, 'We don't want a wall.'" (No explanation for this series of contradictory facts.) A reporter is - [Foxconn (Co.) Is Not Hiring 13,000 Wisconsin Workers After All](https://www.weeklywilson.com/foxconn-co-is-not-hiring-13000-wisconsin-workers-after-all/) - Many stories breaking now, including the loss of Foxconn in Wisconsin, a company that had promised to hire 13,000 people and bring back jobs to the Heartland. This promise was trumpeted by Donald J. Trump (henceforth referenced as DJT) and Foxconn's $10 billion dollar plans were conscripted by DJT to show he was "making America - [Global Warming is Wreaking Havoc with Weather Patterns](https://www.weeklywilson.com/global-warming-is-wreaking-havoc-with-weather-patterns/) - In a recent Gallup poll, 66% of Americans said they wanted to see something done about global warming. Scientific studies have long cried "Wolf!" about the impending climate change, caused by global warming, and reversible, we thought, up until 2020---DoomsDay, according to a 2014 Field Museum documentary. But developments are heating up, in more ways - [Screen Actors' Guild Awards Spring Some Surprises on January 27, 2019](https://www.weeklywilson.com/screen-actors-guild-awards-spring-some-surprises-on-january-27-2019/) - Mahershala Ali, winner for Best Supporting Actor at the Screen Actor Guild Awards on Sunday, January 27, 2019. The Screen Actors Guild Awards are always high praise for those so honored because the awards are the individual being honored by his or her peers. Therefore, it is with a certain amount of justification that I - ["The Favourite:" Not MY Favorite](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-favourite-not-my-favorite/) - “The Favourite” is nominated for 5 awards at the Golden Globes. It has another 76 wins and 204 nominations for other cinematic awards. The excellent acting in "The Favourite" is from all three of the principals: Olivia Colman as Queen Anne, Rachel Weisz as Lady Sarah Marlborough and Emma Stone as Abigail (Lady Sarah’s cousin) are - ["Obama's Odyssey: The 2008 Race for the White House" ON SALE](https://www.weeklywilson.com/obamas-odyssey-the-2008-race-for-the-white-house-on-sale/) - I am writing to once again mention the ONE DAY sale (e-book) for $1.99 for "Obama's Odyssey: The 2008 Race for the White House," Vol. I, that is happening on January 5, Saturday, tomorrow. I seldom use this space to advertise my own books (although it is said that I should), but I'm feeling distinctly - ["Obama's Odyssey" (Vol. I) ON SALE for One Day (Jan. 5)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/obamas-odyssey-vol-i-on-sale-for-one-day-jan-5/) - I don't know about you, my readers, but I'm missing B.O. (Barack Obama). And by B.O. I mean Barack Obama. And Michelle, of course. And the days when we had an intelligent, literate, kind, considerate, compassionate adult couple in the White House. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArzB7P9CEy8It is January. It is cold outside. Children in elementary school are dying - ["Vice" Is Not An Adam McKay Fun-Fest: Be Warned](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vice-is-not-an-adam-mckay-fun-fest-be-warned/) - Adam McKay's new film "Vice" focuses on the Vice Presidency of Dick Cheney under George W. Bush. The director of "The Big Short" previously helmed "Anchorman" (2004), "Talladega Nights" and "The Other Guy." McKay wrote and directed this film and is nominated as both Best Director and for Best Screenplay among the 6 nods from - [The "Manchurian" Mess We Must Address](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-manchurian-mess-we-must-address/) - I drew back, apprehensive. Was this guy at the Trump rally at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa, really going to hit me? He looked seriously angry and would have fit Hillary Clinton's description of a "deplorable." I had done nothing to him other than attend the same rally, as a member of the - [](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16575-2/) - "Bloodshot & Bruised: Crime Stories from the South & West" by Travis Richardson Entertains (* A 180 page collection of short stories, many of them award-winning) Travis Richardson grew up in Oklahoma, but currently lives in Los Angeles---which, (judging from some of the lines in his short stories within this slim (180 pp.) volume),he - [Cabo Return and "The Kominsky Method" on Netflix](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cabo-return-and-the-kominsky-method-on-netflix/) - With over 800 flights canceled out of O'Hare and Midway in Chicago, the trip back to the United States from Cabo San Lucas could have been a nightmare. It wasn't. Our plane was one of the few that "got out" of the airport and we arrived home slightly later than we anticipated, but not that - [Cabo San Lucas at Thanksgiving, November 19-26, 2018](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cabo-san-lucas-at-thanksgiving-november-19-26-2018/) - In honor of our 50th wedding anniversary, I began planning a trip for the 7 of us to Cabo San Lucas about 3 or 4 years ago. We first visited Cabo in 2014 in January and enjoyed Sunset Beach, with whale watching, dolphins frolicking around our boat, and a lovely place. That year, we - [Holocaust Survivor Steen Metz Speaks on November 13th in Moline, Illinois](https://www.weeklywilson.com/holocaust-survivor-steen-metz-speaks-on-november-13th-in-moline-illinois/) - Steen Metz, who is an 83-year-old survivor of the Holocaust from Denmark, spoke to an audience of roughly 200 interested audience members on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 at the Moline Public Library. Steen grew up in Odense, Denmark, a small town 100 miles west of Copenhagen, where only .2% of the population was Jewish. Neither - ["The Front Runner"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/front-runner/) - “The Front Runner,” starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Jason Reitner, was the favorite film I saw this past 54th Chicago International Film Festival. It reminded me of “The Candidate” directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Robert Redford, which I reviewed 46 years ago (1972). In fact, I still have a button that says, “All - [Thoughts on Films & Politics on November 5th, 2018](https://www.weeklywilson.com/thoughts-on-films-politics-on-november-5th-2018/) - Some thoughts of the day, on Monday, the day before the election. I am asked if I think there will be a Blue Wave. I respond that my biggest fear is that the Kavanaugh hearings will function like the Comey memo about Hillary's e-mails. If the Kavanaugh hearings energize Trump's base.....(finish that thought). *************************** On - ["The Green Book" Film Gives Hope for Racial Harmony](https://www.weeklywilson.com/the-green-book-film-gives-hope-for-racial-harmony/) - Genre: Drama Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov, P.J. Byrne. Director: Peter Farrelly Writers: Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly. Length: 130 minutes "The Green Book" was a book that actually existed in the sixties South, one which would tell black citizens where they could (and could not) stay - ["Wildlife:" Actor/Writer/Director Paul Dano's First Directorial Effort](https://www.weeklywilson.com/wildlife-actor-writer-director-paul-danos-first-directorial-effort/) - Genre: Drama Director: Paul Dano Writers: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, based on Richard Ford's book Cast: Carey Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ed Oxenbould, Bill Camp Length: 144 minutes British actress Carey Mulligan ("An Education," "Never Let Me Go," "The Great Gatsby") stars in Paul Dano's directorial debut, "Wildlife," opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. The "Hollywood Reporter" recently named - [Steve Bannon is Profiled in "American Dharma" by Errol Morris](https://www.weeklywilson.com/steve-bannon-is-profiled-in-american-dharma-by-errol-morris/) - Errol Morris, one of the world’s foremost documentary filmmakers (“The Fog of War,” “The Unknown Known”), presents us with his latest film, “American Dharma,” a sobering peek into the mind of the man “Time” magazine dubbed the Master Manipulator, Steve Bannon. Dharma means “duty, fate and destiny,” according to this past and present Trump advisor. - ["Boy Erased:" Joel Edgerton's Writing/Directing/Acting Oscar-worthy Tour de Force](https://www.weeklywilson.com/boy-erased-joel-edgertons-writing-directing-acting-oscar-worthy-tour-de-force/) - Lucas Hedges is having a banner year, with starring roles in two much-talked about films, “Ben Is Back” and “Boy Erased.” “Boy Erased” is the story of the son of a Baptist minister in Arkansas who is outed to his parents (Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe) at age 19. As the voice-over tells us at - ["Can You Ever Forgive Me?" at the Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/can-you-ever-forgive-me-at-the-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “Can You Ever Forgive Me” is a nice change of pace for Melissa McCarthy, who reins it in nicely as Lee Israel, an author who was arrested for forging signatures of other more famous authors and selling them as authentic. Virtually a two-person ensemble, nice support is provided by Richard E. Grant as Jack Hock. - ["Beautiful Boy" Opens 54th Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16491-2/) - Opening Night of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival featured the Amazon film “Beautiful Boy,” directed by Belgian director Felix van Groeningen and starring Timothee Chalomet, Steve Carell, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan and Andre Royo (“The Wire,” “Fringe,” “Empire”). The film is based on two books written by David Sheff (“Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey - ["Friedkin Uncut" in Chicago with William Friedkin on October 15, 2018](https://www.weeklywilson.com/friedkin-uncut-in-chicago-with-william-friedkin-on-october-15-2018/) - William Friedkin, the Director of such 70s masterpieces as “The French Connection” (1971), “The Exorcist” (1973), “Boys in the Band” (1976), “Sorcerer” (1977) and “Cruising” (1980) was awarded a Career Achievement Award on Monday, October 15th, at the 54th Chicago International Film Festival. Friedkin, who is now 83, was thought to be the youngest man - [Lewis Black and John Bowman Entertain Chicago on Saturday, October 6, 2018](https://www.weeklywilson.com/lewis-black-and-john-bowman-entertain-chicago-on-saturday-october-6-2018/) - Lewis Black (from the Lewis Black website) Comedians Lewis Black and John Bowman came to the Chicago Theater on October 6th and performed to a full house, lampooning current events, politics, and life in general. Black's set reminded me of one I attended by David Brenner years ago, in that he presents less of a - [Chapter 6: "Mad Dog" Mattis, the Warrior Monk Secretary of Defense](https://www.weeklywilson.com/chapter-6-mad-dog-mattis-the-warrior-monk-secretary-of-defense/) - One week after the election, Trump offered 4-star Army General Jack Keane the position of Secretary of Defense. Keane turned him down (sick wife) but recommended Jim Mattis, also known as "Mad Dog" and "Chaos" and "the warrior monk. Trump was warned by Keane before offering the job to Mattis that "Mistakes on the domestic - [Austin Revolution Film Festival, Sept. 17-22, Continues](https://www.weeklywilson.com/austin-revolution-film-festival-sept-17-22-continues/) - The third day of the Austin Revolution Film Festival saw participants journeying to a high school to speak to one of the founder's classes and then on to Austin's Salt Lick for Barbecue. Since I've been to Salt Lick, I was not among the tourists, but I spent the past two evenings watching shorts and - ["FEAR:" Chapter 5 - The Kill Shot](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fear-chapter-5-the-kill-shot/) - In Chapter Five Trump wants to know, "Where the hell is the money?" He harasses fund-raiser Chris Christie regarding his efforts to raise funds for the campaign. Bannon tells Jared Kushner that Donald Trump needs to pony up $50 million for the campaign, because a candidate is not constrained by limits as other donors are. - [Connie's Cliff Notes, FEAR: Chapter 4](https://www.weeklywilson.com/connies-cliff-notes-fear-chapter-4/) - James Clapper (Image courtesy of www.deadline.com) The summer of 2015 saw the first sign of digital intrusions into our voting apparatus, first appearing in Illinois and later spreading to 21 states. Russian hacking and tampering put then-President Obama in a bad position. James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, was concerned that Russia might be using - ["FEAR:" Chapter 3 - Refining Trump's Tactics](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fear-chapter-3-refining-trumps-tactics/) - Steve Bannon (Image courtesy of NationReview.com) In Chapter 3, newly-appointed campaign manager Steve Bannon travels to Trump Tower and---lo and behold---meets the ONE person in "the war room," Andy Surabian. In his typical fashion, he asks, "Where the fuck is everybody?" and learns that this is a typical day in "the war room." Bannon finds - ["FEAR" - Chapter 2: Bannon Comes Aboard](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fear-chapter-2-bannon-comes-aboard/) - Steve Bannon Chapter 2 describes how Steve Bannon came to be involved in the Trump campaign for the presidency on or about August 13, 2016. Bannon was reading an article entitled "The Failing Inside Mission to Tame Trump's Tongue" in the New York Times (an article that would be just as timely today.) Trump - ["FEAR:" Chapter One](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fear-chapter-one/) - Steve Bannon, The Man Behind the Throne In Chapter One, Bob Woodward concentrates on Steve Bannon. He traces Bannon's meeting with Trump back to August of 2010, when David Bossie, longtme House Republican investigator and conservative activist wanted to put Bannon, then 57, together with the Trumpster. The chapter conveys Bannon's linguistic style as - [Bob Woodward's Book "FEAR"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bob-woodwards-book-fear/) - (Image from "The Headline") Bob Woodward's new book "FEAR" came out today, and I am reading it. Bob Woodward (Twitter image), co-author of "All the President's Men" and "Fear" As with Omarosa's book about the goings-on inside the White House ("Unhinged"), I will attempt to share with those of you with less idle time on - [Omarosa's Book "Unhinged" and What It Has to Say](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16403-2/) - Omarosa's new book "Unhinged" has been released and, as a service to readers, I have read it. As a writer, I appreciate that Omarosa's prose is readable and interesting. She shares her own life story, and I'll have to admit that her image as "the villain of the piece" on "The Apprentice" was about all - [Spike Lee Is Back With A Vengeance In BlacKkKlansman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/spike-lee-is-back-with-a-vengeance-with-blackkklansman/) - Spike Lee's new film "BlacKkKlansman," winner of the Cannes Grand Prix award in May, is based on the early 1970s true story of Ron Stallworth, who was the first African-American hired by the Colorado Springs Police Force. Ron is played by Denzel Washington's son, John David Washington, a new face to contend with for future - [Paul Manafort's Trial/Verdict Under Attack by Trump](https://www.weeklywilson.com/paul-manaforts-trial-verdict-under-attack-by-trump/) - I'm not sure I'll have a graphic to illustrate today's Trump ruminations. Having just heard Trump going on about what a "good person" Paul Manafort is (or was) in a news clip, when is it acceptable for a President to use his bully pulpit to interfere in the jury deliberations of a man against whom - [Trump Revokes Security Clearances of True Patriots Like John Brennan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trump-revokes-security-clearances-of-true-patriots-like-john-brennan/) - Wouldn't it be too perfect if a black woman (Omarosa) finally took down Donald J. Trump's presidency? For her part, the reality TV star turned White House hanger-on has said, "Donald Trump has met his match." And this sorry presidency marches on, revoking the security clearance of former CIA Chief (and CBS on-air expert) John - [San Antonio Film Festival, August 1-5 in San Antonio](https://www.weeklywilson.com/san-antonio-film-festival-august-1-5-in-san-antonio/) - The 24th Annual San Antonio Film Festival kicked off at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts at 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, Texas, on August 1st, 2018. Longtime director Adam Rocha, who has led the group for 24 years, did not greet us as we drifted in to get our credentials, and my badge, - [Michael Kutza Is Honored In Chicago as Founder and Director (55 Years) of the Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/michael-kutza-is-honored-in-chicago-as-founder-and-director-55-years-of-the-chicago-international-film-festival/) - “Celebrate Michael” In Chicago on July 14, 2018 celebrated Michael Kutza's retirement as longest-serving Artistic Director of a Film Festival in North America. Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival for the past 55 years, was feted at a gala celebration at Loews Hotel, 455 N. Park Drive, in Chicago - [Windy City Film Festival Opens in Chicago on July 12, 2018](https://www.weeklywilson.com/windy-city-film-festival-opens-in-chicago-on-july-12-2018/) - The second year of the Windy City Film Festival kicked off on July 12th at the Victory Garden Biograph Theater in Chicago. This is the very same theater made famous by John Dillinger’s assassination outside it after viewing “Manhattan Melody” in the 1930s. As a Finalist in the Screenplay Category, I was fortunate enough to - [Michael Kutza To Be Honored as Retiring Head of Chicago Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/michael-kutza-to-be-honored-as-retiring-head-of-chicago-film-festival/) - In 1964, film buff Michael Kutza founded the Chicago International Film Festival, with silent screen star Colleen Moore. The debut of the Chicago International Film Festival (now in its 54th year) was at the Carnegie Theatre at Rush and Oak Streets, on November 9, 1965. (Photo of Michael Kutza by Connie Wilson) Kutza, then 22, - [Two Screenplay Wins for THE COLOR OF EVIL](https://www.weeklywilson.com/two-screenplay-wins-for-the-color-of-evil/) - Just received word that my screenplay based on Book #1 of THE COLOR OF EVIL trilogy (series) has won another Los Angeles Screenplay competition, this time the L.A. Edge Film Awards. Having also just gone out to see "Hereditary" with Toni Collette, which I will review momentarily, I want to quote the June 18th issue - [Teaching in America Today From the Prism of 37 Years in the Field](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16260-2/) - It is Tuesday and I have not posted since last Tuesday, May 22nd. In keeping with the title of this blog (WEEKLY Wilson), I will now share some of Fareed Zakaria's Sunday morning show statistics, leavened with a few personal observations on teachers and teaching in America today. Fahreed began his Sunday morning GPS show - [AP, CNN Reporters Barred from Scott Pruitt Public Meeting](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ap-cnn-reporters-barred-from-scott-pruitt-public-meeting/) - Difficult as it is to believe, today journalists from CNN and the AP (Associated Press) were physically shoved out of a public meeting chaired by EPA Chief Scott Pruitt, with only those whose names were on a White House list being allowed to enter and report on this public meeting of the PFAS National Leadership - [Director William Friedkin Screens "The Devil & Father Amorth" in Austin, Texas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/director-william-friedkin-screens-the-devil-father-amorth-in-austin-texas/) - Acclaimed Director William Friedkin came to the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, May 12th, at 7 p.m. with his 70 minute documentary "The Devil & Father Amorth." It screened to a packed house that came as much for the Q&A that followed as for the dry examination of the Vatican's exorcist, - [Teachers in Austin Can't Afford to Live in District, Says Study](https://www.weeklywilson.com/teachers-in-austin-cant-afford-to-live-in-district-says-study/) - (Book above by Connie Corcoran Wilson & Joseph K. Hasenstab) Yesterday, while sharing wisdom acquired at the nail shop, I mentioned short articles to come (about soy beans and teachers.) I could write a really LONG diatribe about teachers and how it's about time that teachers, nationwide, rise up and demand to be treated like - [Things I Learned at the Nail Shop: Annette Bening as Super Hero](https://www.weeklywilson.com/things-i-learned-at-the-nail-shop-annette-bening-as-super-hero/) - When you go to the nail shop in Austin, you are surrounded by technicians who mainly speak to one another in Vietnamese (at least, I think it's Vietnamese). Otherwise, you have only the large flat-screen television to occupy you. I learned that Annette Bening is going to be a Super Hero in the Marvel franchise---or, - [Hearing Test Leads to Information on North Korea's Plight](https://www.weeklywilson.com/hearing-test-leads-to-information-on-north-koreas-plight/) - WARNING: Explicit Language Contained in the Above Trailer I decided to go have a hearing test, because my EYE doctor, way back in December in the Quad Cities, before we left town for Texas, clicked something 3 times on each side of my head. I did not hear the final click on the right ear - [Amy Schumer's "I Feel Pretty" Sets Off Controversy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/amy-schumers-film-i-feel-pretty-has-set-off-controversy/) - OK...So, I went to see Amy Schumer's new movie "I Feel Pretty" (and received a button that says "I Feel Pretty Awesome," which I wore all day).I liked it---the button AND the movie. There, I've said it. I liked it. I thought it was insightful and funny and I liked lines like, "I met this - [Fans Have Spoken: Mr. & Mrs. John Krasinski as Mr. & Mrs. Fantastic Four](https://www.weeklywilson.com/fans-have-spoken-mr-mrs-john-krasinski-as-mr-and-mrs-fantasic/) - Guest Editorial by Zayn Allen Comic book movies are great and all but when they're rebooted more than once, problems can occur. Fantastic Four is that type of comic book movie. Marvel's First Family, should not be disrespected. Growing up seeing comic book heroes on the movie screen gives young viewers role models that stay - [Zayn Allen (A DC Comics Fan) Says: Get It Together, D.C.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/zayn-allen-a-dc-comics-fan-says-get-it-together-d-c/) - Guest post from Zayin Allen with some snarky Siskel/Ebert Treatment (*With the usual snide remarks from the adult in the room who would like the never-ending barrage of these things to quietly go away and leave us with good films. C.W.) Let’s talk about DC Comics films. After Man of Steel the world - [Marvel Comics' Stan Lee Experiencing Elder Abuse ?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/marvel-comics-stan-lee-experiencing-elder-abuse/) - (Guest Post from Zayin Allen) Stan Lee of Marvel Comics in 2014 (Image from Wikipedia) The sentiments across the internet have been nice and concern has been expressed, but everyone can chill. Marvel Comics' Stan Lee doesn’t need a hero after reports surfaced last month that he had been a victim of elder abuse. “Hi, this - [Cancun Pictures While Snow Falls in Illinois](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-pictures-while-snow-falls-in-illinois/) - An emergency weather alert for Rock Island County (IL) reached me here in Cancun, Mexico, predicting SNOW and sleety rain on Wednesday (tomorrow) and a generally horrible-sounding bit of post-Easter weather. Ugh. I am posting a couple of pictures from where I am hiding out till it truly IS spring (or summer, at this rate), - [THE COLOR OF EVIL: The Beat Goes On](https://www.weeklywilson.com/color-evil-beat-goes/) - The April issue of "Shelf Unbound" magazine named the 3-e-book series THE COLOR OF EVIL one of the Best Indie Books of the Year. (#44, p. 98) I've been crafting a screenplay based on Book One. We'll see how that fares. It had the assistance (feedback) of a Hollywood producer responsible for the purchase (by - ["Shelf Unbound" Names THE COLOR OF EVIL One of Best of 2018](https://www.weeklywilson.com/shelf-unbound-names-the-color-of-evil-one-of-best-of-2017/) - "Shelf Unbound" magazine in its April/May issue (just out) has named THE COLOR OF EVIL e-book series of 3 books ("The Color of Evil," "Red Is for Rage" and "Khaki = Killer") one of the Best Indie Books of the Year 2017. (See #44, page 98, click link above). In the course of the article, - [Cancun: 2018 - Twenty-five Years of Easter Break Vacationing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/cancun-2018-twenty-five-years-of-easter-break-vacationing/) - Although the state department has issued some warnings about various Mexican tourist destinations, we've been going to Cancun for the last quarter century. First, we stayed at Fiesta Americana Condessa for two years. Our daughter was 5, our son twenty-four or so. We next rented the Royal Mayan for two years and our daughter took - [](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16180-2/) - ssuu.com/shelfunbound/docs/shelf_unbound_april-may_2018 "Shelf Unbound" magazine has named THE COLOR OF EVIL boxed set to its list of the BEST INDIE E-BOOKS of 2017. (p. 44). Type in The Color of Evil by Connie Corcoran Wilson to go to the Amazon ordering site for the 753 pages that comprise "The Color of Evil" (Book 1), "Red - [10 of the Most Memorable Movie Cars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/10-of-the-most-memorable-movie-cars/) - [This article courtesy of www.osv.ltd.uk] - ["Roxanne Roxanne" Was Long Overdue and Deserves More Attention.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/roxanne-roxanne-long-overdue-deserves-attention/) - Guest Review by Zayin Allen Writer-director Michael Larnell tells the true story of Lolita ‘Roxanne Shanté’ Gooden (Chante Adams) in "Roxanne, Roxanne." She was a young teen who journeyed from the battle rap queen of Queensbridge, NY, to shattering the glass ceiling with her iconic freestyle "Roxanne's Revenge" over the beat of Untouchable Force Organization - [The Impact of "Black Panther" in Film and Society](https://www.weeklywilson.com/impact-black-panther-film-society/) - Guest post by Zayin Allen (A La Siskel & Ebert here....) Marvel’s Black Panther is historic and iconic all at the same time. The film has brought in nothing but positive reviews, and the conversation concerning - [Avengers Infinity War Anticipation: Will It Live Up to the Hype ?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/avengers-infinity-war-anticipation-will-live-hype/) - Guest Review by Zayin Allen Coming off the hype of "Black Panther," the top-grossing super hero movie of all time, Marvel Studios has a hard act to follow. "Black Panther" offered both a step forward for the culture and a much needed change within the superhero genre. "Black Panther" changed the momentum of the Marvel - ["Write When You Get Work" Is A Nicely Written Romantic Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/write-get-work-nicely-written-romantic-film/) - "Write When You Get Work", written and directed by Stacey Cochran (on right) had its World Premiere at SXSW. It is a romantic caper of thievery, money, and access, shot on Super16 in New York. When the film opens, we see Finn Wittrock and Rachel Keller in a passionate embrace at the beach. The chemistry - ["Galveston" Premieres at SXSW with Ben Foster & Elle Fanning](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16118-2/) - “Galveston,” based on the novel by Nic Pizzolatto, World Premiered here last Saturday (March 10th). Although I was assigned Red Carpet duties for "Galveston" and Ben Foster, its star, was supposed to attend, along with Elle Fanning, it would have meant missing out on an interview with the screenwriters for “A Quiet Place.” I - [Stanley Tucci's "Final Portrait" Brings Armie Hammer to SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/stanley-tuccis-final-portrait-brings-armie-hammer-sxsw/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWkS1gO3aNI "Final Portrait" is Stanley Tucci's writing/directing tour de force, the sixth such venture for him. Tucci is a veteran character actor whom we have seen in many movies since 1985, including one Oscar-nominated role as the killer in "The Lovely Bones" and his continuing role in "The Hunger Games" as the colorful Caesar - [Two Documentaries at SXSW On Professional Athletes & Retirement](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16109-2/) - Two documentaries showing at SXSW deal with the difficulty of being an athlete and hanging it up (i.e., retiring). Those two are “Time Trial” by Finlay Pretsel of Scotland and “Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes,” directed by Robert S. Bader. Cavett is 81 now and traveled to Austin with the documentary. Scottish - ["A Quiet Place:" If You See Just One Suspense Thriller, Make It This One](https://www.weeklywilson.com/quiet-place-see-just-one-suspense-thriller-make-one/) - I'm here at SXSW Film Festival (for the 3rd year) and the Opening Night film, "A Quiet Place," written by two Hitchcock-loving Bettendorf, Iowa, 34-year-old filmmakers, (with some contributions from Director and Star John Krasinski of "The Office" fame), is wowing the critics and the crowds. I was fortunate enough to grab a few minutes - [Beck & Woods Conquer the World: Quad Citians Script Opening Night Film "A Quiet Place" at SXSW](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beck-woods-conquer-world-quad-citians-script-opening-night-film-quiet-place-sxsw/) - Emily Blunt in "A Quiet Place," the Opening Night Film at the 25th SXSW Film Festival, which is now SXSW Festival and Conference(s). How in the world did two young men from Bettendorf, Iowa, wind up scripting the Opening Night film of one of the most prestigious film festivals and conferences in the country, SXSW, - ["The World Before Your Feet" Is Award-winning Documentary at SXSW Featuring Walking New York City](https://www.weeklywilson.com/world-feet-award-winning-documentary-sxsw-featuring-walking-new-york-city/) - The World Before Your Feet from Jeremy Workmen, follows an unemployed civil engineer, Matt Green, 37, around New York City as he walks over 8,000 miles in 6 years, traveling every street, park, and space in the five boroughs. Matt is a civil engineer who up and quit his job to walk in 2009. It’s - [What does Black Panther bring to the table?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/what-does-black-panther-bring-to-the-table/) - It's Black History Month and time for Black Panther, the film. February is the month with the fewest days, but African-Americans rise to the occasion by celebrating the achievements of their ancestors. This film is more fit for the occasion because it is the only film in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) to feature a - ["12 Strong" Is One Long Boring Movie That Wastes A Great Cast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/12-strong-one-long-boring-movie-wastes-great-cast/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Denciie5oA The trailer looked impressive and, as someone wrote beneath the trailer on Youtube: "Michael Shannon? I'm in!" Michael Shannon I sat through an advance showing of Jerry Bruckheimer's latest Blow-Em-Up Shoot-Out at the Afghanistan Corral, "12 Strong," which opens wide January 19th, and all I can say is, "Boy! They must have paid Michael - ["Trespass Against Us" Did Not Work, Despite Fassbender/Gleeson Star Power](https://www.weeklywilson.com/trespass-us-not-work-despite-fassbender-gleeson-star-power/) - When you tell me that Michael Fassbender is starring opposite veteran UK actor Brendan Gleeson in a film, I’m there. I’m expecting good things. These are two great actors and the plot, set across 3 generations of the Cutler family of criminals, sounds exciting. The Cutler family live as outlaws in their own anarchic corner - ["The Infiltrator" Delivers Summer Suspense at the Movies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/infiltrator-delivers-summer-suspense-movies/) - “The Infiltrator” is Bryan Cranston’s ("Breaking Bad," "Malcolm in the Middle," "Godzilla") new film. It is based on the 2009 Bob Mazur book about his experiences as an undercover agent for the FBI. Mazur was the federal agent who infiltrated one of the largest drug syndicates in the United States. He also suggested “Operation C-Chase,” - [Thoughts on This Year's Oscar Race](https://www.weeklywilson.com/16009-2/) - Nominations for the 2018 Academy Awards on March 4th were just announced and, to no one’s surprise, the Best Picture nominees are: “Call Me By Your Name” “Darkest Hour” “Dunkirk” “Get Out” “Lady Bird” “Phantom Thread” “The Post” “The Shape of Water” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” I confess to having missed one out of - [Signs from the Resistance in Chicago on Jan. 21st, 2017](https://www.weeklywilson.com/signs-resistance-chicago-jan-21st-2017/) - My good friend Mary Gerace took part in the Chicago Women's March yesterday and has prepared this report on the signs that TV didn't show us. "After marching from Columbus and Congress to Michigan Avenue, I stepped up on the sidewalk to do some serious sign reading; I then did the same on Jackson Blvd. - [Vanessa Redgrave Receives Visionary Award at the 53rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival on October 16, 2017](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vanessa-redgrave-receives-visionary-award-53rd-annual-chicago-international-film-festival-october-16-2017/) - Vanessa Redgrave is one of the most honored actresses of her generation. Now 80, she has been Oscar-nominated six times (winning for Best Supporting Actress in “Julia” in 1977) and may be the only British actress to have won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony, a BAFTA, an Olivier, a Cannes award, a Golden Globe - [Vanessa Redgrave's Directorial Debut, "Sea Sorrow," Documents the Refugee Crisis in Europe](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vanessa-redgraves-directorial-debut-sea-sorrow-documents-refugee-crisis-europe/) - In her directorial debut after a lengthy career as a much-lauded actress, Academy Award winner Vanessa Redgrave takes on a cause near and dear to her heart in “Sea Sorrow.” That cause is trying to alleviate the refugee crisis affecting Europe right now, with displaced persons---many of them unaccompanied children---streaming in, 70 new people a - ["Porto" Film Is One of Actor Anton Yelchin's Final Performances](https://www.weeklywilson.com/porto-film-actor-anton-yelchins-final-performances/) - I recently attended the Oakton Community College Pop-Up Film Festival, organized by Film Instructor and Director Michael G. Smith in Des Plaines, Illinois. One of the films viewed by the crowd was "Porto," a film directed by Gabe Klinger, who flew in from New York to answer questions from the crowd, which contains one - ["Black Lightning" on the CW Premieres for DC Comics Fans](https://www.weeklywilson.com/black-lightning-cw-premieres-dc-comics-fans/) - by Zayin Allen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL4PdblLLiM (Episode 1, "Resurrection" trailer.) The CW has sparked the attention of many DC comic book fans and their new show (debuted January 16th) "Black Lightning" has electrified the entire network. The first African-American superhero in DC Comics, Black Lightning debuted originally in 1977 and defined an era of social injustice in - [Observations on the January 7th Golden Globes from Zayin Allen](https://www.weeklywilson.com/observations-january-7th-golden-globes-zayin-allen/) - Oprah at the Sunday, January 7th, Golden Globe Awards During the Golden Globes, the big moments are not about the ceremony and awards themselves,. It's more about what the nominees and winners have to say. especially with everything happening leading into the new year with the "Me, Too!" movement.. Natalie Portman was strong to subtly - [And So the Adventure Begins: Welcome, Zayin Allen](https://www.weeklywilson.com/adventure-begins-welcome-zayin-allen/) - "My name is Zayin Allen and I'm a senior at Delaware State University looking for writing opportunities relevant to my interests to boost my portfolio. I have written for my school newspaper in the past, but, mostly current events articles. My interests lie with covering/reviewing movies and TV. I am a self-motivated, outspoken, opinionated writer - [All Five Christmas Cats Children's Books on Sale Through 2017](https://www.weeklywilson.com/christmas-cats-childrens-books-sale-2017/) - I have a series called "The Christmas Cats in Silly Hats" (www.TheXmasCats.com), ;which I began writing for my granddaughters when they were three years old. The books are "throw-back" books to what I learned in elementary schools of the fifties when early readers featured Dick and Jane and the policeman on the beat was always your - [Go Vote for THE COLOR OF EVIL on Inkitt.Com](https://www.weeklywilson.com/vote-color-evil-inkitt-com/) - Looking sharp! Your story, THE COLOR OF EVIL, has been approved by the editorial team at Inkitt, and will now be visible in the site listings. We've seen that authors who leave feedback on others' manuscripts find that action reciprocated. Just visit our reviewers' group here: https://www.inkitt.com/groups/5 to get started! We hope you enjoy seeing your story live - [THE COLOR OF EVIL Series on Tour Through November](https://www.weeklywilson.com/color-evil-series-tour-november/) - https://www.amazon.com/Color-Evil-Connie-Corcoran-Wilson-ebook/dp/B0762HYLYN/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1510560222&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Color+of+Evil+series&dpID=51L8-800gHL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch - [“Lady Bird” Is The Name That Saiorse Ronan Gives Herself](https://www.weeklywilson.com/lady-bird/) - “Lady Bird” is the name that Saiorse Ronan gives herself (in the film of the same name), rather than her given name of Christine. The Greta Gerwig-helmed indie film was smartly written and gives Gerwig an impressive directorial debut with an equally impressive cast, including Laurie Metcalf as LadyBird’s mother, Tracy Letts as Lucas Hedges, - [Card Company Announces on AOL That They Are Going to Save America with $15 Stunt](https://www.weeklywilson.com/card-company-announces-aol-save-america-15-stunt/) - Cards Agasint Humanity: We’ve purchased a plot of vacant land on the border and retained a law firm specializing in eminent domain to make it as time-consuming and as expensive as possible for the (Trump) wall to be built.” - [New Amazon Review of THE COLOR OF EVIL Series (Boxed Set)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/amazon-review-color-evil-series-boxed-set/) - 5.0 out of 5 starsWonderfully Creepy Box Set - An Excellent Set of Horror Novels ByDTChantelon November 15, 2017 Format: Kindle Edition (On sale for $5.57 through November) Do I like scary clowns? No! Did the cover of the new box set "The Color of Evil," by Connie Corcoran Wilson, scare me? Yes! Did I - [Dan Rather Appears at Texas Book Festival in Support of "What Unites Us:" Says "Civil Dissent Is As American As Apple Pie."](https://www.weeklywilson.com/dan-appears-texas-book-festival-support-what-unites-us-civil-dissent-american-apple-pie/) - Veteran CBS newsman Dan Rather, a Houston native, came to the First Baptist Church in Austin at noon on Saturday (November 4, 2017) to talk about his new book "What Unites Us." His appearance was part of the Texas Book Festival, which is one of the largest and one of the most prestigious literary festivals - [Guillermo del Toro's "The Shape of Water" Closes Out the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival with a Tribute to Michael Shannon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/15811/) - The closing film for the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival was Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” which seems destined for many Academy Award nominations this season. It also served as an opportunity to pay tribute to Michael Shannon, one of the actors in the film, who was present to accept the award and - [Jane Goodall & the Wild Chimpanzees of Gombe Are the Subject of Husband Hugo VanLewick's Treasure Trove of Discovered Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jane-goodall-wild-chimpanzees-gombe-subject-husband-hugo-vanlewicks-treasure-trove-discovered-film/) - When I taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts, I always showed the students the documentary (16 mm. film rented from the local library) “Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees.” Imagine my excitement at learning that Director Brett Morgen (“The Kid Stays In the Picture” (2002); “The Chicago Ten,” (2007); “Cobain: Montage of Heck” (2015)) - [Sir Patrick Stewart Honored with Lifetime Tribute Award at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival on October 25, 2017](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sir-patrick-stewart-honored-lifetime-tribute-award-53rd-chicago-international-film-festival-octobe-25-2017/) - Sir Patrick Stewart was honored with a Special Tribute night on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival. This spring, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor earned some of the best reviews of his career as Professor Charles Xavier in “Logan,” reprising a role he originated in the first installment - ["Sammy Davis,Jr.: I've Gotta' Be Me" with Director Sam Pollard at the 53rd International Chicago Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/15764/) - Director Sam Pollard brought his hugely entertaining documentary “Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta’ Be Me” to the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival and spoke about the fascinating subject of this film. A host of celebrities, ranging from Whoopie Goldberg to Billy Crystal to Sidney Poitier testify to the man who was “showbusiness from the top - ["Killing Jesus" and "The Charmer" Win Awards at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival on October 20th, 2017](https://www.weeklywilson.com/killing-jesus-the-charmer-win-awards-53rd-chicago-international-film-festival-october-20th-2017/) - The Chicago International Film Festival announced winners of many awards, celebrating the films chosen by the Festival juries in various categories. Among those selected for awards were two foreign films that definitely impressed me: “The Charmer” from Denmark by Iranian born first-time director Malad Alami won the Silver Hugo and “Killing Jesus,” which won the - ["A Moon of Nickel and Ice" from Canadian Director Francois Jacob: Grim](https://www.weeklywilson.com/a-moon-nickel-ice-canadian-director-francois-jacob-grim/) - In the ice Russian mining city of Norilsk, residents endure sub-zero temperatures and the weight of a dark history: Once a Soviet labor camp in the 1930's and 1940's, tens of thousands of political prisoners died while extracting nickel ore from beneath the tundra. In this visually striking and haunting documentary, local inhabitants, including a - ["Marshall" Opens the 53rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival on October 12th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/marshall-opens-53rd-annual-chicago-international-film-festival-october-12th/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_bfOWof0Sg The opening film of the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival was “Marshall,” directed by Reginald Hutton. The film is a depiction of a case that NAACP lawyer and first black Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall took in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The 1941 case involved a charge of rape made by a prominent white socialite Eleanor - [Palme D'Or Winner "The Square" Lives Up to Its Hype as Funny, Timely Film](https://www.weeklywilson.com/palme-dor-winner-the-square-lives-hype-funny-timely-film/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKDPrpJEGBY “The Square” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Last year, Swedish writer/director Ruben Ostlund’s previous film about an avalanche and family dynamics, “Force Majeure,” was one of the most interesting at the Chicago International Film Festival. Still, a Cannes darling is not always mine. I am happy to report - [True Tale of Saving the Elephant at the Belfast Zoo in WWII](https://www.weeklywilson.com/true-tale-saving-elephant-belfast-zoo-wwii/) - “Zoo,” written and directed by Colin McIvor, is the true story of how a lonely widow and three schoolchildren banded together to save an elephant in the Belfast, Northern Ireland zoo (the Bellevue Zoological Zoo) to prevent the pachyderm from being slaughtered during World War II. Belfast had two major bombing raids on its populace - ["Ali's Wedding" & "Maktub": Comedies Screened Prior to the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/alis-wedding-maktub-comedies-screened-prior-53rd-chicago-international-film-festival/) - Two comedies have been screened for critics at the 53rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival during this lead-up week. ”Ali’s Wedding” from Australian director Jeffrey Walker, reminds most of the recent hit “The Big Sick.” “Maktub” (“Fate”) from Israel director Oded Raz featured Guy Hamir and Hanon Savyon, both Israeli television stars in such TV - ["Sicilian Ghost Story:" A True Story of Crime & Consequences](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sicilian-ghost-story-true-story-crime-consequences/) - The Italian film “Sicilian Ghost Story,” directed by Fabio Grassadonia/Antonio Piazza is based on a real-life Mafia kidnapping of a 13-year-old son of a Mafia don who was kidnapped and held hostage to be used as leverage to make his criminal father stop cooperating with the police. The term, in Italian, seems to be “supergrass,” - [Bob Seger: Still Rocking (in Moline, IL) at 72](https://www.weeklywilson.com/bob-seger-rocking-in-moline-il-72/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIocthkeiBM&feature=youtu.be Rock musician Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band took the stage at the Civic Center in Moline, Illinois on Saturday night, August 26th, 2017, for the second show on his just-launched tour (Tulsa was first). The clip above shows off more of the band, in general, but the entire show was jam-packed with - [French Film About Love & Its Effects Gives Viewers Much to Think About](https://www.weeklywilson.com/french-film-love-effects-viewers/) - The lead-up to the Chicago International Film Festival’s 53rd year is underway. Critics are getting the chance to screen films from over 95 countries, including 1,044 feature films, 3,500 shorts and 646 documentaries. Twenty-five of the films will enjoy their North American Premiere here and 29 others will have their U.S. Premiere in Chicago when - [Tour Dates & Blogs for THE COLOR OF EVIL Tour](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tour-dates-blogs-color-evil-tour/) - FOLLOW COLOR OF EVIL SERIES BY CONNIE CORCORAN WILSON TOUR Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Sept 29 Review & Giveaway Gayle Books Reviews Etc Oct 3 Review Beverly’s Book Blog Oct 13 Review, Excerpt, Interview, & Giveaway Dawn Bound 2 Escape Oct 10 Excerpt & Giveaway Angélica Amazon Review Nov 1 Review Jessica JBronder Book - [THE COLOR OF EVIL Boxed Set Tour Is "On"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/15618/) - COLOR OF EVIL SERIES BOXED SET BY CONNIE CORCORAN WILSON Publisher: Quad Cities’ Press (Aug, 2017) Category: YA, Psychological Paranormal Thriller Tour Dates: Oct/Nov, 2017 Available in: E-book, 725 Pages THE COLOR OF EVIL series presents you with characters who live, breathe and die in small town Cedar Falls, Iowa. Tad McGreevy, the focus of - ["Mother:" Darren Aronofsky & Jennifer Lawrence (It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature!)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/mother-darren-aronofsky-jennifer-lawrence-its-nice-fool-mother-nature/) - Darron Aronofsky’s new film “Mother!” looks to be a re-imagining, perhaps, of “Rosemary’s Baby” from its trailers. After Aronofsky films like “Black Swan,” “The Wrestler” and “Noah,” you come out of this one feeling slightly bilious---partially from Matthew Libatique’s hand-held close-up camera work---and partially because the film, (allegorical though it may be), just leaves you - ["It" Breaks Records for Horror Movie Openings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/it-breaks-records-horror-movie-openings/) - When I showed up at our local Cineplex at 5:10 p.m. last Saturday to see "It," I didn't expect to find that particular showing sold out---but it was. So was the 6:20 p.m. showing, after I bought the last ticket. "It"---based on a novel by Stephen King written over 30 years ago---is breaking records for - [Jeremy Renner Stars in Taylor Sheridan's "Wind River"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/jeremy-renner-stars-taylor-sheridans-wind-river/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7WuKdVhrmA “Wind River” opens with a young Indian girl running barefoot across snow with a mountainous landscape in the background. We soon learn that the mountains are (supposedly) in Wyoming on the Wind River Indian Reservation, a reservation established for the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes in western Wyoming. The entrance to the Wind - [Totally Preventable Disease that Killed "The Cincinnati Kid"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/totally-preventable-disease-killed-the-cincinnati-kid/) - There are diseases that become forever associated with a famous victim. Michael J. Fox is active with research for Parkinson's Disease. Mary Tyler Moore was a lifelong diabetic. Jerry Lewis, although not a victim of the disease, will always be associated with the marathon television fundraisers he organized and helmed for Muscular Dystrophy. One particularly - [Where There's Smoke, There's Fire: Donald Trump Jr.'s Russian Meetings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/smoke-fire-donald-trump-jr-s-russian-meetings/) - You'll seldom find me agreeing with arch Republican columnist Charles Krauthammer, but his editorial entitled "Bungled Collusion Is Still Collusion" of Sunday, July 16th (Quad City Times) contains some sentiments that I want to share with you. And then I'll include some remarks from "the other side." Quoting Krauthammer re the burgeoning Donald Trump, Jr. - [The Magnitsky Act Explained](https://www.weeklywilson.com/magnitsky-act-explained/) - On Sunday morning's talk shows, including Fahreed Zakaria's, there was talk about the magnitsky Act (although it was mispronounced by several speakers.) It becomes clear from this explanation by the Washington Post that the meeting that Donald Trump, Jr., took part in was probably an attempt to influence the Trump adminisration to revoke this act, - ["Letter to the Editor" that May (or May Not) Ever See Daylight](https://www.weeklywilson.com/letter-editor-or-not-daylight/) - [* Below is the complete text of a letter sent to the "Dispatch" newspaper recently, which they refused to run in its entirety. I was told to shorten it to 250 words. The last letter I sent, they never responded and it never ran, so I'm not sure if this is a step forward or ## Pages - ["Weapons" By Zach Cregger Hits Its Mark](https://www.weeklywilson.com/weapons-by-zach-cregger-hits-its-mark/) - One of the best films of the summer is “Weapons,” written, directed and partially scored by Zach Cregger. (Cregger is listed as collaborating on some of the music along with Hays Holladay and Ryan Holladay.) Cregger’s previous film, “Barbarian” (2022) marked him as a talent to watch. The script for "Weapons" went through a bidding - [Oscar Picks for Sunday, April 25th, 2021](https://www.weeklywilson.com/oscar-picks-for-sunday-april-25th-2021/) - I've seen all the major categories for the Oscars this year, with the exception of "Minari," which I will have seen by April 24th. There are a few categories that I have no idea whatsoever, and those I have left blank All others, I have selected a winner with an "X" beside it. I was - [Beto O'Rourke Speaks Out](https://www.weeklywilson.com/beto-orourke-speaks-out/) - (From Beto O'Rourke) Connie: The President came to El Paso last week. He promised a wall and repeated his lies about the dangers that immigrants pose. With El Paso as the backdrop, he claimed that this city of immigrants was dangerous before a border fence was built here in 2008. Beyond refuting his comments about - [Contact](https://www.weeklywilson.com/contact/) - [About Connie (Corcoran) Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/about/) - Connie (Corcoran) Wilson (MS + 30) graduated from the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University, with additional study at Northern Illinois, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Chicago with degrees in English, Journalism and Education. She taught at six Iowa/Illinois colleges and at the junior high school level in Silvis, - ["Ghostly Tales of Oklahoma: Route 66" Now Available on Kindle](https://www.weeklywilson.com/ghostly-tales-of-oklahoma-route-66-now-available-on-kindle/) - I'm in the process of breaking out each state of the 6 or so along Route 66 and publishing the resulting shorter books as e-books with the names "Ghostly Tales of Oklahoma: Route 66," etc. Some time ago (2008) I wrote all of Volumes II and III of "Ghostly Tales of Route 66" for Bruce ## Downloads - [WW Part 2 pdf](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sdm_downloads/ww-part-2-pdf/) - [WW Wilson Part 1 pdf](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sdm_downloads/ww-wilson-part-1-pdf/) - [COE Ch. 1 - 5](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sdm_downloads/coe-ch-1-5/) - [Black Friday Short Story](https://www.weeklywilson.com/sdm_downloads/black-friday-short-story/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Politics](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/politics/) - Presidential caucuses have been Connie’s specialty in Iowa as she followed the elections of 2004, 2008, 2012 and wrote the 2 books “Obama’s Odyssey: The 2008 Race for the White House.” She also continues to follow politics by avidly reading everything she can get her hands on, including “Rolling Stone,” “Mother Jones,” “Newsmax,” “Time,” etc. - [Movies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/movies/) - Connie has been reviewing film uninterruptedly since 1970 (47 years) and routinely covers the Chicago International Film Festival (14 years), SXSW, the Austin Film Festival, and others, sharing detailed looks in advance at upcoming entertainment. She has taught a class on film and is the author of the book “Training the Teacher As A Champion; From The Godfather to Apocalypse Now, published by the Merry Blacksmith Press of Rhode Island. - [Television](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/television/) - [Sports](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/sports/) - [Pop Culture](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/pop-culture/) - Any trends or popular fads may be described, whether it would be something like the hula hoop or the pet rock or simply new slang. - [Books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/books/) - Connie will review the thriller/mystery/horror books of others and will keep you posted on her own writing. - [Humor and Weird Wilson-isms](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/humor-and-weird-wilson-isms/) - In the spirit of her full-length book “Laughing through Life” that featured humorous stories of child-rearing and general life, Connie has written humor columns for a variety of newspapers, which Erma Bombeck’s widower described as being very much like her columns when presented with a book at an Ohio writing festival. - [News](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/news/) - This category will, no doubt, be spending time reporting on the antics of the Trump Administration, but natural disasters and other such news will also qualify. - [Health/Medicine](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/healthmedicine/) - If someone discovers a new cure for cancer, this would be worth mentioning, and you can anticipate those kinds of stories. - [Reviews](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/reviews/) - [Education](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/education/) - There are 150 teacher years in Connie’s immediate family and her first book, written for Performance Learning Systems, Inc., in 1989, is entitled “Training the Teacher As A Champion.” In this day of Betsy DeVos, you can expect to hear some comments on how our educational system is being undermined from the top down. - [Recipes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/recipes/) - [Interviews](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/interviews/) - Among the notable folk that Connie has interviewed (partial list) are: David Morrell (3 times), William F. Nolan, Kurt Vonnegut, jr.; Joe Hill; Frederik Pohl; Anne Perry; Valerie Plame; Vanessa Redgrave; Michael Shannon;; Taylor Hackford; Jon Land and Liv Ullman. The interview subjects might be from the world of Hollywood or simply be much-read authors, but her interviews have run in newspapers for 61 years. - [France](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/france/) - With a best friend who taught French for years (and as someone who had 4 years of French, herself) Connie may parlez vous Francais occasionally or feature beautiful photographs taken by her college roommate Pam Rhodes. - [Science and Medicine](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/science-and-medicine/) - [Mexico](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/mexico/) - With time shares in both Cancun and Mazatlan, Connie and her family spend a minimum of 2 weeks a year in Mexico and many photos and articles will deal with trips to these locations, the Mexican Riviera, Cabo San Lucas, etc. - [Editorial](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/editorial/) - In this age of Donald J. Trump and the Mueller investigation, you can expect updates on what is happening to our country and its Constitution. - [flash fiction](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/flash-fiction/) - Very short stories written with maximum brevity. - [travel](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/travel/) - [Music](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/music/) - Connie plays 4 musical instruments and her daughter is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville with a degree in Music Business and once worked for Taylor Swift. She may comment on concerts or reminisce on concerts of old. - [Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/of-local-quad-cities-interest/) - The category is self-explanatory, but it would include new or old businesses, political elections, trends, restaurants in town, entertainment in town, etc. - [Local](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/local/) - Columns on local goings on could mean the Quad Cities of IA/IL (Moline, IL or Davenport, IA); Chicago; or Austin, Tx, since Connie spends parts of each year in those towns where she has homes. ‘Of local interest” could mean politics, opinion pieces, or business or entertainment-related subjects. - [Best Paranormal Stories Online to Read | Paranormal Podcast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/books/thecolorofevilseries/) - Explore the best, crazy, creepy, and famous paranormal stories. Explore online resources, podcasts, and captivating reads. - [Scary stories](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/books/hellfiredamnationthebook/) - These short stories in 3 volumes are centered on the sins and crimes punished at each of the 9 Circles of Hell in Dante’s “Inferno.” - [Laughing through Life](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/humor-and-weird-wilson-isms/funnystories/) - Connie’s book made up of humor columns and funny observations in the style of Erma Bombeck. - [Essays on Politics: Best Political Essays & Ideology](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/humor-and-weird-wilson-isms/thoughtsonpoliticsnewandold/) - Delve into diverse topics including political ideology, socialization, women in politics, and more. Engage with insightful argumentative essays on American politics and beyond. - [Texas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/texas/) - [Cancun](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/cancun/) - [Royal Sands](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/royal-sands/) - [the Wilsons on vacation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/the-wilsons-on-vacation/) - [Easter in Mexico](https://www.weeklywilson.com/category/easter-in-mexico/) ## Tags - [Barack Obama](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/barack-obama/) - [Richmond](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/richmond/) - [Democratic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/democratic/) - [Presidential race](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/presidential-race/) - [Virginia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/virginia/) - [Iraq](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/iraq/) - [war](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/war/) - [George W. 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Ward](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/christopher-j-ward/) - [embezzlement](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/embezzlement/) - [wire transfers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wire-transfers/) - [theft](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/theft/) - [Michael McCarty](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-mccarty/) - [Midwest Writing Center](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/midwest-writing-center/) - [Pamela Rhodes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pamela-rhodes/) - [Cannes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cannes/) - [International College of Cannes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/international-college-of-cannes/) - [French pictures](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/french-pictures/) - [medial orbifrontal cortex](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/medial-orbifrontal-cortex/) - [price-placebo effect](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/price-placebo-effect/) - [Baba Shiv](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/baba-shiv/) - [Antonio Rangel](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/antonio-rangel/) - [Cancun](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cancun/) - [vacation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vacation/) - [pictures](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pictures/) - [beach](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/beach/) - [Louis XVII](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/louis-xvii/) - [Fontainebleu](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fontainebleu/) - [Versailles gardens](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/versailles-gardens/) - [picture upload elusive tips](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/picture-upload-elusive-tips/) - [medicine](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/medicine/) - [blood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/blood/) - [transfusions](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/transfusions/) - [New England Journal of Medicine](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/new-england-journal-of-medicine/) - [Dr. Colleen Gorman Koch](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dr-colleen-gorman-koch/) - [TASER guns](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/taser-guns/) - [Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago/) - [Roberto Gonzalez](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/roberto-gonzalez/) - [law enforcement](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/law-enforcement/) - [death](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/death/) - [Iraq War](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/iraq-war/) - [cost](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cost/) - [Vanity Fair](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vanity-fair/) - [Mother Jones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mother-jones/) - [casulaties](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/casulaties/) - [Las Vegas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/las-vegas/) - [trips](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/trips/) - [zombies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/zombies/) - [weather](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/weather/) - [Konerak](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/konerak/) - [Normandy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/normandy/) - [D-Day](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/d-day/) - [French](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/french/) - [cemetery](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cemetery/) - [Spamalot](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/spamalot/) - [Tom Jones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tom-jones/) - [An American Hamlet](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/an-american-hamlet/) - [Economic woes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/economic-woes/) - [flagging dollar](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/flagging-dollar/) - [Mismanagement](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mismanagement/) - [global financial system](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/global-financial-system/) - [George W. Bush's incompetence](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/george-w-bushs-incompetence/) - [Zombie story](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/zombie-story/) - [Jeffrey Dahmer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jeffrey-dahmer/) - [500-word limit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/500-word-limit/) - [Cancun restaurants](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cancun-restaurants/) - [local Cancun hot spots](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/local-cancun-hot-spots/) - [teachers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/teachers/) - [schools](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/schools/) - [tornadoes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tornadoes/) - [dining in Cancun](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dining-in-cancun/) - [ethanol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ethanol/) - [biofuels](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/biofuels/) - [Brazil](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/brazil/) - [Iowa](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/iowa/) - [alternative energy sources](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/alternative-energy-sources/) - [WTO](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wto/) - [World Trade Organization](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/world-trade-organization/) - [tariffs and subsidies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tariffs-and-subsidies/) - [Latin America](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/latin-america/) - [economic forum](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/economic-forum/) - [Born to be Mild](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/born-to-be-mild/) - [baby-boomers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/baby-boomers/) - [cartoon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cartoon/) - [aging](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/aging/) - [Viagra](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/viagra/) - [Carly Smithson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/carly-smithson/) - [American Idol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/american-idol/) - [Simon Cowell](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/simon-cowell/) - [Jason Castro](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jason-castro/) - [eliminated](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/eliminated/) - [David Archuleta](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-archuleta/) - [David Cook](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-cook/) - [Brooke White](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/brooke-white/) - [Paula Abdul](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/paula-abdul/) - [Randy Jackson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/randy-jackson/) - [Rolling Stones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rolling-stones/) - [Mick Jagger](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mick-jagger/) - [Martin Scorsese](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/martin-scorsese/) - [Shine A Light](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/shine-a-light/) - [Bill and Hillary Clinton](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bill-and-hillary-clinton/) - [Jeff Daniels](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jeff-daniels/) - [Rock Island](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rock-island/) - [Purple Rose of Cairo](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/purple-rose-of-cairo/) - [Michigan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michigan/) - [Dirty Harry](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dirty-harry/) - [St. Louis Arch](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/st-louis-arch/) - [St. Louis](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/st-louis/) - [Missouri](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/missouri/) - [Monument to the Dream](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/monument-to-the-dream/) - [Arsenal Island](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/arsenal-island/) - [Confederate Cemetery](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/confederate-cemetery/) - [budget](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/budget/) - [Syesha Mercado](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/syesha-mercado/) - [David Archelato](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-archelato/) - [Weinermobile](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/weinermobile/) - [hot dogs](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hot-dogs/) - [Oscar Mayer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/oscar-mayer/) - [Kraft Foods](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kraft-foods/) - [Wisconsin](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wisconsin/) - [West Virginia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/west-virginia/) - [Primary](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/primary/) - [Poll Data](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/poll-data/) - [advertising cars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/advertising-cars/) - [Big Shoe](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/big-shoe/) - [Davenport (IA)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/davenport-ia/) - [Jim Arpy interview with Harry Hallas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jim-arpy-interview-with-harry-hallas/) - [population](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/population/) - [gas](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/gas/) - [statistics](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/statistics/) - [race](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/race/) - [drug arrests](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/drug-arrests/) - [Henry County](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/henry-county/) - [Sheriff Gib Cady](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sheriff-gib-cady/) - [drug seizures](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/drug-seizures/) - [Pinnacle Airlines](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pinnacle-airlines/) - [Compass Airlines](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/compass-airlines/) - [airplane travel](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/airplane-travel/) - [Northwest Airlines](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/northwest-airlines/) - [Vancouver](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vancouver/) - [Robert McNamara](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/robert-mcnamara/) - [Errol Morris](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/errol-morris/) - [Vietnam War](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vietnam-war/) - [Fog of War](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fog-of-war/) - [Oscar-winning documentary](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/oscar-winning-documentary/) - [Richard Clarke](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/richard-clarke/) - [Jon Stewart](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jon-stewart/) - [Your Government Failed You](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/your-government-failed-you/) - [In Defense of Liberty](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/in-defense-of-liberty/) - [The Daily Show](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-daily-show/) - [Democratic nomination](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/democratic-nomination/) - [campaign](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/campaign/) - [Blues Fest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/blues-fest/) - [Printers Row](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/printers-row/) - [Field Museum](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/field-museum/) - [Avenue Q](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/avenue-q/) - [Chicago attractions](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-attractions/) - [Iowa flooding](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/iowa-flooding/) - [Cedar Rapids](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cedar-rapids/) - [Iowa City](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/iowa-city/) - [Interstate 80 closed](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/interstate-80-closed/) - [Cedar Rapids flood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cedar-rapids-flood/) - [last water tower standing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/last-water-tower-standing/) - [sandbagging](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sandbagging/) - [Midwest flooding](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/midwest-flooding/) - [Cedar River flooding](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cedar-river-flooding/) - [Add new tag](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/add-new-tag/) - [Flood pictures](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/flood-pictures/) - [Ellis Boulevard flooding](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ellis-boulevard-flooding/) - [Midwest flood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/midwest-flood/) - [Cedar River Flood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cedar-river-flood/) - [flood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/flood/) - [YMCA flood damage](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ymca-flood-damage/) - [Big Oil](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/big-oil/) - [demonstrations](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/demonstrations/) - [stock market](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stock-market/) - [Roman Polanski](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/roman-polanski/) - [Sharon Tate](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sharon-tate/) - [Manson murders](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/manson-murders/) - [The Piano](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-piano/) - [rape trial of Roman Polanski](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rape-trial-of-roman-polanski/) - [Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/speedo-lzr-racer-swimsuit/) - [Olympic protest over swimsuits](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/olympic-protest-over-swimsuits/) - [Michael Phelps](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-phelps/) - [Ames professor Rick Sharp](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ames-professor-rick-sharp/) - [Beijing Olympics](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/beijing-olympics/) - [Omana World Swimming Trials](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/omana-world-swimming-trials/) - [Pufferfish](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pufferfish/) - [baby abandoned](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/baby-abandoned/) - [Chicago Tribune news](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-tribune-news/) - [Garrison Keillor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/garrison-keillor/) - [poisons](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/poisons/) - [Whole Foods](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/whole-foods/) - [officer death](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/officer-death/) - [nuts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nuts/) - [Jesse Jackson comment](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jesse-jackson-comment/) - [violence in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/violence-in-chicago/) - [Kevin Costner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kevin-costner/) - [Swing Vote](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/swing-vote/) - [The Dark Knight](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-dark-knight/) - [Batman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/batman/) - [Michael Caine](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-caine/) - [Gary Oldman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/gary-oldman/) - [Chicago Premiere of Batman movie](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-premiere-of-batman-movie/) - [Christine Baumgartner Costner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/christine-baumgartner-costner/) - [Dances with Wolves](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dances-with-wolves/) - [Kevin Costner on Marriage](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kevin-costner-on-marriage/) - [Quad Cities](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/quad-cities/) - [tornado in Quad Cities](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tornado-in-quad-cities/) - [East Moline](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/east-moline/) - [fallen trees](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fallen-trees/) - [storm damage](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/storm-damage/) - [pineapple express](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pineapple-express/) - [movie premiere](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/movie-premiere/) - [seth rogan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/seth-rogan/) - [superbad](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/superbad/) - [khocked up](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/khocked-up/) - [Bill Maher](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bill-maher/) - [Chicago Theater](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-theater/) - [Stand-up act](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stand-up-act/) - [Politically Incorrect](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/politically-incorrect/) - [Bennigan's](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bennigans/) - [closings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/closings/) - [restaurants](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/restaurants/) - [economic bad news](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/economic-bad-news/) - [lightning](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lightning/) - 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[Stephen Spielberg's musical themes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stephen-spielbergs-musical-themes/) - [Joe Biden](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/joe-biden/) - [Vice Presidential Democratic candidate](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vice-presidential-democratic-candidate/) - [Delaware Senator](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/delaware-senator/) - [Jim Leach](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jim-leach/) - [DNC](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dnc/) - [speakers for Aug. 25th DNC](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/speakers-for-aug-25th-dnc/) - [Republicans for Obama](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/republicans-for-obama/) - [Teddy Kennedy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/teddy-kennedy/) - [Michelle Obama](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michelle-obama/) - [Claire McCaskill](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/claire-mccaskill/) - [Illinois delegation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/illinois-delegation/) - [Democrats](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/democrats/) - [Colorado](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/colorado/) - 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[Abraham Lincoln](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/abraham-lincoln/) - [Closeted Gay Republican Tour](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/closeted-gay-republican-tour/) - [Cedar Rapids (IA)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cedar-rapids-ia/) - [Czech Village](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/czech-village/) - [McCain](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mccain/) - [Palin](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/palin/) - [debates](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/debates/) - [Obama](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/obama/) - [economy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/economy/) - [Robert DeNiro](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/robert-deniro/) - [Al Pacino](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/al-pacino/) - [Samuel Jackson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/samuel-jackson/) - [Righteous Kill](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/righteous-kill/) - [Lakeview Terrace](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lakeview-terrace/) - [Paul Newman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/paul-newman/) - [Cool Hank Luke](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cool-hank-luke/) - [Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/butch-cassidy-and-the-sundance-kid/) - [Connie Corcoran Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/connie-corcoran-wilson/) - [Paul Newman's film career](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/paul-newmans-film-career/) - [Cubs](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cubs/) - [Jim Belushi](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jim-belushi/) - [Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/illinois-governor-rod-blagojevich/) - [Vice Presidential Debate](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vice-presidential-debate/) - [Connie Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/connie-wilson/) - [Elizabeth Dole](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elizabeth-dole/) - [North Carolina](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/north-carolina/) - [Senate races](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/senate-races/) - [Al Franken](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/al-franken/) - [Nashville](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nashville/) - [Presidential debates](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/presidential-debates/) - 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[Synecdoche (NY)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/synecdoche-ny/) - [Chicago Film Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-film-festival/) - [Philip Seymour Hoffman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/philip-seymour-hoffman/) - [Catherine Keener](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/catherine-keener/) - [Seth rogen](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/seth-rogen/) - [Elizabeth Banks](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elizabeth-banks/) - [Kevin Smith](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kevin-smith/) - [Tom Savini](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tom-savini/) - [Zack and Miri Make a Porno](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/zack-and-miri-make-a-porno/) - [robert davi](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/robert-davi/) - [The dukes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-dukes/) - [Chazz Palmintieri](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chazz-palmintieri/) - [Jay and the Americans](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jay-and-the-americans/) - [Mickey Rourke](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mickey-rourke/) - [Darren Aronofsky](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/darren-aronofsky/) - [professional wrestling](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/professional-wrestling/) - [Evan Rachel Wood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/evan-rachel-wood/) - [The Great Buck Howard](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-great-buck-howard/) - [Tom & Colin Hanks](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tom-colin-hanks/) - [john Malkovich](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/john-malkovich/) - [Emily blunt](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/emily-blunt/) - [Colin Hanks](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/colin-hanks/) - [Tom Hanks](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tom-hanks/) - [Good](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/good/) - [Viggo Mortensen](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/viggo-mortensen/) - [Jodie Whittaker](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jodie-whittaker/) - [C.P. Taylor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cp-taylor/) - [Vicente Amorim](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vicente-amorim/) - [Grant Park](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/grant-park/) - [American elections](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/american-elections/) - [Chicago (IL)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-il/) - [presidential election](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/presidential-election/) - [election coverage](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/election-coverage/) - [Ray LaHood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ray-lahood/) - [Christopher dodd](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/christopher-dodd/) - [David Broder](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-broder/) - [Washington Post](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/washington-post/) - [River Music Experience](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/river-music-experience/) - [The Unforgiven](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-unforgiven/) - [Tennessee Tony](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tennessee-tony/) - [40 Minute Detour](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/40-minute-detour/) - [Bumper Crop](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bumper-crop/) - [Ron LaPuma Band](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ron-lapuma-band/) - [through Terror](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/through-terror/) - [Tapped Out!](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tapped-out/) - [Dani Lynne Howe Band](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dani-lynne-howe-band/) - [Bruce Willis](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bruce-willis/) - [Adam Sandler](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/adam-sandler/) - [William Shatner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/william-shatner/) - [Oklahoma](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/oklahoma/) - [Oklahoma City](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/oklahoma-city/) - [Fort El Reno](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fort-el-reno/) - [Midway](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/midway/) - [Southwest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/southwest/) - [El Reno](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/el-reno/) - [Oklahoma City Memorial](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/oklahoma-city-memorial/) - [Ghost Tour](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ghost-tour/) - [World's Largest Milk Bottle](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/worlds-largest-milk-bottle/) - [100 mile race](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/100-mile-race/) - [ghost tours](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ghost-tours/) - [Ghostly Tales of Route 66](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ghostly-tales-of-route-66/) - [Albuquerque](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/albuquerque/) - [New Mexico](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/new-mexico/) - [Roswell](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/roswell/) - [KiMo Theater](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kimo-theater/) - [Route 66 Diner](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/route-66-diner/) - [homelessness](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/homelessness/) - [Sedona](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sedona/) - [Arizona](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/arizona/) - [vortexes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vortexes/) - [red rocks](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/red-rocks/) - [Williams](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/williams/) - [Seligman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/seligman/) - [Kingman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kingman/) - [Barstow](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/barstow/) - [California](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/california/) - [Route 66 Museum](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/route-66-museum/) - [Harvey House Hotel](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/harvey-house-hotel/) - [Love Is Murder](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/love-is-murder/) - [Rachel and David](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rachel-and-david/) - [Lovey short story competition](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lovey-short-story-competition/) - [hugh hefner band](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hugh-hefner-band/) - [cosmic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cosmic/) - [go and do](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/go-and-do/) - [quad city times sessions](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/quad-city-times-sessions/) - [East Moline Public Library](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/east-moline-public-library/) - [book signings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-signings/) - [Silvis Public Library](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/silvis-public-library/) - [Silvis Annual Christmas Walk](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/silvis-annual-christmas-walk/) - [out of time](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/out-of-time/) - [science fiction](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/science-fiction/) - [romantic thriller](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/romantic-thriller/) - [Redstone Room](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/redstone-room/) - [Tim Stopulos](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tim-stopulos/) - [Seville Lilly](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/seville-lilly/) - [Sean Leary](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sean-leary/) - [David Sedaris](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-sedaris/) - [humorous essays](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/humorous-essays/) - [Dreams Beach Productions](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dreams-beach-productions/) - [New Year's Eve](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/new-years-eve/) - [Times Square](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/times-square/) - [Times Square ball](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/times-square-ball/) - [Waterford glass ball](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/waterford-glass-ball/) - [New York City](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/new-york-city/) - [Elton John](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elton-john/) - [Lionel Richie](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lionel-richie/) - [My Morning Jacket](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/my-morning-jacket/) - [Inaugural Invitations](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/inaugural-invitations/) - [Joseph Biden](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/joseph-biden/) - [President Obama](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/president-obama/) - [Rachel & David](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rachel-david/) - [NVF Review](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nvf-review/) - [ghost stories](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ghost-stories/) - [babies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/babies/) - [Wilson grandbabies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wilson-grandbabies/) - [Ava Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ava-wilson/) - [Elise Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elise-wilson/) - [Inaugural Ball](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/inaugural-ball/) - [River Center Ball](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/river-center-ball/) - [Slumdog Millionaire](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/slumdog-millionaire/) - [Kate Winslet](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kate-winslet/) - [The Reader](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-reader/) - [Ralph Fiennes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ralph-fiennes/) - [Nazi trials](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nazi-trials/) - [2008 Oscars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/2008-oscars/) - [Ryan Seacrest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ryan-seacrest/) - [Stephen Fowler](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stephen-fowler/) - [Group night](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/group-night/) - [David Osmond](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-osmond/) - [Eric Bogosian](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/eric-bogosian/) - [American Writing Program](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/american-writing-program/) - [AWP Conference](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/awp-conference/) - ["Perforated Heart"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/perforated-heart/) - [Love Is Murder Conference](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/love-is-murder-conference/) - [Re-enacters](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/re-enacters/) - [Wheeling (IL)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wheeling-il/) - [Civil War Re-enacters](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/civil-war-re-enacters/) - [Hugh Jackman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hugh-jackman/) - [Heath Ledger](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/heath-ledger/) - [Adam Lambert](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/adam-lambert/) - [Allison Iraheto](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/allison-iraheto/) - [Nick Mitchell/Normund Gentle](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nick-mitchellnormund-gentle/) - [Megan Joy Corkrey](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/megan-joy-corkrey/) - [kris allen](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kris-allen/) - [jorge nunez](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jorge-nunez/) - [scott mcintyre](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/scott-mcintyre/) - [lil rounds](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lil-rounds/) - [Glenn Frey](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/glenn-frey/) - [Don Henley](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/don-henley/) - [the Eagles](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-eagles/) - [Long Road Out of Eden](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/long-road-out-of-eden/) - [Moline I-wireless center](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/moline-i-wireless-center/) - [megan corkrey](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/megan-corkrey/) - [matt giraud](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/matt-giraud/) - [Scott Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/scott-wilson/) - [Corona](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/corona/) - [allison irahita](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/allison-irahita/) - [danny gokey](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/danny-gokey/) - [Daniel Sunjata](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/daniel-sunjata/) - [Franco Rivera](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/franco-rivera/) - [Denis Leary](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/denis-leary/) - [Rescue Me](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rescue-me/) - [Chicago Midway](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-midway/) - [Backspace Writers Conference](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/backspace-writers-conference/) - [BEA (Book Expo America)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bea-book-expo-america/) - [David Morrell](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-morrell/) - [Steven Tyler](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/steven-tyler/) - [Clarence Clemmons](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/clarence-clemmons/) - [Virgin Records](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/virgin-records/) - [Los Angeles](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/los-angeles/) - [Tower Records](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tower-records/) - [Zavvl Records](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/zavvl-records/) - [FYE Records](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fye-records/) - [Michael Jackson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-jackson/) - [Farrah Fawcett](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/farrah-fawcett/) - [Ed McMahon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ed-mcmahon/) - [death of King of Pop](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/death-of-king-of-pop/) - [Ryan O'Neal](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ryan-oneal/) - [Johnny Carson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/johnny-carson/) - [South Carolina Mark Sanford](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/south-carolina-mark-sanford/) - [John Edwards](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/john-edwards/) - [Huey Long](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/huey-long/) - [Gary Hart](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/gary-hart/) - [Minneapolis Senate race](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/minneapolis-senate-race/) - [Democratic campaign of 2004](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/democratic-campaign-of-2004/) - [Kerry campaign](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kerry-campaign/) - [Chicago cemetery scandal](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-cemetery-scandal/) - [Oak Burr Cemetery](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/oak-burr-cemetery/) - [Emmett Till](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/emmett-till/) - [Dinah Washington](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dinah-washington/) - [burial scandal](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/burial-scandal/) - [Pamplona](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pamplona/) - [running of the bulls](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/running-of-the-bulls/) - [San Fermin festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/san-fermin-festival/) - [deaths from bulls](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/deaths-from-bulls/) - [Capuchino](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/capuchino/) - [Tim Stop Trio](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tim-stop-trio/) - [Tim Stopulus](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tim-stopulus/) - [Market in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/market-in-chicago/) - [Chris Burley](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chris-burley/) - [Mike Barz](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mike-barz/) - [David Novarro](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-novarro/) - [WHBF-TV](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/whbf-tv/) - [Mike Boland](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mike-boland/) - [WFLD-TV](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wfld-tv/) - [Gioco's Restaurant](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/giocos-restaurant/) - [Opera Restaurant](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/opera-restaurant/) - [KDK Trolley](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kdk-trolley/) - [Marche Restaurant](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/marche-restaurant/) - [The Red Light Restaurant](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-red-light-restaurant/) - [The White Stripes](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-white-stripes/) - [Harry Belafonte](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/harry-belafonte/) - [Quentin Tarantino](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/quentin-tarantino/) - [The Dead Weather](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-dead-weather/) - [Methland](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/methland/) - [Bob Schieffer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bob-schieffer/) - [Wall Street Journal](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/wall-street-journal/) - [Congressional junkets](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/congressional-junkets/) - [Brian Baird](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/brian-baird/) - [Belmont University](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/belmont-university/) - [Stacey](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stacey/) - 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[Obama's Congressional address](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/obamas-congressional-address/) - [Bono](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bono/) - [U2](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/u2/) - [Soldier Field](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/soldier-field/) - [The Edge](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-edge/) - [Mississippi River](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mississippi-river/) - [Prom](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/prom/) - [waterfowl](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/waterfowl/) - [Royal Hawiaan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/royal-hawiaan/) - [Mountain views](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mountain-views/) - [Republic Windows](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/republic-windows/) - [Echo Windows](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/echo-windows/) - [Chicago employees occupy plant](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-employees-occupy-plant/) - [CEO Richard Gillman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ceo-richard-gillman/) - [Red Oak (IA)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/red-oak-ia/) - [Spring](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/spring/) - [Verizon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/verizon/) - [cell phones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cell-phones/) - [losing cell phones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/losing-cell-phones/) - [St. Louis Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/st-louis-festival/) - [Second Annual Route 66 Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/second-annual-route-66-festival/) - [Chicago Overcoat](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-overcoat/) - [Frank Vincent](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/frank-vincent/) - [Mike Starr](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mike-starr/) - [When You Are Engulfed in Flames](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/when-you-are-engulfed-in-flames/) - [Adler theater](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/adler-theater/) - [NPR](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/npr/) - [Amy Sedaris](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/amy-sedaris/) - [Peter Callahan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/peter-callahan/) - ["Against the Current](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/against-the-current/) - [" "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassum](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-imaginarium-of-doctor-parnassum/) - [" Terry Gilliam](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/terry-gilliam/) - [Ghostly Tales of Route 66 (Vol. II); Connie Corcoran Wilson; Dean Klinkenberg; Barnes & Noble at NorthPark Mall; E.M. Fright Night](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ghostly-tales-of-route-66-vol-ii-connie-corcoran-wilson-dean-klinkenberg-barnes-noble-at-northpark-mall-e-m-fright-night/) - [Venetian night](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/venetian-night/) - [Harry Potter float](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/harry-potter-float/) - [Mayor Richard Daley's budget cuts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mayor-richard-daleys-budget-cuts/) - [parking lease sale](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/parking-lease-sale/) - [Jazz Festival](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jazz-festival/) - [Harrison Ford](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/harrison-ford/) - [Barbra Streisand](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/barbra-streisand/) - [Nicole Kidman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nicole-kidman/) - [Anthony Hopkins](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/anthony-hopkins/) - [Richard Gere](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/richard-gere/) - [romantic movies](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/romantic-movies/) - [Humphrey Bogart](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/humphrey-bogart/) - [Natalie Wood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/natalie-wood/) - [Deborah Kerr](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/deborah-kerr/) - [January Jones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/january-jones/) - [sixties rock and roll](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sixties-rock-and-roll/) - [Rhys Ifans](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rhys-ifans/) - [Emma Thompson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/emma-thompson/) - [2012](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/2012/) - [john Cusack](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/john-cusack/) - [Roland Emmerich](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/roland-emmerich/) - [Mayan calendar](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mayan-calendar/) - [amanda peet](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/amanda-peet/) - [10 best movies of 2009](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/10-best-movies-of-2009/) - [Up](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/up/) - [Up in the Air](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/up-in-the-air/) - [The Hurt Locker](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-hurt-locker/) - [Woody Harrelson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/woody-harrelson/) - [Matt Damon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/matt-damon/) - [humor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/humor/) - [English teacher papers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/english-teacher-papers/) - [student paper humor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/student-paper-humor/) - [funny writing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/funny-writing/) - [Ron Paul Rally for America](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ron-paul-rally-for-america/) - [GOP convention](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/gop-convention/) - [Howard Fineman Newsweek article "Is There A Doctor in the House?"](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/howard-fineman-newsweek-article-is-there-a-doctor-in-the-house/) - [George Clooney](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/george-clooney/) - [Jason Reitman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jason-reitman/) - [Jason Bateman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jason-bateman/) - [Vera Farmiga](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vera-farmiga/) - [Avatar](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/avatar/) - [James Cameron](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/james-cameron/) - [Sigourney Weaver](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sigourney-weaver/) - [Zoe Saldana](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/zoe-saldana/) - [Sam Worthington](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sam-worthington/) - [Best films of the decade](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/best-films-of-the-decade/) - [short stories](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/short-stories/) - [hellfire and damnation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hellfire-and-damnation/) - [sam's dot publishing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sams-dot-publishing/) - [www.hellfireanddamnationthebook.com](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/www-hellfireanddamnationthebook-com/) - [blazing trailers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/blazing-trailers/) - [new book](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/new-book/) - [The Loop](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-loop/) - [Quad City Times](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/quad-city-times/) - [diesel buses](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/diesel-buses/) - [Bi-State Metropolitan Commission](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bi-state-metropolitan-commission/) - [Quad Cities Convention and Visitors bureau](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/quad-cities-convention-and-visitors-bureau/) - [Atlanta auditions](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/atlanta-auditions/) - [Mary J. Blige](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mary-j-blige/) - [The Lovely Bones](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-lovely-bones/) - [Alice Sebold](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/alice-sebold/) - [Stanley Tucci](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stanley-tucci/) - [Peter jackson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/peter-jackson/) - [Saiorse Ronan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/saiorse-ronan/) - [Richard Leibovitz](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/richard-leibovitz/) - [Nick Leibovitz](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nick-leibovitz/) - [Larry Toppert](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/larry-toppert/) - [FBI probe of Rock Island](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fbi-probe-of-rock-island/) - [Elvis Presley](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elvis-presley/) - [graceland](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/graceland/) - [Nixon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nixon/) - [the Beatles](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-beatles/) - [Dreamgirls](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dreamgirls/) - [chester gregory](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chester-gregory/) - [Moya Angela](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/moya-angela/) - [Chaz Lamar Shepherd](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chaz-lamar-shepherd/) - [Avril Lavigne](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/avril-lavigne/) - [Katy Perry](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/katy-perry/) - [The Blues Brothers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-blues-brothers/) - [Universal theme Park](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/universal-theme-park/) - [Rawhide](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rawhide/) - [Aretha Franklin](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/aretha-franklin/) - [State of the Union](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/state-of-the-union/) - [Supreme Court](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/supreme-court/) - [budget freeze](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/budget-freeze/) - [Beetlejuice](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/beetlejuice/) - [Frankenstein](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/frankenstein/) - [Bride of Frankenstein](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bride-of-frankenstein/) - [universal theme parks](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/universal-theme-parks/) - [dracula](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dracula/) - [Grammy Awards](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/grammy-awards/) - [Taylor Swift](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/taylor-swift/) - [Beyonce](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/beyonce/) - [Kings of Leon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kings-of-leon/) - [Fearless](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fearless/) - [sit-ins](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sit-ins/) - [Martin Luther King](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/martin-luther-king/) - [SNCC](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sncc/) - [Hellfire & Damnation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hellfire-damnation/) - [Adam Grove](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/adam-grove/) - [On&Off Productions](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/onoff-productions/) - [short story collection](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/short-story-collection/) - [Secretary of Transportation](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/secretary-of-transportation/) - [Toyota problem](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/toyota-problem/) - [Jimmy Kimmel](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jimmy-kimmel/) - [Saturday Night Live skits](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/saturday-night-live-skits/) - [Presidential National Prayer Breakfast](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/presidential-national-prayer-breakfast/) - [John Fitzgerald Kennedy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/john-fitzgerald-kennedy/) - [Best Supporting Actress nominees](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/best-supporting-actress-nominees/) - [Samantha Morton](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/samantha-morton/) - [Natalie Portman](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/natalie-portman/) - [Daytona Beach](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/daytona-beach/) - [Ft. Lauderdale](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ft-lauderdale/) - [Grand Seas Resort](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/grand-seas-resort/) - [Atlantic Ocean condos](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/atlantic-ocean-condos/) - [Key West](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/key-west/) - [Boca Chica](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/boca-chica/) - [pelicans](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/pelicans/) - [Parrot Key Resort](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/parrot-key-resort/) - [Key Largo](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/key-largo/) - [Top 24 of American idol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/top-24-of-american-idol/) - [Michael Lynche](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-lynche/) - [Katelyn Epperly](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/katelyn-epperly/) - [top 24 of season 9](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/top-24-of-season-9/) - [angela martin](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/angela-martin/) - [big mike lynche](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/big-mike-lynche/) - [Girls night on American idol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/girls-night-on-american-idol/) - [boys night on "American Idol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/boys-night-on-american-idol/) - [casey james](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/casey-james/) - [crystal bowersox](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/crystal-bowersox/) - [tyler grady](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tyler-grady/) - [Lee DeWyze](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lee-dewyze/) - [Ellen DeGeneres](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ellen-degeneres/) - [Siobhan Magnus](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/siobhan-magnus/) - [jermaine sellers](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jermaine-sellers/) - [john park](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/john-park/) - [michelle delamor](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michelle-delamor/) - [haeley vaughn](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/haeley-vaughn/) - [katie stevens](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/katie-stevens/) - [Sandra Bullock](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sandra-bullock/) - [andrew garcia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/andrew-garcia/) - [alex lambert](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/alex-lambert/) - [aaron kelly](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/aaron-kelly/) - [lilly scott](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lilly-scott/) - [todrick hall](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/todrick-hall/) - [rolling stones night on american idol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rolling-stones-night-on-american-idol/) - [paige miller](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/paige-miller/) - [lacey brown](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lacey-brown/) - [timothy urban](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/timothy-urban/) - [paige miles](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/paige-miles/) - [david R. collins writer of the year award](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-r-collins-writer-of-the-year-award/) - [Outing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/outing/) - [Center](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/center/) - [Mike McCarty](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mike-mccarty/) - [Tim Urban](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tim-urban/) - [protesters](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/protesters/) - [University of Iowa](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/university-of-iowa/) - [Fieldhouse health care speech](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fieldhouse-health-care-speech/) - [Didi Benami](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/didi-benami/) - [kara dioguardia](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kara-dioguardia/) - [Ava](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ava/) - [Elise](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elise/) - [Easter break](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/easter-break/) - [april 7th elimination night](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/april-7th-elimination-night/) - [Easter](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/easter/) - [Hollywood moguls](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hollywood-moguls/) - [top moneymakers in Hollywood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/top-moneymakers-in-hollywood/) - [Jennifer Aniston](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jennifer-aniston/) - [Brad Pitt](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/brad-pitt/) - [Angelina Jolie](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/angelina-jolie/) - [Chicago South Loop Schools](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-south-loop-schools/) - [Chicago Schools Budget Cuts](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-schools-budget-cuts/) - [Enrique's Community Updates](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/enriques-community-updates/) - [Class size to rise in Chicago schools](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/class-size-to-rise-in-chicago-schools/) - [3200 teachers to be cut in Chicago South Loop Schools](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/3200-teachers-to-be-cut-in-chicago-south-loop-schools/) - [Elimination night on American Idol](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elimination-night-on-american-idol/) - [Obama's NASA speech](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/obamas-nasa-speech/) - [Obama speaks about space exploration in Florida](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/obama-speaks-about-space-exploration-in-florida/) - [moon landing next?](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/moon-landing-next/) - [Homer Hickam](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/homer-hickam/) - [gas prices](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/gas-prices/) - [comparison of gas prices](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/comparison-of-gas-prices/) - [idol gives back](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/idol-gives-back/) - [carrie underwood](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/carrie-underwood/) - [african malaria](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/african-malaria/) - [shania twain](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/shania-twain/) - [Cleveland](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/cleveland/) - [videos about Cleveland](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/videos-about-cleveland/) - [the Flats](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-flats/) - [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/) - [Cleveland's river](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/clevelands-river/) - [Nashville flooding](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nashville-flooding/) - [Nashville tornado warnings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nashville-tornado-warnings/) - [May rains in Tennessee](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/may-rains-in-tennessee/) - [photos of Tennessee flooding](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/photos-of-tennessee-flooding/) - [Stacey Wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/stacey-wilson/) - [Quad City Book Fair](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/quad-city-book-fair/) - [Connie Corcoran Wiilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/connie-corcoran-wiilson/) - [harry connick jr.](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/harry-connick-jr/) - [taylor swfit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/taylor-swfit/) - [kellie pickler](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/kellie-pickler/) - [gloriana](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/gloriana/) - [moline taylor swift concert](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/moline-taylor-swift-concert/) - [fearless 2010 tour](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fearless-2010-tour/) - [mike lynche](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mike-lynche/) - [Breaking Bad](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/breaking-bad/) - [Aaron Paul](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/aaron-paul/) - [Bryan Cranston](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bryan-cranston/) - [Vince Gilligan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vince-gilligan/) - [X-Files](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/x-files/) - [amanda seyfried](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/amanda-seyfried/) - [letters to juliet](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/letters-to-juliet/) - [vanessa redgrave](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vanessa-redgrave/) - [franco nero](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/franco-nero/) - [Book Expo America](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-expo-america/) - [jacob Javits Center](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jacob-javits-center/) - [book signing at BEA](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-signing-at-bea/) - [BEA](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bea/) - [BookExpo america](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bookexpo-america/) - [fences](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fences/) - [HWA](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hwa/) - [denzel washington](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/denzel-washington/) - [fences on broadway](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/fences-on-broadway/) - [viola davis](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/viola-davis/) - [mykelti williamson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mykelti-williamson/) - [august wilson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/august-wilson/) - [field of dreams](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/field-of-dreams/) - [dyersville (IA)](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dyersville-ia/) - [amy madigan](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/amy-madigan/) - [burt lancaster](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/burt-lancaster/) - [prostate cancer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/prostate-cancer/) - [Dr. Jean-Nicolas Cornu](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dr-jean-nicolas-cornu/) - [PSA tests](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/psa-tests/) - [French prostate cancer test](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/french-prostate-cancer-test/) - [medical testing for prostate cancer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/medical-testing-for-prostate-cancer/) - [Glen Ellyn Book Fair](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/glen-ellyn-book-fair/) - [printers row book fair](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/printers-row-book-fair/) - [christopher hitchens](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/christopher-hitchens/) - 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[Moline Tributefest](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/moline-tributefest/) - [AC/DC Hells' Bells](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/acdc-hells-bells/) - [Bon Jovi Bed of Roses](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bon-jovi-bed-of-roses/) - [Rolling Stones Satisfaction](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/rolling-stones-satisfaction/) - [Aerosmith Toys in the Attic](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/aerosmith-toys-in-the-attic/) - [Adrien Brody](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/adrien-brody/) - [Sarah Polly](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sarah-polly/) - [Splice](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/splice/) - [Alien](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/alien/) - [Species](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/species/) - [Drury Design in Glen Ellyn](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/drury-design-in-glen-ellyn/) - [book fair in Glen Ellyn](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-fair-in-glen-ellyn/) - [Chicago's Grant Park](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicagos-grant-park/) - [giant eyeball in Pritzker Park in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/giant-eyeball-in-pritzker-park-in-chicago/) - [Chicago tourist sites](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-tourist-sites/) - [dogs in carrier in Grant Park](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dogs-in-carrier-in-grant-park/) - [eyeball sculpture](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/eyeball-sculpture/) - [full frontal male nudity](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/full-frontal-male-nudity/) - [An American Gigolo](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/an-american-gigolo/) - [Breathless](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/breathless/) - [Transformers 3](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/transformers-3/) - [Michael Bay](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-bay/) - [Shia LaBoeuf](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/shia-laboeuf/) - [Chicago's Michigan Avenue](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicagos-michigan-avenue/) - [Chicago's Wacker Drive](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicagos-wacker-drive/) - [Illinois governor Lennington Small](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/illinois-governor-lennington-small/) - [Small Newspaper Group](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/small-newspaper-group/) - [worst Illinois governor ever](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/worst-illinois-governor-ever/) - [Jim ridings](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jim-ridings/) - [Jon Bon Jovi](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jon-bon-jovi/) - [Circle Tour](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/circle-tour/) - [Bon Jovi at Soldier Field in Chiago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/bon-jovi-at-soldier-field-in-chiago/) - [Richie Sambora](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/richie-sambora/) - [car tire](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/car-tire/) - [car accident](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/car-accident/) - [Lake Shore Drive](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lake-shore-drive/) - [Chicago driving](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-driving/) - [St. Christopher](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/st-christopher/) - [East Moline meat processing plant](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/east-moline-meat-processing-plant/) - [meat processing plant controversy](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/meat-processing-plant-controversy/) - [the fall of the family farm](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-fall-of-the-family-farm/) - [Triumph foods meat processing plants](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/triumph-foods-meat-processing-plants/) - [hog confinement plants and their impact](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hog-confinement-plants-and-their-impact/) - [Effingham](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/effingham/) - [Tennessee](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tennessee/) - [Hyundai](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/hyundai/) - [Parthenon](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/parthenon/) - [Westfolk](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/westfolk/) - [Chihuly at Cheeksworth](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chihuly-at-cheeksworth/) - [Maxwell House Coffee Estate](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/maxwell-house-coffee-estate/) - [Dale Chihuly](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dale-chihuly/) - [Lexus sponsors glass exhibit at Cheekwood near Nashville](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/lexus-sponsors-glass-exhibit-at-cheekwood-near-nashville/) - [Nashville glass exhibit](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/nashville-glass-exhibit/) - [movies of the summer](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/movies-of-the-summer/) - [The American](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-american/) - [Toy Story 3](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/toy-story-3/) - [Inception](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/inception/) - [Tall Ships in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/tall-ships-in-chicago/) - [Chicago's Navy Pier](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicagos-navy-pier/) - [Mutiny on the Bounty ship](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/mutiny-on-the-bounty-ship/) - [sailing ships in Chicago](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/sailing-ships-in-chicago/) - [red sails in the sunset](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/red-sails-in-the-sunset/) - [David Hasselhoff](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/david-hasselhoff/) - [Dancing with the Stars](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/dancing-with-the-stars/) - [The Hoff eliminated](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-hoff-eliminated/) - [Florence Henderson](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/florence-henderson/) - [The Situation on DWTS](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/the-situation-on-dwts/) - [Halloween book signing](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/halloween-book-signing/) - [Ava signs books](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/ava-signs-books/) - [Vol. III out](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/vol-iii-out/) - [book signing at Barnes & Noble on Oct. 30](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-signing-at-barnes-noble-on-oct-30/) - [book signing in Davenport](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-signing-in-davenport/) - [Iowa on October 30th](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/iowa-on-october-30th/) - [forest whitaker](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/forest-whitaker/) - [chicago honors forest whitaker](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/chicago-honors-forest-whitaker/) - [michael kutza](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/michael-kutza/) - [love & other drugs](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/love-other-drugs/) - [anne hathaway](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/anne-hathaway/) - [jake gyllenhaal](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jake-gyllenhaal/) - [edward zwick](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/edward-zwick/) - [jill clayburgh](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/jill-clayburgh/) - [It Came from the '70s](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/it-came-from-the-70s/) - [Book signing at Barnes & Noble](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/book-signing-at-barnes-noble/) - [elizabeth edwards dying](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elizabeth-edwards-dying/) - [elizabeth edwards on the campaign trail](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elizabeth-edwards-on-the-campaign-trail/) - [elizabeth edwards' cancer is terminal](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elizabeth-edwards-cancer-is-terminal/) - [elizabeth edwards death imminent](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/elizabeth-edwards-death-imminent/) - [Love Is Murder short story entry](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/love-is-murder-short-story-entry/) - [Confessions of an Apotemnophile](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/confessions-of-an-apotemnophile/) - [short story competition for Love Is Murder](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/short-story-competition-for-love-is-murder/) - [Love Is Murder short story entries](https://www.weeklywilson.com/tag/love-is-murder-short-story-entries/)