Israel: What went Wrong?

It must be said this situation is under change, but this post is intended to reflect the current circumstances and how they came to be.   "Israel  What Went Wrong" is the most comprehensive book I have come across dealing with this particular global crisis.

Jews were expelled from Palestine by Romans and scattered in many directions.  They were seen by many Christians as Christ killers.  Many were poor, but others served the elites in Europe causing resentment among the lower class workers.  The Bible forbade lending money for profit and thus some Jews were allowed to be money lenders causing further resentment.  Jews gravitated to positions requiring academic training.

There has been a serious lack of awareness about the beginning of Israel.  Most of the world is deeply aware of the Holocaust.  Jews trying to escape the Nazis had found many countries very restrictive and afterwards it induced guilt feelings.  In much of the world the Jews were very conscious of serious discrimination and a few developed the idea of Zionism long before the Holocaust.

The Holocaust was a genocide, but far from the first.  Colonizers were exploiting the resources of poor countries and sometimes found the natives could be very troublesome.  One of the early genocides was in 1904 in an area now known as Namibia under German control  One tribe the Herero fell victim to a genocide and later in 1915 Armenians also fell victim.  These and other examples of genocide did not concern Westerners, but the Holocaust was much closer to home and created repercussions unknown before.

After WW II Britain and the United Nations negotiated the setting up of Israel and Palestine.  Starting in 1947 until 1949 the Jewish military forced over 400,000 Arabs to flee Israel territory in order to assure a Jewish majority.  It is still illegal for them to return with most of their property confiscated for Jewish settlers. 

A constitution was promised back as far as 1947, but prominent politicians wanted to avoid it and religious elements felt it would lessen their control.   Secular Jews feel restricted.  There is still no constitution although some politicians such as Menachem Begin felt it was a necessity to protect human rights.  

Over the years there were several attempts to overturn Israel, but they all failed as United States and others provided massive military assistance.  

Settlers are a major problem as I write this.  Increasingly despite western protests settlers have moved into the West Bank and have more rights than the native Palestinians.  They have been aggressive to the point of killing significant numbers.

Then October 7th, 2023 with the focus at first on the murders, rapes and hostage taking.  It truly was a grisly event that horrified the whole world.  It was probably a small fringe of Hamas that wanted to brutalize the Israelis, but also true that many others approved the fighting back, realizing diplomacy wasn't practical. 

The author feels Biden could have stopped the escalation by refusing to provide arms, but probably felt the public would not support.  Others felt Netanyahu helped flame the resistance, feeling it would solidify his power.  Personally I feel the western protesters have opened a few eyes, but it is still an up hill battle.

Israel set out to curb Hamas and over time flattened hundreds of buildings and killing tens of thousands.  Both sides publicized the brutality towards children.  Palestine, per capita has the most child amputees in the world.  Children as young as 12 were classified as terrorists and imprisoned.

Journalists were killed in their coverage.  Israeli media minimized the brutality towards the Palestinians, much like Germans kept the horrors of the Holocaust from their citizens.

Protests around the world began against the Israeli genocide.  Initially most western politicians cried out antisemitism was the cause and took steps to punish protesters.  Undoubtedly antisemitism increased, but others were able to separate Jews, Zionism and Palestine.  Trump is now horrified by the killings, but once suggested Gaza should be emptied of Palestinians and turned into a tourist centre.  

Israeli soldiers have suffered PTSD with an increase in suicides.  Academics and professionals have started leaving.

The author brought up many suggested solutions, even conceding that Trump's 21 points have some merit.  Without discarding his suggestions I offer the following below.  All solutions will be considered radical by somebody.

Those nations that would like to see a solution can band together to offer reconstruction money, materials and efforts instead of weapons or money to buy weapons.  The contingent requirement would be that Israel must contribute to the reconstruction.  In return the banded nations could also agree to defend against outsiders, including Iran and its allies excluding with restrictions, Palestinians.  Palestinians would have to agree to curb violence in order to speed up reconstruction.  Discussions between the governments of Palestine and Israel would decide the many details under guidance from the banded nations.  If the Israeli public cannot be brought on board they would lose support of the banded nations and be subject to sanctions.  All this requires good will on all sides as well as the willingness of nations to change their contributions from weapons to reconstruction.  Best bets might be the U.S. (under a new regime), and NATO nations.  Germany has been caught in an awkward situation while they feel a need for atonement they have picked up any criticism of Israel as anti semitic, but perhaps a truer atonement could involved reconciling the Jews and the Arabs.  There are sane people on all sides and as others see what a mess has been created would appreciate peace as a goal.  

Trump allowed himself to be persuaded to attack Iran alongside Israel.  The high price of energy causing food and many consumables is a price Americans and most others are paying.  Reason might gain some ground if enough suffer.  Hopefully renewable resources are seen more practical.

Hope that attitudes will change.  Westerners have accepted one side of the conflict for decades, but now some realize that has not been fair.  Encouragingly Abdul El-Sayed, an American Senator prospect has gained significant support for the Palestinians.

In the end some courageous man or woman will have to make a big move.  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/we-need-another-nelson-mandela-and-fw.html

The crisis has caused personal hardships, splitting Jewish friends.  One example is  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/peter-beinarts-being-jewish-after.html

"Israel  What Went Wrong?" is pretty comprehensive and I think reasonably balanced.

The jacket cover is by Violet Dine.

The Vendetta against Dr. Fauci

 The Republicans have initiated one of their more disgusting actions when accusing Dr. Fauci of mishandling the Covid Crisis.

The covid pandemic was grossly mishandled by their regime and voters should be demanding an accounting.  Start with their leader, Donald Trump who in an effort to make room for a counter productive tax reduction dismantled protections that had been set up by the Obama/Biden team.  Nobody knew much about it, but some precautions seemed reasonable such as social distancing and masks.  Lockdowns certainly worked in other countries.  Vaccinations also worked in other countries.  Bleach did not work, and in fact would endanger others.  The lack of respect for science was underlying the fight.

Did Dr. Fauci make mistakes or take too long to figure things out.  Possibly.  The search for information was intense and it is human to make mistakes.  He did not mislead.

Did American funds allow Chinese labs to manufacture the pandemic?  Where is the proof?  It would seem counterproductive for the Chinese government, but maybe somebody in the lab was careless or short sightedly vindictive.  

Lockdowns may well have hurt the economy, but not as much as the unchecked pandemic would have.   Education is critical, but schools are a gathering of young people who interact.

The current Trump administration has made many mistakes.  One over riding one is their lack of respect for science, particularly when it goes against established businesses.  To many, climate change should be the number one priority, but Trump has told a United Nations audience that "climate change is a hoax" and his staff act as if it were true.

His minister of health, Robert F Kennedy has a long record opposing vaccinations which helped boost a recent measles epidemic.

Trump does not admit mistakes and may have felt Dr. Fauci over shadowed him (he indeed did) during the pandemic.  He is looking for distractions from such things as the Epstein files and the disastrous tariffs combined with an unnecessary invasion of Iran to further add hurtful inflation.

Dr. Fauci was correct to use the Fifth Amendment and his explanation was very accurate.  They wanted him in prison to hide their guilt.

I believe the attack on Dr. Fauci will be another nail against Republican election prospects.  Don't let the voters forget this disgusting attack on a national hero.

Nelson DeMille's Last Book: The Tin Men

After the death of Nelson' DeMille it was thought that "Blood Lines" was his last novel.  Not so.  He had begun "The Tin Man "with his son Alex and it leaves a fitting conclusion.

Why do we readers get started on a particular author?  Then, why do we stick with them?  With Nelson DeMille I learned he was related to my mother in law (first cousins) and shortly after I learned that he had a book of the month club selection. and my habit began.  More on the family connection:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/05/tribute-to-nelson-demille-real-writer-i.html

There are a few differences from most of his previous books, for instance, that it is set entirely in the United States.  More of a domestic conspiracy.  More modern in that the main issue is about a contemporary concern.

It starts with a mysterious brutal death at a military camp.  It is all very top secret and Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor, familiar to DeMille's fans are brought in to investigate.  The camp is set up to research a future warfare strategy using "lethal autonomous weapons" i.e. robots.  These robots are all equipped with all sorts of fail safe protections.  They are engaged in pretend battles with human troops and have won every single battle.  

Checking on the safeguards seems impressively secure, but checking into more details reveals that all is not as it seems.  One camp leader is out to prove that humans can defeat the machines, but has been frustrated with results.  The readers gradually learn that all the personnel are not uniform in their acceptance of the project.

What can go wrong?  I would say the two authors are skeptical about claims that robots can be controlled.  Somehow the robots are able to overcome the restrictions and start to kill some humans.  They seem organized and able to think with more sophisticated thinking than they had been designed for.

Of course, bottom line,  it is some humans who have their own motives.  Perhaps I imagined it, but it seemed the authors felt people desiring power are always looking for ways to develop their power. 

Another danger alluded to is the dangers of recreational drugs.  It seems soldiers restricted to isolated areas are under stress and some will seek comfort they believe can be found in drugs.  Psilocybin made from mushrooms was supposed to be especially good at handling stress.  

Robotic warfare is justified by the notion that our enemies are developing it, therefore we need to keep pace.  This goes through all history starting with sticks and stones.  There will always be those who want to use whatever tools are available to develop their personal greed and power. 

Scott Brodie, the hero has been carried forth from a few previous novels and in some ways seems more mature, but he is a bit of a maverick who at some point defies convention to do something he thinks is right.  Often the reader might agree, but recognize actins ae not not acceptable to many others.    

One habit of Nelson's was auctioning off character names for charities.

This has been an enjoyable path circumstances have guided me through.  Once I joined a Nelson DeMille fan website that led to a Facebook friend who recommended some books and films that became blog posts.  One can never be sure what path you are embarking on that could make life more meaningful. 

UNMARRY

 "UNMARRY" (2025) is sort of a romance drama.  At times you will be hoping for a breakup and other times, not.  Celine is married to Stephen, a cheerful, self righteous man who loves his two daughters.  Ivan is a man who loves his son and his wife, but she wants to split and deny any custody.

They both end up at the same attorney who is a woman who does videos on the legal separation process.  Attorney Jackie mismanages her time and the two separate cases end up being counselled at the same time.  Without this unlikely event the plot would have to be adjusted.  At heart Celine wants her kids, but wants to separate from her stifling husband.  Ivan declares he still loves his wife and his son and is fighting an annulment.  

Celine's husband built up a restaurant named Celine's, paying for everything while she actually ran the restaurant.  In person and later in court he seems to feel he owns everything because he paid for everything.  He obviously does love his daughters and feels with his money he can give them a good life.

Ivan's wife, Maya was a successful business woman who sees her husband as an alcoholic and irresponsible and he agrees.  Ivan seems to feel he supported her when she started out, and now he needs support.  He obviously loves his son.  In court his son seems to give more verbal support for his mother, but is obviously torn.

The attorney seems to fill the need for some comedy, but she does give reasonable advice.  The two listen to each story and sympathize with one another.  Celine says she does not really love her husband, but Ivan thinks there must be some love.  The two are also attracted to one another and furthermore also get involved with each other's spouse and children.  

There is a need for humour as the tension is overwhelming as we are made conscious of the children's agony.  There are a few logical outcomes and you might not be surprised by the ending.  It is well done.

As an aside the script brings up Singapore as one of the four has a chance to get a promotion by moving there.  At another stage the script brought up the opinion that there are many difficulties in the world and that United States under Donald Trump made many bad choices while Singapore made better ones.

The cast and crew did a wonderful job.  Here are a few.

Jeffrey Jeturian was the director.  He has 34 directing credits, 8 for production designing and 3 for writing.

Josi (Josabeth) Alonso who works with and is friends with Jeffrey Jeturian suggested the topic from her experience as a practising lawyer and then became an executive producer.  She has always been interested in films.  Her first one was in the Cebuana  (indigenous) language and lost money, so in the future she did some commercial films to help finance films on topics not usually covered.  As a producer she says the hardest thing is saying "no" to directors who want to do more.  She has 95 credits with the editorial department, 57 for producing and 6 for additional crew including "Ballot" (2024).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/ballot.html   

Chris Martinez was the writer.  He has 34 writing credits, 23 for directing and 5 for producing.

Len Calvo was the music director.  She has 106 credits for composing, 16 for the music department and 2 for acting including "Green Bones" (2024).

Kara Mareno was the cinematographer.  Kara has 29 cinematographer credits, 37 for the camera & electrical department and 1 for the art department including "Isa Pa with Feelings" (2019).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/isa-pa-with-feelings-really-helps.html

Benjo Ferrer was the editor.  He has 70 credits for the editorial department, 31 for editor and 2 for the colour department.

Angelica Panganiban played Celine.  She was born of a Filipina mother and a U.S. navy member and adopted.  She started acting in films as a child actress and won an award for best child actress.  Along the way she won comedy acting awards.  She has 83 acting credits.

Zanjoe Marudo played Ivan.  One of his earliest jobs was as a model for undergarments.  He has 68 acting credits.

Tom Rodriguez played Stephen.  He has 59 acting credits and 3 for soundtrack.

Eugene Domingo played Attorney Jackie.  She married an Italian film critic.  Eugene has 127 acting credits and 4 for soundtrack.

Nico Antonio played Attorney Willi.  He has 107 acting credits, 3 for producing and 2 for soundtrack including "Ballot" (2024). 

Soleen Heussaff played Maya.  She has 49 acting credits and 2 for soundtrack.

"UNMARRY" (with the caps) is available subtitled, on Netflix.  It leads up to a happy ending of one of your choices, but you would have to see which one.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily recommended, but generally found to be worth my time.  If you follow the links you would be better able to decide which films to pursue.

The Trump countdown requires some heavy thinking

 We, (not just U.S. voters), are looking at the loss of Trump's dictatorial powers beginning in less than 100 days.  We need to be careful as he will not give up his power without a fight (not likely a fair fight).  He still has wealthy supporters and too many ignorant voters on his side.  Ignore them at your peril.  There is still lots of prejudice to be stirred up.  For now we see the Democrats as the best instrument for justice.

The issues that non Trump voters can rally around are affordability, ICE and unnecessary wars.  He has already attempted to restrict voting and is prepared to contest any result contrary to his desires.  Although there are many other issues that especially progressives feel are critical they should play in the background.  Climate change is one issue that is getting more acceptance, but is not a strong enough vote incentive as affordability.  Concentrating on what people want is the safest way to insure victory at the polls.  

We should also bear in mind that there is a gap of close to 3 months between the vote and inauguration of the new Senators and House Representatives.  The actual numbers do make a difference.  The losers may react in a variety of ways.  Some will bide their time until the public mood changes while others will fight with whatever legislative power they have and some will accept the public verdict perhaps with some relief and move on.  Trump will be more desperate, realizing his power and even his freedom will be attacked.  

Assuming they do indeed achieve real power the Democrats still need to be careful.  Being vindictive can have negative consequences.  What the Democrats campaigned on and helped them win should be the priorities.  Like many others I believe Donald Trump belongs in prison, but the effort will stir some backlash and will take time away from other goals.  

My priority would be to get climate change acknowledged and dealt with more effectively.  But there are so many other issues.  Decisions have to be made for priorities.  Below are a few thoughts.

Al Gore once said that before climate change can be dealt with we need to fix the political process.  This could be a long effort, but the idea that the electoral college should control all other decisions needs to be challenged.  The losers in that effort would be small states.  Rural residents will also feel threatened.  Proportional representation is fairer and cuts down on political manipulation.  Obama once told us that inequality encourages violence.

Having been a poll clerk I do like the idea of proper identification, but it must be accessible for everyone.  We need to make it easy for everyone to vote.

Affordability has many angles.  Tariffs hurt everyone.  On the other hand poor countries may require protection against rich countries.  Making the world a fair place may not be an immediate priority, but people should be aware that a balance is also in everyone's interest.  Wars should not be the result of a threatened president wanting to cover his sins.  Congress should have the final say.  Taxes need to be balanced, but admit that the rich may not co-operate.  This is a loaded topic involving incentives for hard work and innovation, spending for fairness and overall health.

Immigration is for many a touchy subject.  The irony is that America (and the west in general and Japan) need immigration to replace the unborn babies we count on to take care of us in our old age.  There will likely be dirty work that established citizens look down upon.  Really to be honest, we need their energy and their perspectives.  Much of our innovation and entrepreneurship has been driven by immigrants.  Fortunately the cruelty of ICE repulses many voters.  

Trump made a very big deal with using his executive powers on inauguration day to enact his idea of changes.  The new crew needs to have their own agenda and announce it promptly.

A balanced budget that helps lessen the national debt may not be noticed by many, but would have a few immediate benefits and increase everyone's freedom in the long run.  That means attention to revenue as part of all spending decisions.  

A long term project is to fight ignorance that too often leads to hate.  Trump has pointedly tried to cut out awareness of American acceptance of slavery and indigenous abuses in national museums.  Education is primarily a state responsibility, but obviously national interests are involved.  In the conflict with Iran it has been stated and thought that "they hate us because we're Christians." when the truth is Americans have helped overturn an Iranian democracy in 1953.  Trump has stated that the rest of the world has taken advantage of Americans which is a distortion of reality.  This will be an ongoing battle, but I like to think that a little light will help open our eyes (and hearts).

The Supreme Court is another touchy issue that affects us all.  Traditionally the President makes a nomination and the Senate debates before confirming.  The court needs to be above politics.  As a progressive I recognize the danger of catering too much to public mood, but the court should be respected.  The future is uncertain, but it should not be decided by a group of powerful people.

Winning Congress is only a short term project.  Winning the 2028 election is vital so wasting time and goodwill is counter productive.  

The American Revolution was supposed to give power to the people as opposed to a monarch.  Most Americans overlook the role of the Magna Carta on the road to democracy.  Many of us would agree that Democracy is a fragile thing that needs careful monitoring.  Donald Trump has provided a scary proof of what can happen if democracy is taken for granted.

Baseball Lovers will find "Hot Stove League" fascinating

 Baseball is a game loaded with statistics and the art of hitting an elusive ball where no one can catch it.  "Hot Stove League" (2019) is the most comprehensive sports series I have seen.  We mostly see the players and coach in most sports films, but it takes more to keep a professional sports franchise operating

The main character Baek Seung-soo, with an unusual background applies for the the general manager job for a Korean baseball team.  Although he has no baseball managing experience he had taken teams in three different sports (handball, wrestling and ice hockey) to the top after which they disbanded.  The operations manager, Lee Se-young and the coaches are repulsed by the idea, but somewhere in the ownership they are impressed with him and he does get hired.  

He certainly does have some odd ideas to turn a last place team to a winner.  At first he makes no changes amongst the management or coaching staff although aware of quarrelling among the coaches, but soon makes a move upsetting to them all.  He wants to trade their one top player who is very resentful to the idea.  It turns out Seung-soo has analyzed statistics in a sophisticated manner and starts to win over some of the management staff.

But this is just the tip of an iceberg.  The series explores scouting, statistics, drafting, training, contracts, public relations, marketing merchandise and ad space.  Trades are at the heart of what a general manager does.  Seung-soo sought teams with a weakness at a position that he was strong in and offer a player for their weakness.  At one point breaking down batting average to the spring, summer and fall.  When the steroid scandal developed, punishments were adjusted to discourage, but also to early confessions and this affected trades.        

Two other issues provide complications.  Match fixing is a concern at the league level.  Citizenship requirements, unique to Korea provide emotional concerns.

The corporation owning the team is concerned with branding, while keeping expenses low and reputation. intact  They force changes for the baseball operations.  Their inner workings with regard to the dynamics outside baseball inevitably impinge on the team.

The cast and crew have created a very engaging series.  Here are some of them.

Dong Yoon Jung was the director.  He has 3 directing credits.

Lee Shin-Hwa was the writer with this being his only credit.

Park Eun-bin played the operations manager, Lee Se-yeung who personifies a feminist heroine in that she is not only attractive and likeable, but also does a good job without any romantic entanglements.  She has 30 acting credits including "The King's Affection" (2021), "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022) and "Castaway Diva" (2023).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/08/extraordinary-attorney-woo.html

Namgoong Min played Baek Seung-su.  He has 34 acting credits.

Oh Jung-se played Kwon Kyeong-min, a key ownership executive.  He has 100 acting credits including "Swing Kids" (2018), "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019), "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020), "Little Women" (2022), "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (2023), "When the Stars Gossip" (2025) and "We Are All Trying Here" (2026).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html   Note: Both Oh Jung-se and Park Eun-Bin have won awards for prominent roles as autistics in a series.

Song Jong-hak played Go Kang-seon, an ownership executive.  He has 57 acting credits including "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019) and "Flower of Evil"(2020).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/10/flower-of-evil.html 

Ha Do-Kwon played Kang Do-gi, one of the traded baseball players.  He has 31 acting credits including "My Mister" (2018) and "Doctor John" (2019).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/02/doctor-john-highlights-pain.html

Kim Soo-jin  played Lim Mi-jin, the marketing manager.  She has 37 acting credits including "Navillera" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/navillera.html

Jeon Gook Hwan played Kwan Il-do, the chairman of the ownership group.  He has 62 acting credits including "Glove" (2011), "Silenced" (2011), "My Mister" (2018) and "Crash Landing on You" (2019).  Note:  "Glove" is another Korean baseball film based on a true story about a suspended pro baseball player required to coach a team of deaf students.  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

Most sports movies are all about a team overcoming odds to be a winner.  "Hot Stove Lounge" is more about maintaining a sports organization under very trying circumstances.  It can be viewed on Netflix subtitled.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favourite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup  (for men) is certainly the biggest global sporting event.  For the most part, the best players and managers are on display for our enjoyment.  For some it is an opportunity for corruption and for others a platform for political action.  The audience is there as they love the competition.

In the preliminaries to the event Gianni Infantino decided to cater to the vanity of Donald Trump by awarding him a peace prize.  Trump had openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize that had been rejected for obvious reasons. 

Donald Trump was on display taking advantage of photo opportunities and chances to impose policies.  Their immigration program is racist and political.  Iran qualified and the luck of the draw scheduled their 3 games at American stadiums, but were only allowed to compete in America for the games and forced to stay overnight in Mexico.  Disadvantaged they were eliminated by a late goal scored by Algeria.  The mother of the Cape Verde goalie was at first refused admission.

Somalia was one of the countries not allowed to come to the U.S., but a Somali referee was considered one of the top referees from Africa.  He was not allowed at all by the Trump government.  

A top American player, Faloran Balogun was given a red card, meaning not eligible for the next game.  Trump decided to use his influence and managed to have the red card disregarded.  The result was disastrous for the U.S. as they made critical mistakes and lost 4-1.  Faloran Balogun, the suspended player approached the Belgian coach to apologize, but the Belgian coach did not blame him, the decision was made by others.  

To give Trump some credit he had one interesting idea.  American football should be renamed so that soccer can be called football.  It is confusing for English (and French) speaking North Americans as our football is mostly running and passing.  Unfortunately this idea is not going far as the N.F.L. is well entrenched with the American (and Canadian) public.  

Impossible not to notice that many of the European players were African in origin, but still the African nations barely barely made it for the knockout rounds.  It seemed that colonizers did better than the colonized.  Morocco was an exception in that 19 of their 26 players were born outside Morocco and they did advance to the knockout round.  Al Jazeera pointed out that minority players are subject to racist remarks such as with the Netherlands public after three minority players failed in a shoot out

Another political element was regarding Palestine.  The Egyptian coach displayed a Palestine flag and advocated for them--During the first half of the Egypt/Argentina knock out game the Egyptian team scored 2 goals.  However in the second half Argentina overcame with input from Lionel Messi and won the game 3-2.  Egyptians claimed the ref was unfair.  There always seems to be room for criticism.  FIFA, itself has long recognized the Palestine football club and allowed them to take part in qualifying rounds.

Argentina fans made a protest about the Falklands, better known to them as Les Malvinas.  The Argentine government was pro Israel, but the general population was more sympathetic to the Palestinians.

The decision to increase the teams from 32 to 48 countries was beneficial.  Small countries got a chance to play as everyone got 3 games and a few surprised experts.  Cape Verde was perhaps the biggest surprise.  The second smallest population in the tournament, but in group games they were all  draws including against eventual winner, Spain.  In the first knockout Argentina came from behind to win in injury time.  Another surprise was when Paraguay defeated Germany in a shootout.

I would love to see my Canadian team do better, but not too surprised, being eliminated in their first knockout game.  They put on a fair show, but have a long way to go. 

There were lots of interesting facts.

The Japanese, following their example from the previous World Cup cleaned up their seats after game setting a good example picked up by Paraguay.  The Japanese goalie Zion Suzuki was born in the U.S. with a Japanese mother and a Ghanian father.

Lionel Messi setting all time World Cup scoring record until Kyrian Mbappe of France (with a Cameroonian father) broke some of them.

Erling Haaland was a likable star for the Norwegian team whose fans had developed a crowd cheering motion with rowing simulation.

For the first time hydration breaks were part of each game.  Many fans were annoyed and suggesting the purpose was for tv. ads.  Personally I felt over time better for the game. An acknowledgement of climate change and an adjustment we will see more of.  As the World Cup wound up Canada and part of the United States were dealing with some serious forest fires.  Trump blamed Canada, but he is an example of not acknowledging climate change.

Another innovation was a half time show for the final game.  To get in some headliners the break time was extended.  The headliners included Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, BTS and Gustavo Dudamel.  Seemed well received by the fans.  On television the action started inside the stadium, but was visible by big screens.

As with all sports there is an element of flukiness in football such as the position of the ref, the bounce of the ball, position of light and shadow, etc while the better teams manage to their benefit.  As a low scoring game, football can sometimes be decided by a fluke.

In the game to decide 3rd place, England beat France, 6-4, the highest scoring game of the tournament.  Saku for England had 3 goals duplicating a feat of Messi.

Spain deservedly won the trophy defeating Argentina in the final, but I would say France was second best.  I realize Trump wanted Argentina to win as he is cosy with their leader and was upset with Spain over some military issues (refusing to help his Iran attack).  He did get booed when getting ready to present the trophy and medals.  He had to be pulled off the stage while the Spanish players were celebrating.

It still amazes me that the World Cup draws more attention than the Olympics, but it definitely is a massive fan favourite.  I would like to think I will get to indulge in my love for athletic excellence, drama and international good will.

"Me Before Me"--another gem from far away

 Indonesia is far away and thought by us to be a third world country.  But it is not nearly as  backward as many westerners might imagine.  From my position they keep turning out thoughtful and engaging films.  They do have a different culture--for one they are the largest Muslim country in the world with over 280 million citizens.  Like all people they share the same issues, birth, death, hope, fear, love, hate, hunger, etc..

Growing up from being totally dependent to a mature adult can be pretty rough, but most of us stumble through it.  "Me Before Me" (2026) is about a unique person and his unique family and friends.  Much of their growth toward maturity is unique, but in some ways, not.  A teenager, Jati is first shown as a winner of a big prize in school.  While the whole school celebrates, he has a panic attack, throws down the trophies and walks away.  He is suspended, but learns of a special school, one where there is a lot of freedom to express oneself.  His father only tolerates it because of a suspension which will expire in a few months.  Jaya, his father has high expectations and steers Jata on a path to success. 

At the school Jati encounters Asa and she decides he can help her with a project.  The project is to learn about her family history.  She feels if you ask different people about the same things you will learn something deeper.  Her mother and father and a few others tell the same stories, but when she encounters an uncle with early stage dementia she learns a major fact about herself.  

Jati is encouraged to follow her example with her help.  Eventually he learns there is more to his father's history that had been lied about.  There are secrets in many families, many of which are kept.  Sometimes they are uncovered and sometimes provides understanding.  Jati and Asa do not get romantically involved, but are true friends helping each other through some awkward situations.

This is a very professional film and below are listed a few that made it so.

Gina S. Noer was the director and writer.  She has been known as Ginatri S. Noer.  Born in Madagascar.  She has written and edited books.  Gina has 29 credits as a writer, 9 as producer and 6 as director including "Habibie & Ainum" (2012),  "Cemara's Family" (2018) and "Ali and the Queens" (2021).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/cemaras-family.html

Deska Binarso was the cinematographer.  He has 5 cinematography credits.

Aji Praditya was the editor.  Aji has 24 editor credits, 3 for the editorial department and 1 for writing.

Ringgo Agus Rahman played Jaya, the father.  He had been a radio host starting in 2005 and interviewed well known director Hanung Bramanthyo who gave him a role that got his film career started.  Ringgo has 58 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2018), "Falling in Love Like in the Movies" (2020), "Cemara's Family 2" (2022), "A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024) and as the lovable dad in "Call Me Dad" (2025).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/call-me-dad.html    and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/06/falling-in-love-like-in-movies.html  and   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/07/a-brother-and-7-siblings.html

Bima Sena played Jati.  He has 17 acting credits.

Widuri Puteri played Asa.  She has 3 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack.

Verdi Solaiman played Asa's father.  He studied and worked in Columbus, Ohio on advertising design.  He has been an acting coach.  Verdi has 105 acting credits, 4 for directing and 2 for producing including "Cigarette Girl" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/cigarette-girl.html

"Me Before Me" is available on Netflix, dubbed and subtitled.  Also known as "Aku Sebelum Aku".  This is a well done film you will enjoy especially if you have ever uncovered family secrets.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favourite Indonesian films and a big part of my Indonesian obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

" Searching For Terry Punchout" a surprise from Canada Reads

 Canada Reads is not only a way of promoting books, but is entertaining by itself.  That helps explain how I got hooked on a hockey themed book "Searching for Terry Punchout" (2018).  Actually there is more to it than a hockey theme.

Tyler Hellard, like the main character grew up in small town, Maritimes (Summerside, PEI) and as a young adult moved, ending up in Calgary where he became a copy writer.  He tells us that much of the book was written in a bar, but since publication has given up drinking.  He likes clutter and wrestling.  He also is a blogger.

A good book needs someone to boost it.  Steve Glynn, known also as Steve Dangle is a hockey analyst who after working for Sports Net has his own You Tube show.  Growing up, his parents perked his interest in reading through sports.  A Toronto Maple Leaf fan, he nonetheless is very articulate.  Steve has written two books himself.  He led "Searching for Terry Punchout" to the runner up position.  

This fictional story might attract hockey fans, but that is just a frame that allows the author to deal with family relationships.  A boy in a small Maritime town has a father playing the role of a goon hockey player in the the NHL.  He gets traded from Toronto to New York to Los Angles accumulating a record number of penalty minutes.  In the meantime he and his wife become estranged.  His wife dies.  After he retires he doesn't know what to do and ends up going back to his home town and eventually ends up doing maintenance in the arena named after him and driving the Zamboni to clear the ice.

The book is really concerned about the son, Adam who had since left town to work in Calgary, but not very successful and as a sort of last chance sold his idea of doing a magazine article on his once famous father who he had not seen in a decade.  The job at the arena provides Terry's accommodation, but seems a dead end.  He at first resists his son's questions, but over time does co-operate and we learn about his life in hockey and how his marriage deteriorated.

Adam hasn't seen his teenage friends in several years.  In some cases there was rivalry and jealousy.  He had had a very embarrassing incident with an old girl friend who went on to have a baby out of wedlock with a rival.  She had the child, but the boyfriend had abandoned her.  Adam attempts to renew their relationship and she is somewhat willing, but more mature than Adam.  As he wraps up his efforts, there are a few developments and maybe Adam matures a bit.

My verdict:  It is worth reading, even if you are not a hockey fan which I am not.

Last year I read all five books, but this year that seems unlikely.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/03/canada-reads.html

The cover photo at the top is by Megan Fildes.

Eleanor and Franklin

One aspect that caught my attention is that the Roosevelts both were members of the elite.  Eleanor from birth accepted the role of men in politics and for a few years of marriage saw her duty to support her husband Franklin in his political ambitions while tending to their children and the household.  

They both had progressive views and Franklin found her more enjoyable to talk with than the many more attractive women interested in his good looks and connections to wealth.  The cousins married  with former President Ted Roosevelt giving away the bride who happened to be his niece.  Franklin started rising in the political world working in the White House and becoming Governor of New York state and the Presidency.  Eleanor was very useful in supporting his efforts, but her  views became more progressive.

They had had six children.  In 1918 Eleanor learned that Franklin had a relationship with Lucy Mercer.  She threatened divorce over it.  However she was conscious this would hurt his political prospects and made an adjustment.  She had a difficult relationship with her mother in law, but the marital difficulty led to a sort of emancipation for Eleanor who became more active in political issues.

They were both idealistic, but he tended to be more practical.  One issue was Abolition that she favoured, but he felt had led to crime.  She always favoured the disadvantaged, but he realized he could only push Congress so far.

A lot changed when Franklin got polio in 1921and lost the use of his legs.  At first it was uncertain to what extent and for long he would be incapacitated.  I had thought he must have hidden his disability, but he was open about it even as he was campaigning for office.  She was an important support for his political progress.

Eleanor is very unique among First Ladies.  Not a fashion leader.  She gave her own press conferences     and wrote regularly.  She changed the role of First Ladies with Harry Truman declaring she became First Lady for the whole world.

She had power, not just to deal with her husband directly, but maybe more so indirectly.  For instance she was able to set tables for social occasions where many were wanting to sit close to the president.  Although many claimed they respected her views she was often made aware they really wanted to meet the president.  He often was annoyed with her ideas, but nonetheless adopted many of them.

Eleanor grew up accepting the racial status quo and she realized the politics, but crusaded in many different fronts to increase racial equality.  One example of race and politics was when Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the Nazi Olympics, but was not acknowledged and treated with respect as other achievers were by FDR.  She pushed for more military involvement of blacks with some success.  She elevated numerous blacks to more prominence, but had to be concerned about the reaction of southern Congressmen.

The idea of four terms is against American political traditions.  The third term was with the world already involved with World War II.  To be honest the Roosevelts were concerned about how the Republicans wanted to turn America towards.  We fear Trump's talk of running for a third term because we know how he wants to change America.

The book ends with his death which was unexpected, despite declining health.  After the Yalta Conference he found his iron braces too heavy for stand up speeches and chose to speak from a sitting position.  He visited his safe, reviving haven in Warm Springs, Georgia.  While there he fainted and shortly after died.    Eleanor stayed on the train that took him back to Washington.  It was Eleanor who notified Vice President Harry Truman.  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/12/truman-vs-today.html

The book ends there, but Eleanor remained active.  From 1945 to 1952 she served as the U.S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and was instrumental in setting up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Several polls indicated she was the most admired woman in the entire world.            

This book comes from the perspective of a relative.  There are other perspectives and even information available after publication.  Eleanor Roosevelt and her husband were important historical forces.  I would urge you to check other writers.

 This specific book had a more personal connection.  The photo to the left is of the inside of the cover.  Hard to read, but the written note says "To Grandmother Coakwell from Grandson John Davidson.  Xmas"  I think my mother had something to do with it as she knew her mother admired Eleanor Roosevelt.  I would have been at least 23, just out of university and getting established.  I remember at one time I was a member of the Book of the Month club and sometimes neglected to stop delivery of their monthly selections.  I was not a fan of Eleanor Roosevelt at the time, but have come to appreciate she and her husband were very important for America and the world in general.

 My daughter Heather was honoured this past winter with a prestigious provincial award and in her speech she quoted FDR "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."

The Future is Peace

 Another book on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but "The Future is Peace" (2026) does have a difference.  They are not advocating a two state solution.

The two authors come with a different background.  Aziz Abu Sarah is a Palestinian who has lost a brother (and others) to the conflict.  Maoz Inon is a Jew whose family had migrated from what is now Moldova and his parents were killed at the recent Hamas onslaught.  One similarity is that they both were tour guides, but that also ended with the conflict.

Ariz had developed the idea of offering the Jewish and Palestinian view for his tours.  Later he persuaded Moaz to adopt the same practice.  Unfortunately tourism itself was hurt by the violence since October 2023,

Yitzhak Rabin was the first Israeli Prime Minister to acknowledge Palestinians had rights.  He along with Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres was recognized with the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize.  Rabin was assassinated in 1995

Aziz has tirelessly pushed for peace.  "Peace work does not necessarily bring peace of mind....In peace work the only failure is inaction...We must treat war and hatred as diseases."  It is pointed out that we do not consider cancer research a failure, but strive to try harder and smarter and so we should consider peace efforts the same way.  

The West Bank settlements are a major obstacle. The Israeli government gives incentives for Jews and places restrictions on the Palestinians.  Over 800,000 olive trees that had been farmed by Palestinians have been uprooted.  In 2018, the Trump administration cut off Palestinian aid programs.  One enterprise, Olive Oil without Borders found the co-operation between Israelis and Palestinians productive was forced to abandon their efforts.l

Saladin, a Muslim leader defeated the Crusaders around 1187 C.E.  He was tolerant of Jews and Greek Orthodox Christians, allowing them to practice their religions freely.

Parts of the world wonder why the Israelis and Palestinians cannot forgive each other.  In 1990 South Africa dismantled apartheid.  In 1998 in North Ireland, the Protestants and Catholics reconciled.  In the early 2000's the Hutus and Tutsis moved forward in Rwanda.  

Palestinians feel Jews used the Holocaust as a tool to gain global sympathy and are reluctant to acknowledge the Jewish pain.  They feel the pain they suffered from what is called the Nakba.  Both need to be made aware of the suffering of the other and then maybe they can reconcile. 

The authors do not believe a two state solution is possible. at the present time.  As the two states would be like a divorced couple.  They feel a solution requires equality, dignity, recognition, safety and security for all.  The efforts of the two authors is a small step in the right direction and needs to be joined by many others. The fields of sports and music are promising, but maybe what they need is a common project such as fighting climate change.

An earlier post with more background:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/10/life-death-and-pursuit-of-peace-in.html

Touch--a long love story

"Touch" (2024) illustrates that we live in an inter connected world.  Love can cross over a lot of barriers of time and distance and quirks of human consciousness.  The plot reflects this, but so does the creative team presenting the plot.

We first see an old man in Iceland, Kristofer, recently widowed thinking back to when he was a young man living in London, England.  We go back to those days when he had just quit university and was at a crossroads.  On impulse he approached a Japanese restaurant to apply for a job admitting he had no experience.  Somehow he struck a chord with the owner, Takahashi with a critical link being fishing, that both had done for a living in far away places..

He starts off as a lowly dishwasher, but gets involved with the family even starting to learn Japanese.  He also expands what he does.  Takahashi has a daughter, Miko.  Initially she has a boyfriend, but when brought to her father, he breaks up the relationship witnessed by Kristofer.  A new romance seems inevitable.  For a short while their romance is intimate and sweet, but with no warning Kristofer learns they have left overnight and gone back home to Japan.

He accepts the reality, ends up back in Iceland as a trained chef opening his own restaurant and gets married.  Years pass by and he is told by a doctor that he is on the road to dementia.  His one regret is the broken romance he had with Miko.  The story shifts back and forth from his efforts to find her and memories of their relationship.  The explanation awaits near the end and only a very wild guess would come close.

The cast and crew is international and help make the story engaging.  Here are only a few.

Baltasur Kormakur was the director, writer and producer.  Born with a Spanish father and Icelandic mother he speaks English, Spanish, Icelandic and Danish.  In the theatre he has acted, directed and produced.  He thought rating groups like IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes should  be split between male and female responses. as there is often a significant difference.  He has 27 producing credits and 11 for writing including "The Deep" (2012), "2 Guns"(2013) and "Adrift" (2018).

Mark Goodridge was another producer.  He has 27 producing credits and 17 for additional crew including  "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" (2016), "The Florida Project" (2017) and "Left Handed Girl" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/two-unrelated-films-that-deserve-more.html 

 Hogni Egilson was the composer.  Spent time with indie and electronic rock bands achieving international status.  He has 15 composing credits, 3 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack.

 Bergsteinn Bjorgulfsson was the cinematographer.  He has 65 cinematography credits, 11 for the camera and electrical department  and 10 for producing including "The Deep" (2012).

Sigurdur Eyporsso was the editor.  He has 26 editor credits, 9 for the editorial department and 5 for visual effects including "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (2011) and "2 Guns" (2013).

Selma Bjorndottir was a casting director.  She had dubbed foreign films into Icelandic.  She has 5 casting credits and 9 for acting.

Yoko Narahashi was a casting director and also played the older Miko.  Her father was a Japanese diplomat and she grew up partly in Ottawa and Montreal.  She had also been a theatre director.  Yoko has 15 casting credits, 20 for the casting department and 6 for acting including "Memories of a Geisha" (2005) and "Babel" (2006)).

Egill Olafsson played the elder Kristofer.  He has 34 acting credits, 3 for composing and 1 for writing.

Palmi Kormakur played the younger Kristofer.  He has 3 credits for the production department and 6 for acting including "The Deep" (2012) and "Adrift" (2018).

Koki played the younger Miko.  She has been a model, song writer and once won a junior flute contest.  She has done commercials and is fluent in English.  Koki has 8 acting credits.

Mashiro Motaki played Takahashi, father to Miko.  He has 60 acting credits including the lead for Oscar winner "Departures"  (2009).

Ruth Sheen played Mrs. Ellis.  She has 85 acting credits, mostly in England including "Another Year" (2010), "Mr. Turner" (2014) and "The After" (2023).

Eugene Nomura played Akira (you will have to wait for his significance).  He has 59 acting credits and 6 for producing including "The Emperor" (2014).

Available on Netflix, most of the dialogue in "Touch" is in English with subtitles provided for Icelandic and Japanese dialogue.  English is the common language between Iceland and Japan.  It is a sad, but beautiful love story.

As is my habit, films I have seen are bolded at first mention.  Many are worth your time, but that is for your judgment.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff

I must seem like a self-righteous blogger, giving out all sorts of advice.  Like most, I am far from perfect,

but I like to think I am improving.  The title has been something I admire and want to strive towards, but also makes me wonder how some people could handle stress better.  "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" (1997) offers a slightly different perspective and style.

Richard Carlson has lots of ideas.  He bundles them in short manageable chapters that can help you.  Some, you might already feel comfortable about and a few others might prick your conscience.  He is quick to acknowledge that he has wrestled with his own advice.

This post is not intended to analyze each chapter, but hopefully to highlight enough good points you will want to investigate further.  When we admire a good leader' or example setter, we appreciate that there often is a better way to handle any situation.

The first words of a William James quote sets the tone, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude" with apologies to the critical other half of our humanity who can also improve their lives.

We survived all manner of stresses in our evolutionary trail and today many of us have a tendency to over react.  The author gives the example of having our vehicle cut off by a stranger driving.  We can get so angry that it literally affects the rest of our day.  Calming down, (not sweating the small stuff) can help to put it behind us and move forward.

"The need for perfection and the desire for tranquility conflict with each other."  The most important thing is to do your best and move in the right direction.

That life isn't fair, needs to be accepted, so instead of pitying ourselves we can move onto the challenge of improving life.  "Unhappiness is the result of struggling against natural experience. One question to deal with the unfairness is "How can I be of service?"

Borrowing from Stephen R Covey the author quotes Habit number 5, "Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood."  Another chapter suggests we should assume that everyone else is enlightened except us.  We think we understand another person (or situation), but we can never know everything.  In the process of letting someone else explain themselves we not only learn something, but are more apt to open a dialogue that will benefit everyone. 

One virtue with life's up and downs, that will help you in the long run is, patience.  Too often we focus on what we don't have and overlook what we do have.  Gratitude helps you appreciate life.

He ends the book by reminding us of the title message, "Don't sweat the small stuff."

I would like to end by admitting that there is always room for improvement and there are plenty of people with helpful advice.  Below are some of the messages that have helped me.

From a few other efforts to improve myself:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/12/an-antidote-to-chaos-series-of-rules.html

After I reminded myself about all that advice I came across more (and expect there will be even more):  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/04/think-like-monk.html

Another single post with self improvement thoughts:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/11/using-your-subconscious-is-key-to.html

Falling in Love like in the movies

 "Falling in Love Like In the Movies" (2020) is like a play within a play.  At the beginning Bagus, a film writer meets Hana at a supermarket.  Bagus remembers his old love for Hana and feels his love revived.  He comes up with an idea to impress her and approaches his producer, Pak Yoram with an idea for a new film story.  He starts writing a romantic movie to impress Hana with the idea of falling in love like in the movies--the ones that always have a happy ending.

There is a problem.  She is a grieving widow who feels no interest in romance.  Most of the rest of the movie consists of frank talks between Bagus and Hana and Bagus and Pak Yoram.  With Hana it is delicate as he tells her his movie idea and while she insists she is not in the market they play word games.  With the producer it is mostly about how can they turn it into a viable film and Bagus is very persistent.

The two film makers discuss turning the film to black and white and we viewers are also switched.  They discuss what actors take the roles.  Bagus agrees to Julie Estelle who is well regarded, but for the male he resists a suggestion of a big male star, but accepts Dion Wiyoko with more hair.

Other people get involved to make it a viable movie.  Over time they identify the real Hana.  Julie Estelle feels Bagus has not allowed enough room for Hana to grieve.  Adjustments are made for the film script and for reality.  The level of frankness is astonishing with its dual purpose; as a romantic lever and a viable film.  Hana understands his general motivation and even tries to make suggestions, but is adamant she is no mood for a romance.

Did I mention this all takes place in Indonesia?  Indonesia is a very populous country, (over 280 million) but only in the last few decades have their movie theatres approached the level of the economic powers of the cinema world.  In the meantime they have been developing the skills needed to produce more than horror films.  Netflix has seized an opportunity and gotten involved in financing and distributing Indonesian films and we are all benefitting.

This film is a good example of a worthy film and here are a few of those responsible.

Yandy Laurens was the director and writer.  He has also directed commercials and music videos.  Yandrey has 13 writing credits, 14 for directing and 1 for the script and continuity department including "Cemara's Family" (2018) and " A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/cemaras-family.html  and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/07/a-brother-and-7-siblings.html

Ernest Prakasa was a producer.  He used being an ethnic Chinese (in Indonesia) to become a standup comedian.  Ernest has 16 writing credits, 36 acting credits and 19 for producing.

Ofel Obaja Setiawan was the music director.  He has 31 composing credits, 3 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack including "One Day We Will Talk About Today" (2020), "Cemara's Family" (2022) and "A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/06/one-day-well-talk-about-today.html 

Dimas Bagus Triatma Yoga was the cinematographer.  He has 21 cinematography credits including "A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024).

Hendra Adhi Susanto was the editor.  Hendra has 25 editor credits and 4 for the editor department including "Cemara's Family" (2018), "One Day We Will Talk About Today" (2020), "13 Bombs" (2023), "A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024) and "Heartbreak Motel" (2024).   See the second film review in   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/two-year-end-film-reviews.html

Ringgo Agus Rahman played Bagus.  He had been a radio host starting in 2005 and interviewed well known director Hanung Bramanthyo who gave him a role that got his film career started.  Ringgo has 57 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2018), "Cemara's Family 2" (2022), "A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024) and as the lovable dad in "Call Me Dad" (2025).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/call-me-dad.html

Nirina Zubir played Hana.  She was born in Madagascar where her father was an Indonesian diplomat.  She studied economics and went onto being a radio DJ and a model.  Nirina is fluent in Mandarin (her father was also a diplomat in China) and English.  Her Mandarin allowed her to interpret for a prominent politician.  She has 40 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2018), "Ali & the Queens"--filmed mostly in New York City (2021) and "Cemera's Family 2" (2022).

Alex Abbad played Pak Yoram, a producer.  He has been a poet and a musician.  Alex has 40 acting credits.

Sheila Dara Aisha played a film editor.  She has 32 acting credits and 3 for soundtrack including ""One Day We Will Talk About Today" (2020), "Cigarette Girl" (2023) "A Brother and 7 Siblings" (2024) and "Heartbreak Motel" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/cigarette-girl.html

Julie Estelle played herself as an established actress.  Her father was French, enabling her to speak fluent French as well as English and Indonesian.  She has 22 acting credits and will be producing an upcoming production.

Donne Maula plays Denny.  He started in musical theatre and is better known for singing and dancing through albums and videos.  He 3 acting credit, 1 for composing and 1 for producing. 

"Falling Love Like In the Movies" is available on Netflix subtitled.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favourite Indonesian films and a big part of my Indonesian obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Take Me to Your Leader takes a scientific approach

 Neil deGrasse Tyson confesses he has always been interested in aliens.  At the same time he has become a scientist who believes facts and the search for them should rule.  Dissecting many popular efforts to support aliens are really illusionary.

After the Dark Ages, some Europeans speculated that ancient civilizations such as found in Egypt could not have been done by Africans and must have been done by aliens.  It was difficult to conceive that the primitive people had the intelligence they did in fact have. 

In 1972 and 1973 we launched space ship to escape gravitational forces and signify to any potential aliens that we exist and are friendly.  Among many details we indicated our location in relation to our sun.  We displayed anatomically correct drawings of male and female, but both white.  The author points out that today we would not give out email addresses to strangers, but here we were letting potential enemy aliens how to reach us.

Throughout the book are references to popular culture indicating our fascination with aliens.  In most references aliens have a crude similarity to humans or familiar animals.  One deviation was provided by "The Blob"(1958) where the alien was more like jelly.  Another variation, from "The Invasion of The Body Snatchers" (1978) was aliens who took on human form as a means of hiding themselves from potential enemies while they developed their own strategies. 

 In "Contact" (1997) with Carl Sagan checking for accuracy it was speculated that the means of communication would be mathematical using the universal pi formula. See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/10/carl-sagan-and-our-future.html

UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) are claimed by many.  Neil does analysis pointing out there is an explanation for pretty much all of them.  He points out that flying saucers are not practical for inter galactic travel.  

The mathematics of infinity have convince many that we are not alone in the universe.  Scientists speculate that some far away planets have intelligent beings with a high enough level civilization to communicate across the universe.  Carl Sagan suggested that it was thought any civilization smart enough might self-destruct before communication efforts went far enough.  However Neil points out the nearest likely advanced civilizations are light years away, meaning any message we receive would have been sent light years ago and any response we send would take light years to reach back.  

Although he hopes to contact aliens he demonstrates how distorted our views have been.  Although you too may be hopeful (or fearful) you will learn some practical scientific facts.  There is lots of humour and references to popular culture.

A concern Neil raises is to do with government funding of basic research.  He contends that commercial interests feel some research is too risky and expensive.  Although complaining about waste of tax payer money they use a lot of commercial enterprises are based on government financed research.  Our society advances as we gain new information.

Double Happiness

The premise from the title, "Double Happiness" (2026) sounds promising of a lot of laughs and they do deliver a few.  Tim, the groom has parents who divorced when he was young and they detest one another.  He wanted them both to be at his wedding and because of a variety of circumstances decided to get married twice at the same hotel (where he was the head chef) on the same day so they wouldn't have to meet.  

What could go wrong?  Trying to please two different people has a lot of possibilities for screwups.  One has to do with food.  One parent taught their child to love squid noodles which leave the teeth and mouth blackened.  The other parent pays particular attention to getting the child's teeth whitened.

BUT I cannot describe this film as a comedy.  The divorce left scars.  To make the point, the story includes another young boy torn between two parents separated who tries to meet his mother at the same hotel.  Tim's mother left his father as she felt restricted and went onto to become a successful writer.  The little boy's mother appears to be a successful business woman who left a restrictive husband.

Adults given time to reflect and see how their actions have had a negative effect on their child can sometimes make adjustments.  You have to wait to find out if Tim's parents make any kind of adjustment.

The divorce issue, especially regarding the children spooked me as it is more prevalent than in my youth and is now closer to my family and social circle.  There is no easy solution to its negative impact on children and society.  If we made divorce illegal we would increase the number of unhappy people with negative consequences.  Some ideas are postponing marriage age, perhaps offering domestic living courses in school (or integrated into other subjects) might help.  Maybe requiring therapy before getting married and/or finalizing a divorce.  Some think arranged marriages work better, but parents' motivations do not always reflect the best interests of their children.  There are too many unhappy people as it is.  Our future depends on future generations.

It would be easy to mess up this film, but the cast and crew have done a masterful job of making us laugh and also making us feel pain.  Here are a few of them.

Joseph Chen-Chieh Hsu provided the original story, helped with the script and directed.  He has 5 directing credits, 4 for writing and 5 for producing, including "Little Big Women" (2021).

Pei-ju Hsiah was another writer.  Pei-ju has 8 credits for writing, 9 for directing and 4 for assistant directing including "More Than Blue:  The Series" (2022).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/03/more-than-blue-series.html

Clifford Miu was a producer.  He graduated from NYU Tisch School of Arts.  He has 19 credits for producing, 4 for directing and 4 for assistant directing including "American Girl" (2021).   See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/taiwan.html with bits about "A Sun", "The Falls","Light the Night","Eat Drink Man Woman" and "American Girl".

Ko-Chin Chen was the cinematographer.  He has 22 cinematography credits, 20 for acting and 1 for directing including "Left-handed Girl" (2025).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/two-unrelated-films-that-deserve-more.html and check the first of two reviewed films.

Chun-Hung Chen was an editor.  Chun-Hung has 26 editor credits and 50 for the editorial department including ""A Sun" (2019) and "Little Big Women" (2020).  

Kuan-Ting Liu played Tim Kao, the groom.  He has 60 acting credits including"A Sun" (2019), "The Falls" (2021) and "A Foggy Tale" (2025).  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/05/a-foggy-tale.html

Jennifer Yu played Daisy Wu.  She has 28 acting credits and 3 for soundtrack.

9m88 played Regina the wedding planner.  9m88 is the stage name for Joanne Tang.  She is better known as a singer and song writer with several albums to her name.  She had a fashion design major at college, but at age 25 studied at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.  She has 8 acting credits and 1 for the music department including "Light the Night" (2021) and "A Foggy Tale" (2025). 

"Kuei-Mei Yang played Carina Bai, the groom's mother.  She has 76 acting credits and 1 for the music department including "Eat Drink Man Woman" (1994) under director Ang Lee. 

Chen Yiwen played Chairman Hsieh.  He has 50 acting credits, 5 for directing and 3 for writing including "A Sun" (2019), "The Falls" (2021), "A Foggy Tale" (2025) and one of my top series for 2025, "Forget You Not" (2025).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/forget-you-not-something-from-taiwan.html 

"Double Happiness" is available on Netflix subtitled or dubbed.  You will find it engaging.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily recommended, but generally found to be worth my time.  If you follow the links you would better be able to decide which films to pursue.

The Evil Lawyer

Thailand for many of us is a mysterious country, perhaps best known for its food.  With "The Evil Lawyer" (2026) it is consolidating its film production.  They have previously concentrated on the winners like romance, comedy and horror, but with this series they are moving into legal dramas.  Already it is receiving very favourable reviews and ratings.  

The writer, director and producers spent several years researching the Thai legal system to get the details accurate.  They are able to call on the expertise for a wide variety of film making skills.

"The Evil Lawyer" is realistic in that it delves into the justice system that is far from pure.  We meet Jettri in a case where she seems to be defending the indefensible and wins.  We learn she discredits opposing witnesses and recruits co-operative witnesses among other underhanded strategies.  Mek is disgusted.  He is concerned about a client who confesses, but Mek determines it is to protect someone with power.  

By the first episode we learn his girlfriend, Ang broke with him without explanation.  He is invited to the home of a boyhood friend, the son of the police chief, Anan.  He wants Mek to drop the case with a (false) confession.  A Burmese servant woman is forced to accompany the two men so they can compete with a golf club.  The woman is abused and at one point strikes the police chief's son with a golf club and kills him.  Gun shots attracted attention, blood flows and the woman flees.  Shortly after, an official shows up.  Mek is accused of murder and it turns out the case is politically very delicate.  He feels political forces are against him and turns to Jittri.

Part of the deal is that Jettri, although not charging him, demands he help her on some other cases.  One is of a verbally graphic sex assault in which a guilty man gets off.  Mek begins to see that life is unfair and to get justice it pays to use tricks.

The situation gets more complicated.  Ang comes back and wants to help.  She is very concerned about justice and makes some big decisions of her own.  Politics, unions, illegal immigrants from Myanmar all seem to be linked.

There is a stunning, I mean for you my reader shocker at the end, on more than one count.  I am looking forward for a possible (likely?) second season.

Many people contributed to this success of this series.  Here are a few.  I recognize the names are difficult for Anglophone ears, but they are well worth knowing more about.

Nottapon Boonprakob was the director and a writer.  He has studied for a Master's degree in Social Documentaries at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.  Nottapon has 5 directing credits, 6 for writing and 4 for camera and the electrical department including "Mad Unicorn" (2025).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/mad-unicorn-exciting-series-fromthailand.html

Sopana Chaowwiwatkul was one of the writers.  Sopana has 10 writing credits including "The Notebook" (2019) and "Analog Squad" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/12/analog-squad.html 

Songphon Jantharasom was the producer.  Songphon has 3 producing credits and 6 for assistant directing including "Bad Genius" (2017) and "Mad Unicorn" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/06/bad-genius-out-of-thailand.html

Siwat Homkom was the composer with 9 composing credits.

Koi Boonyanush Kratheg was the cinematographer.

Supawit Buaket was an editor.  He has 9 credits for the editorial department, 3 for editor and 1 for visual effects including "Thai Cave Rescue" (2022), "The Believers" (2025) and "Send Help" (2026).    See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/09/thai-cave-rescue.html and   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/04/the-believers.html 

Rhatha Phongam  plays Jittri the "evil" lawyer.  She is a trained ballet dancer, singer and has modeled.  Rhatha has 36 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack including "Only God Forgives" (2013) with Ryan Gosling.

Nat Kitcharit plays Mek.  He has 18 acting credits.

Atchareeya Petipipittanakorn played Ang, Mek's girl friend at one time and political activist.  She has 14 acting credits.

Sarinrat Thomas played Atchara, Ang's mother and the head of a progressive political party.  She has been a television hostess in Thailand and became inspired by some of her guests advocating for mental heatlh.  In 1997 she went to the United Kingdom to learn a variety of mental health therapies with the Health Professions Council (HCPC), graduating in 2000.  She is a psychotherapist, a drama therapist, acting coach and workshop facilitator.  Sarinrat has 10 acting credits including "The Impossible" (2012), "Bad Genius" (2017) and the very popular "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/how-to-make-millions-before-grandma-dies.html

Songait Roognophakunsri played Anan, a police chief.  He has 58 acting credits including "In Family We Trust" (2018).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/09/in-family-we-trust.html

Phollawat Manuprasert played Mek's father, a well respected judge.  He has 34 acting credits including "In Family We Trust" (2018).

Nopoachai Chaiyanam played Kosol.  He has  30 acting credits and 9 for directing including "Analog Squad" (2023) and "Hunger" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/05/hunger-interesting-movie-from-thailand.html

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time and if you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

"The Evil Lawyer" is available subtitled or dubbed on Netflix. You will find the series very engaging.