Oscars & Movies

Just watched the 2005 winner of best foreign language film -- Tsoti. A South African film about 6 days in the life of a young thug.
It was terrific. Yes, the message about redemption and how a baby can alter your perspective of the world -- regardless of the limitations of that world, are not unique to this movie..... in fact, those themes are common in movies, but the actors kept you linked to  the unfolding of the events and I was definitely anxious to keep watching. I was never bored, nor did I feel any scenes were unnecessary or too long.
It is based on a novel by Athol Fuggard, so I am not actually surprised that it had a good narrative. He is an acclaimed S. African writer decades before this movie was made.

annoying phone calls

I am sure that there are many other people/households who are being taunted by annoying phone calls. What I would like to know, is how can a company get away with using # s such as 000 000 0000? And more annoyingly, today 613-704-0070 called me, of course it was a scam and I was not willing to listen all the way through -- yet, I could not hang up the phone, nor disconnect from that number. I pressed Off. Then, talk again, and the female voice was still rabbiting on !! Three  attempts to disconnect did not work.

How can they get away with this?
I have blocked the number now... but it still disturbs me that the phone company permits some business to have a number that is a permanent link.

Valentines Day

Luckily, my wife knows my sentiments (or lack thereof,) concerning the celebrations on February 14th.
The whole event is a sham; dreamt up to make singles feel bad, and go to a bar/restaurant to cheer up & not feel "lonely" in their flats and apartments... while "couples" crowd most of the good tables in the bar/restaurant and talk about "their special night".

Long ago, I had a good friend who actually wanted to get married on Fe. 14th for the two spurious reasons -- 1) that future hubby would always remember the anniversary, and; 2) it was romantic...

Well, we were young then, but close, and she listened to me when I said, hubby was a nice guy and I'd make sure he remembered their anniversary (!), and how could it be romantic when you end up sharing your really special day with a billion or so others...
They got married in May, and are still together 30+ years later.

We do not live in the same province any more, but we remain in touch; and I miss them, a lot.

Thankfully, I have a lovely wife who I appreciate 365(6) days a year....

but
yes,
I have a surprise for her tomorrow..
I have finally done something special she has been asking me to do for over a year! I know it will make her happy... and that is the point of the occasion, I suppose.