I Said Quasi: On PacRim 2, the Demise of Bookstores, The Conjuring's Mediocrity, and The Affordable Health Care Act

As I’ve said before, I want this blog to be daily, but the best I seem to be able to manage is quasi-daily. This will be one of those quasi type days. I just want to throw out, and comment on, a few facts.

PacRim 2 A Possibility

Guillermo del Toro stated that he is working on a script for a sequel to his mecha hit. I enjoyed the original, and you can read my review here. I would like to see a bit more tech added to the sequel’s combat. I want Gauss rifles, pulse lasers, etc, etc.

Book Stores are a Dwindling Possibility

Recently read a bookstore owner that cited the following reasons that bookstores will endure in the age of Amazon. My honest assessment follows each reason.

1. Community: Bookstores build a community of readers. Mark: Honestly, I've never met
   
   anyone at a bookstore.
2. Pace of Life: People need bookstores in which to drink coffee, read, and relax. Mark: I thought that was what living rooms were for.
3. The Feel of Books: The interviewed owner stated people would continue to come to bookstores because they like the feel of books. Mark: Irrelevant. You can buy the same books from Amazon cheaper. It’s debatable if the feel thing will even be mentioned ten years from now. It’s transitory.
4. Browsing: People like bookstores because you can browse. Mark: I guess, but I have two points here. Point one, I can browse at Amazon. Additionally, they suggest. Point two. I’m a voracious reader. I’ve read 24 books so far this year. Approximately five of them are carried on Barnes and Noble’s shelves. Why would I want to browse books I don’t read?

Bottom line? By 2023 brick and mortar bookstores, selling new editions of books, will be a thing of the past.

The Conjuring

Finally watched The Conjuring last night. I’m a horror picture nut, but I don’t get this movie’s rave reviews. It certainly isn't bad. The acting is strong and the plot is acceptable, but the camera work and pacing were below average. The shot angles telegraphed where, if not when, something would happen, and the final ten minutes seemed like no more than, “Let’s throw everything but the kitchen sink at ‘em and see what sticks.”

The Affordable Health Care Act

Just received letter from our insurance company. Due to the Affordable Health Care Act my family's insurance will cost slightly over 1,100 dollars MORE this year. I’m sorry if I’m not impressed.