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.