Fly Me to the Moon

Saturday night, Sharon and I watched Fly Me to the Moon on Apple TV+. Sharon latched on to the idea of watching the movie because the trailer is being featured at the top of the Apple TV+ home screen.

Fly Me to the Moon is a romantic comedy drama film directed by Greg Berlanti and written by Rose Gilroy. It is based on a story by Keenan Flynn and Bill Kirstein.

The film stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Woody Harrelson and Ray Romano appear in supporting roles. There is a cameo of Colin Jost as a senator.

Set against the backdrop of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, the movie follows a marketing executive, Kelly Jones (Johansson), and a NASA launch director, Cole Davis (Tatum). As the U.S. races to land on the moon, Kelly and Cole navigate a fake moon landing plot while falling for each other.

Not a great movie, but a nice mindless break from working our way through the potential Oscar Best Picture candidates...

Wicked Part One

Tuesday afternoon, Sharon and I watched Wicked Part One at the Century Club Cinema. We are continuing our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. GoldDerby currently has Wicked Part One with the fifth highest Best Picture Odds.

The film was named one of the top ten films of 2024 by the American Film Institute. It earned four nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Wicked is a musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu. It was written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox with songs by Stephen Schwartz. It is the first installment of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name based on the 1995 novel. The novel is based on the Oz books and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Wicked Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.

It stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland. The supporting cast includes Jonathan Bailey [Bridgerton], Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh [Everything Everywhere All At Once] and Jeff Goldblum.

Wicked Part One reimagines the iconic story of The Wizard of Oz. It focuses on the origins of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The film follows Elphaba's journey from a misunderstood outcast to a powerful figure, exploring her complex relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch. As they navigate the challenges of a divided world, their friendship is tested and their destinies intertwined.

This movie has gotten more and more positive buzz over the last month. While Sharon enjoyed the movie more than I did, I would bet that it gets a Best Picture nomination. I expect that Erivo will get a Best Actress nomination, while Grande gets a Supporting Actress nomination. Wicked Part One is definitely worth seeing. Sharon was crestfallen that Part Two does come up until next November. I was surprised how many were in the theater for a Tuesday afternoon showing.

Jack, Sharon and I saw the play Wicked in San Francisco in 2009.

2024 Jesuit High School Lessons & Carols

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service of Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus that is traditionally followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music.

Sharon and I went to Lessons & Carols, an evening of prayer and song presented by the Jesuit High School Chamber Singers, the Concert Choir of St. Francis High School and Jesuit Drama at the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. This is the fifteenth year that Jesuit High School has held the service.

After missing three years, we attended last year. Prior to that, we attended in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Sharon's brother Tom went with us in 2018 and 2019. Sharon went by herself in 2015 while I was working in the Napa Valley.

Day One Dictator: More Doonesbury in the Time of Trumpism

My book for December is Day One Dictator: More Doonesbury in the Time of Trumpism by Gary Trudeau. As I have said before, when I was working for the Farm Credit Banks in Sacramento in the 1980s, I used to stop every morning and buy a San Francisco Chronicle. The Chronicle had Doonesbury, while the Sacramento Bee refused to publish it. One of my highlights every morning was reading the comic strip.

Trudeau started using Donald Trump as a character in his comic strip on September 14, 1987. Day One Dictator is a follow up to Yuge!: 30 Years of Doonesbury on Trump that was published before the 2016 presidential election, #SAD!: Doonesbury in the Time of Trump that was released in 2018, Lewser! - More Doonesbury in the Time of Trump that was published in 2020 and Former Guy: Doonesbury in the Time of Trumpism that was published in 2022.

Gary Trudeau's Day One Dictator is a satirical collection of Doonesbury comics. Through witty commentary and absurd scenarios, Trudeau critiques the erosion of democratic norms and the potential dangers of authoritarianism. The book blends political satire with the familiar characters of Doonesbury, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking take on contemporary issues.

Former Guy tracks Trump from June 26, 2020 to July 21, 2024. It is organized into four sections: Critical Master Race Theory; The Sightseers of January 6; The Age of X, and; Sedition Hunting.

While I enjoyed it, this book is not as good as Yuge! Day One Dictator, Former Guy, Lewser! and #SAD all feel thin compared to the first book.

Blitz

Friday night, Sharon and I watched Blitz on AppleTV. We are continuing our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. The movie was an early favorite for a best picture nomination. Over the last couple of months, it has fallen out of favor. GoldDerby currently has Blitz with the fourteenth highest Best Picture Odds. Nevertheless, the movie has started to show up on some best picture lists again in the last month.

Blitz is a historical war drama film written, produced and directed by Steve McQueen. McQueen directed Twelve Years a Slave. It won the Best Picture Oscar in 2014 and he was nominated for Best Director.

The film stars Saoirse Ronan and Elliot Heffernan (in his film debut). They are supported by Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, and Stephen Graham.

During World War II, a young boy named George (Heffernan) is evacuated from London during the Blitz. Defying orders, he embarks on a perilous journey back to his mother, Rita (Ronan). As Rita desperately searches for her lost son, George encounters a series of eccentric characters and faces the harsh realities of wartime London.

This is solid, enjoyable movie. It is not going to win Best Picture. I don't believe that it is going to get nominated for Best Picture. Additionally, I don't believe that Ronan will get a acting nomination.

Several years ago, I read The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz. Based on that book, I think that the movie does an excellent job depicting the impact of the Blitz.

Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour

Sharon and her brother Tom spent the afternoon at the Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour. This is the fourth year that they have done the tour [2023].

1,000 Peloton Bike Rides!

2024-2025 Kings Season

During the 2024-2025 Sacramento Kings season, the Kings
are 0 and 2 in games which I saw in person, including:

REGULAR SEASON

10/24/2024: Timberwolves-117, Kings-115 - Larkin

11/09/2024: Clippers-107, Kings-98 - Jack, Drew and Sharon

2024-2025 Season [0-2]
2023-2024 Season [6-2]
2022-2023 Season [5-3]
2021-2022 Season [1-5]
2020-2021 Season [1-0]
2019-2020 Season [1-4]
2018-2019 Season [7-4]
2017-2018 Season [5-2]
2016-2107 Season [5-3]
2015-2016 Season [2-2]
2014-2015 Season [1-4]
2013-2014 season [3-2]
2012-2013 Season [1-0]
2011-2012 Season [3-2]
2010-2011 Season [3-6]
2009-2010 Season [4-7]
2008-2009 Season [2-7]
2007-2008 Season [7-7]
2006-2007 Season [5-9]
2005-2006 Season [8-8]
2004-2005 Season [10-4]
2003-2004 season [12-3]

mailing the Christmas Cards

Twenty-six of the last twenty-seven years, Sharon and I have sent out a Christmas Card. Dissatisfied with the quality of the photos on commercial cards like Shutterfly, I built my own format and process. Unfortunately, this was a lot of work... Additionally, the number of cards that we send out has exploded in the last twenty years with the inclusion of people from SEAS, Outlaws, Jesuit High, Sutter Health, Adventist Health and Deterding Ranch.

Five years ago, I decided to go back to a commercially printed greeting card. After moving my database from Outlook into iOS contacts, I printed mailing lablels for the first time two years ago. Everything has gone a lot quicker!

I mailed 143 Christmas Cards today. I mailed three more on Friday, December 6.

In 2023, I mailed 136 Christmas Cards On Saturday, December 2. I dropped three more in the mail the next day.

In 2022, I mailed 127 Christmas Cards on Thursday, December 15. I dropped two more in the mail on Friday, December 16.

In 2021, I mailed 121 Christmas Cards on Wednesday, December 8.

In 2020, I dropped 119 Christmas Cards at the post office on Sunday night, December 6.

In 2019, I dropped 73 Christmas Cards at the post office on Tuesday night, December 17 and 33 more on Wednesday morning, December 18.

In 2018, I dropped 104 cards at the post office on Monday, December 17.

In 2017, I mailed about 70 cards on Sunday afternoon, December 17 and another 30 plus cards on Monday morning, December 18.

And Just Like That - Season Two

Sharon and I finished watching season two of And Just Like That... We finished watching season one in November.

And Just Like That... is an American comedy drama television series developed by Michael Patrick King for Max. It is a revival and a sequel of the HBO television series Sex and the City created by Darren Star, which is based on Candace Bushnell's newspaper column and 1996 book anthology of the same name.

The first season was billed as a one-off miniseries. However, a second season was announced in March 2022; it premiered on June 22, 2023. In August 2023, the series was renewed for a third season, due to premiere in 2025.

In the second season, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) rekindles her romance with Aidan (John Corbett), but their relationship faces challenges due to his commitment to his children. Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) struggles with her relationships with Che and Steve. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) navigates the complexities of raising teenage daughters.

I found the ending of season two odd and unsatisfying. It will be interesting to see how they carry the storylines forward in season three...

2024 Christmas Tree

Shopping for a Christmas Tree

Early Saturday morning, Sharon and I headed to Roseville to shop for a Christmas Tree. For the seventh year in a row [2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018], we went to Bambi's Christmas Trees at Douglas and South Harding.

In 2018 and 2019, we went to Bambi's on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. In 2020, we went on Friday after Thanksgiving. In 2021, we didn't get around to going until the weekend after the Thanksgiving weekend; the selection of larger trees was not good. In 2023, we went on Sunday morning after Thanksgiving.

We picked out a very nice 11' to 12' tree. We decided not to have it flocked this year. Taking it home on the top of the Volvo, we were able to get it into the house and in the stand without too much drama.

More 2024 Run to Feed the Hungry

Data from the 2024 Run to Feed the Hungry

Thanksgiving 2024

After the Run to Feed the Hungry, Sharon and I hosted a late afternoon Thanksgiving dinner. The group totaled twenty, including: Tom; Eric and Ashley; Kevin, Leah, Lydia and Amelia; Terry and Steve; Jim; Tim and Kathy; Eileen and Will; Cormac, Erin and Mave; and, Sharon, Jack and I. Clem, Lee, Daniel and Morgan were going to come, but Clem got sick.

I really enjoyed the afternoon. Sharon got a spatchcocked turkey and a porchetta pork loin for dinner with everyone bringing sides.

2024 Run to Feed the Hungry

For the twentieth time in the last twenty-one years [2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 and 2004], I ran or walked the Run to Feed the Hungry. We entered in 2007, but I was feeling under the weather and we decided not to run before heading to San Francisco for Thanksgiving. Sharon also missed seven years ago when she was feeling under the weather. Last year, Sharon decided to do a virtual 5k around Ancil Hoffman Park.

I took off by myself at 7:10 am. Turning off Howe on to University and then right on Campus Commons, I parked in a parking lot along side Fair Oaks Boulevard.

Taking off later, Sharon and Jack walked the 5k.

I have come to view this run as a referendum on my fitness. I am very satisfied with the results.

I ended up with a chip time of 1:08:47. This is a minute and twenty seconds faster than last year. My pace was 11:04 minutes per mile versus 11:17 last year. My 5k spilt was 33:31 with a pace of 10:40 minutes per mile. Using RunKeeper, my splits were: Mile 1 - 10:37; Mile 2 - 10:26; Mile 3 - 10:34; Mile 4 - 11:00; Mile 5 - 11:25; and, Mile 6 - 11:48.

I felt good physically during the run; nothing hurt. My legs started to die in the fifth mile.

[Note to self], I need to do more training runs outside ahead of next year's run. Get off the treadmill!

Happy 40th Birthday! Drew

Happy 40th Birthday! Drew

At Arcade Creek Golf Course at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex

Sharon and I played the Arcade Creek Golf Course at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex with Donna and Kevin. We teed off at 11:39 am.

Although I made a mess of a number of holes on the back nine, I am happy with how I am playing. I have definitely improved over the last couple of months. I need to continue to work on my swing and my chipping. About the 12th or 13th hole, I felt like I started to wear down and lose my concentration.

With a couple of mulligans, I scored a pretty honest winter rules 111. Although the course wasn't as soggy as Sharon feared it would be, he ball was getting very muddy at times...

The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI

My book for November was The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil. Drew recommended the book.

Kurzweil, a renowned futurist and inventor, has long been a proponent of the idea that technological advancements will soon lead to a singularity—a point in time when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, fundamentally altering the course of human history. In The Singularity Is Nearer, he delves deeper into this concept, painting a vivid picture of a future where humans and machines become indistinguishable.

Kurzweil emphasizes the exponential growth of technology, particularly in the field of AI. He argues that this rapid acceleration will soon lead to breakthroughs that were once unimaginable. The author explores the convergence of various technologies, such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information technology, which will enable us to enhance our cognitive abilities, physical capabilities, and lifespan.

I particularly intrigued with the author ideas about the future of nanobots. Science fiction often portrays a human to computer interface as a socket, a physical cabled interface. In 2030s, Kurzweil envisions nanobots being injected into the bloodstream to connect the human brain to the cloud, significantly enhancing cognitive abilities, memory, and learning capacity. This integration, he believes, will mark the beginning of a new era where humans and machines become indistinguishable. I don't think that I have ever seen this idea explored in hard science fiction.

Kurzweil also envisions a future in the 2030s where nanobots will revolutionize healthcare. He believes these tiny robots will be able to:

• Repair cellular damage: Nanobots could address aging cells, genetic mutations, and cellular damage, effectively slowing down the aging process.
• Destroy cancer cells: They could target and eliminate cancer cells, leading to more effective cancer treatments.
• Enhance organ function: Nanobots could improve the function of organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
• Monitor health: They could continuously monitor our health, detecting and preventing diseases early on.

Essentially, Kurzweil believes that nanobots will allow us to overcome many of the limitations of our biology, leading to significant improvements in health and lifespan.

While Kurzweil's optimistic outlook on the future to be overly idealistic, the ideas are interesting. The book provides a glimpse into a world that may seem distant but is rapidly approaching. It is a valuable framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I did find the book a little slow in a couple of spots. Nevertheless, I recommend it.

A Real Pain

Late Monday afternoon, Sharon and I saw A Real Pain at the Country Club Cinema. Like when we saw Dune Part Two, we were the only people in the theater. We are continuing our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. GoldDerby currently has A Real Pain with the eighth highest Best Picture Odds. Additionally, Kieran Culkin has the highest Best Supporting Actor odds for his role in the film.

A Real Pain is a comedy drama film, written, directed, and produced by Jesse Eisenberg. It stars Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes.

Two mismatched cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), embark on a trip to Poland to honor their late grandmother and explore their Jewish heritage. As they navigate the tour group and visit historical sites, their contrasting personalities and past tensions resurface, leading to humorous and poignant moments.

After seeing Anora and Emilia Perez in the last couple of weeks, A Real Pain was a nice change of pace to a more traditional movie. Eisenberg and Culkin's performances are good. I can see both of them getting acting nominations. Overall, the film is not as good as The Holdovers was last year. While I can see it getting nominated for Best Picture, it is not going to win.

My Life 2023

This picture was taken at the Dorado Inn during our week at Almanor in 2023. It is a callback to the 1990 picture!

All of the My Life Photos can be found here.

Drew's 40th Birthday Celebration!

We spent the day at Drew and Carmen's house in Orinda celebrating Drew's 40th birthday. With a little bit of work, we were able to get Clem, Lee, Daniel and Morgan and Jack there! I enjoyed the day immensely.

They had the party catered by the Salty Pearl restaurant. We had dinner with Jack, Carmen and Drew there in May.


A few Polaroid pictures from the day!

Emilia Perez

Friday night, Sharon and I watched Emilia Perez on Netflix. We are continuing our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. GoldDerby currently has Emilia Perez with the fourth highest Best Picture Odds.

Emilia Pérez is a French musical crime comedy film written and directed by Jacques Audiard. It is based on Audiard's opera libretto of the same name which was loosely adapted from Boris Razon's 2018 novel Écoute. Its original songs were written by Camille Dalmais, while its original score was provided by Clément Ducol.

The film stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez [Only Murders in the Building], Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, and Édgar Ramírez.

A powerful cartel leader, Juan "Little Hands" Del Monte [Gascón], seeks to retire and transition into a woman named Emilia Perez. To achieve this, he hires a disillusioned lawyer, Rita [Saldaña], to orchestrate his disappearance.

I liked the film more than Sharon did. Before starting to fix dinner, we watched a couple of minutes and I was intrigued. It has an interesting blend of music, choreography and cinematography. It won't win Best Picture, but it could win for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.

Song for 2023

I have been meaning to add a Taylor Swift song to the Soundtrack for My Life. From the Eras Tour to her very visible relationship with Travis Kelce, Taylor kind of owned 2023.

I have been undecided about what song to add. I have finally settled on Shake It Up. I have had this song on my running playlist for the last year. It has a strong beat.



You can find the work in progress Soundtrack for My Life here!

What is this?

And Just Like That... - Season One - Spoiler Alert

Sharon and I finished watching season one of And Just Like That... Sharon had rewatched all seven seasons of Sex and the City plus the two movies. As she started to rewatched And Just Like That..., I joined her. I had watched a little of season one when it first came out, but lost interest.

And Just Like That... is an American comedy drama television series developed by Michael Patrick King for Max. It is a revival and a sequel of the HBO television series Sex and the City created by Darren Star, which is based on Candace Bushnell's newspaper column and 1996 book anthology of the same name.

The first season was billed as a one-off miniseries. The first episode aired December 9, 2021. However, a second season was announced in March 2022; it premiered on June 22, 2023. In August 2023, the series was renewed for a third season, due to premiere in 2025.

Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) navigate the complexities of life in their 50s. The series delves into themes of love, loss, friendship, and the challenges of aging. A sudden tragedy shakes their world, forcing them to confront grief and uncertainty. As they support each other through life’s ups and downs, they discover new strengths and redefine their identities.

I didn't enjoy the plot for the arc of the season. In the first episode, Carrie's husband John (Chris Noth) suffers a fatal heart attack following his Peloton bike workout. The season follows the aftermat of his death.

Golftec

My achilles heel in golf has always been chipping around the green. On Sunday, the two holes that I blew up were both due to my chipping around the green. When I took some Golftec lessons in 2018, the instructor tried to change how I chipped. I gave up on that approach over the last couple of years.

I had a Golftec lesson on Tuesday morning. We spent the whole time working on a very different approach to chipping. I am interested in working on it at the range a little more and trying it out during a round.

2024-2025 Sacramento Kings Over/Under Wins

In their annual NBA Over/Under podcast, Bill Simmons, Ryen Russillo and Joe House were all over on the Kings [44.5 wins]. Simmons has five of their players in the his top 100 NBA players...

At Timber Creek Golf Course

Holly, Van, Sharon and I played the Timber Creek Golf Course. This is a course that I have never played before. We teed off at 11:39 am.

Continuing to work on my swing, this is probably the happiest that I have been with my golf game over the last eighteen months. It felt like I am actually making some progress. I ended up with a liberally scored 105. I made a mess of the 13th and the 18th on the back nine, but had five bogeys and two pars. Admittedly, it was a fairly easy short course that allowed me to recover from a poor shot and not completely blow the hole.

On the par three 4th hole, Sharon hit her tee shot within four inches. Rolling towards the flag, it looked like she actually might have a chance at a hole in one.

It was a very slow round. It took us almost five hours to finish. We were done just as the sun was starting to set!


The four of us finished the day with dinner at the Rose Park Bistro. Sharon and I split a CHAR-GRILLED ARTICHOKE HEART [Crumbled Feta, Crisp Watermelon Radish, Micro Greens, Fresh Oregano, Pesto, Lemon Vinaigrette]. For entrees, I had SEAFOOD PAELLA [Butter Poached Lobster, Prawns, Salmon, Scallop, Green Lip Mussel, Chicken Chorizo, Tomato, Bell Pepper, English Peas, Clam & Saffron Broth], while Sharon had BLACKENED SALMON [Seasonal Vegetable, Corn Succotash, Lemon Beurre Blanc].

Dinosaur Adventure with Lee

Keeping Lee overnight, Sharon and I took him to Dinos Alive.

Lee Overnight

Friday afternoon, I picked Lee up from school. It was a surreal experience. Drew and Morgan went to this grammar school. I haven't been back on the campus since 2001, twenty-three years.

Lee and I had a nice afternoon. We took Tiber for almost a mile walk. Lee led Tiber the whole way. We played with the Thomas trains for over an hour. After picking up the trains, we watched an episode of Big Beasts on AppleTv about Elephant Seas.

When Sharon got home, the three of us went to dinner at Serritella's. I had Lasagna [Layers of beef, Italian sausage, Ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella topped with meat sauce. Sharon and I split a pizza (half cheese and half vegetarian.

After giving Lee a bath, we finished the night watching more Big Beasts: giant South American River Otters and Gorillas. Reading him a couple of books, he crashed hard about 8:30 pm.

Only Murders in the Building - Season Four

Sharon and I finished watching season four of Only Murders in the Building. It is available on Hulu. We watched season one in January of 2023, season two in February of 2023 and season three in November of 2023.

Only Murders in the Building is a comedy mystery television series created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman. Season four premiered August 27, 2024. The series has been renewed for a fifth season.

Starring the trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, season four includes special guest appearances by Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria. Ron Howard also appears as himself in season four.

Charles (Martin), Oliver (Short), and Mabel's (Gomez) podcast becomes a hit and leds to a movie adaptation. Finding themselves entangled in another murder mystery, they travel to Hollywood.

While I really enjoyed the first two seasons, I didn't feel like season three was as good. Season four is better than season three, but not as good as the first two seasons. The first couple of episode for season four were solid, but it gets off track when they hide out at Charles' sister house. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the season and recommend it.

Decorating the House for Christmas

For the sixth straight year, [2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023], we started decorating the house for Christmas before Thanksgiving rather the weekend after. For a couple of different reasons, we are actually starting about a week earlier this year.

We spent Tuesday taking down the fall decorations. On Wednesday, I moved the fall decorations to the storage shed and dragged the Christmas boxes back. There are more than forty Christmas boxes of different shapes and sizes!?! It is going to take a week to get all of the decorations put up.

Anora

Late Tuesday afternoon, Sharon and I saw Anora at the Cinemark Century Arden. This is part of our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. GoldDerby currently has Anora with the highest Best Picture Odds.

Anora is a romantic comedy-drama film written, directed, and edited by Sean Baker. It stars Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn. It features a supporting cast of Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.

Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.

I didn't enjoy the movie and don't recommmend it. The second half of the movie is very tedious. While I think that Mikey Madison might be nominated for Best Actress, I am surprised that movie has the highest odds for best picture on Goldderby. Of the movies that we have seen, I still think that Sing Sing is the best. Anora would fall way behind Dune: Part Two and Conclave.

Dinner with Holly and Van

We were originally planning to play golf at Timber Creek with Holly and Van on Veterans Day. With rain in the forecast, we punted and got together for dinner at Paragary's Midtown.

For starters and salad, the four of us split BEETS & BURRATA [bosc pear · candied walnuts · balsamico · watercress] and a SLICED MUSHROOM SALAD [jarlsberg · parsley · lemon vinaigrette]. For entrees, Sharon had TAGLIATELLE [lamb ragu · snap peas · castelvetrano olive · mint · pecorino romano], while I had BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI [chanterelle mushroom · pepitas · sage].

Conclave

Thursday night, Jack, Sharon and I saw Conclave at the Cinemark Century Greenback. This is part of our annual odyssey to see all of the movies that might be nominated for Oscars. Given how busy the last couple of months have been, we are behind on this effort.

Conclave is a mystery thriller film directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan. It is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris. The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) organizes a papal conclave to elect the next pope. Lawrence becomes entangled in a web of secrets and scandals surrounding each candidate, questioning their true intentions and the potential impact on the future of the Catholic Church.

I enjoyed the movie and the Vatican setting. We visited the Sistine Chapel twice [2012, 1996]. The acting is excellent, with Fiennes delivering a tour-de-force performance. I would bet that Fiennes gets a Best Actor nomination. Nevertheless, Sharon and I both liked Sing Sing better.

2024 Kings versus Clippers

Friday night, Jack, Drew, Sharon and I went to the Sacramento Kings versus LA Clippers NBA basketball game. The four of us had dinner at Il Fornaio before the game.

The Kings fell behind in the first quarter and trailed for the rest of the game. The Kings cut a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to four with under three minutes to play, but the Clippers hit consecutive 3-pointers to push the lead back to double digits. The LA Clippers won the game by the score of 107 to 98.

All you need to know about the game is the three point shooting for each team. The Kings were 3 for 26 from three (11.5%), while the Clippers were 14 for 30 (46.7%). The Kings made just one three in the second half. The Kings are in the bottom five in the NBA in 3-point shooting; they entered the game shooting at a 32.5% clip. Oy vey…

De'Aaron Fox was the high scorer for the Kings. He had 31 points on 12 for 20 from the field, 2 for 5 from three and 5 for 6 from the free throw line. Excluding Fox, the rest of the team went 1 for 21 from three point range. Murray was 0 for 6 from three.

Norman Powell was the high scorer for the Clippers. He had 31 points on 10 for 23 from the field, 5 for 9 from three and 6 for 7 from the free throw line.

At halftime, Sharon and I connected with Hunter, Danny and Lauren. I don't remember the last time that I saw Lauren, but I was surprised at how tall she is...

The Kings have 0 wins and 2 losses in games that I have seen in the 2024-2025 season.

At Ancil Hoffman Golf Course

Jack, Sharon and I played Ancil Hoffman Golf Course on Friday morning. We teed off at 10:52 am. We played with a fourth, Tony, on the front nine.

Based on my last lesson, I spent the day trying to focus on what I am doing with my left wrist. I felt pretty good on the driving range. Unfortunately, the first three holes were a mess. I actually started to settle down. I had a ten hole stretch where I parred two holes, bogeyed four holes and had at least one other chance for par. I then started to fall apart again as we made the turn on 15.

It got really slow on the back nine. After a nice two hour front nine, the round took us about four and a half hours.

I ended up with a liberally scored 113. Sharon played very well; I think that she had a 104. Jack scored 112.

Napa River & Bay Trail Hike

On the way to pick up Jack in San Francisco, Sharon and I planned a hike at Lynch Canyon Open Space. Unfortunately, it is only open Friday through Monday! Casting around on Alltrails, we tried to find the Hiddenbrook Trailhead, but couldn't figure out where to park. From there, we went to the Newell Open Space Preserve; it was closed due to fire danger. We finally ended up at the Napa River & Bay Trail.


We hiked 2.60 miles in just over an hour. We stopped and had lunch at Glass Beach. We liked the area enough that we might come back and do a longer hike in the future.


After the hike, we picked Jack up in the city. With one stop in Vacaville, it was a three hour slog home.

Jack, Sharon and I finished the day watching Conclave at the Cinemark Cinema Greenback.

Wongs at the 2024 Fall Dinner Party

Wongs at the 2024 Fall Dinner Party

Golftec

I had a Golftec lesson on Tuesday morning. After the last lesson that focused on an iPad drill, I got very confused about what I was doing with my left wrist. I feel like I got that sorted out in today's lesson. I need to get to the range to reinforce the change.

Nooter

I facetimed with Nooter on Monday morning. We caught up on old man aliments, kids, mutual acquintences, the Commmanders and life in general. One of my goals in retirement is being better connected with family and friends.

Greg and Michelle for Dinner

Sharon and Michelle worked Tom's election vote center on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night after they were done, we invited Greg and Michelle for a late dinner. We have talked about getting together ever since the Neighborhood Book Club to discuss Chain Gang All-stars was cancelled. We barbecued lamb burgers. Greg and Michelle brought a green salad.

Gainsleys at the 2024 Fall Dinner Party

Gainsleys at the 2024 Fall Dinner Party

Amador County Wine Tasting

Sharon and I spent the day wine tasting in Amador County with the Gainsleys. Sharon and I haven't spent much time exploring this region. Stops included Paul J, Scott Harvey, Karmere and Iron Hub. The view from the tasting room at Iron Hub is fantastic. Kevin's friend Mike Mahoney and his wife joined us at Iron Hub.