My days are divided into three parts: 1) morning – reading, 2) afternoon – writing, and 3) evening – arithmetic. Just kidding. No arithmetic going on here. Evenings are for Netflix.
It all sounds like a rather diversified day, especially when you throw eating and sleeping into the mix. At least I thought so until I stopped to think about it.
The morning reading consumes a pot of coffee and includes the usual — email, Facebook, newsletters, and then work, for which reading is a key requisite. And it’s all done on the computer.
The afternoon writing is a bit of a misnomer. I used to write in the afternoon, but now I edit the stuff I used to write. Be that as it may, it means an afternoon spent at the computer.
In the evening, I move two feet from my computer chair to my television viewing chair, and there I sit, looking at Netflix on a bigger screen.
I hate to admit that I used to moan and groan with the other moaners and groaners rending their garments over kids nowadays, oh woe are they, glued to their screens for endless hours.
She who casts the first stone.
It’s not the grandkids generation I need to worry about; it’s me. But who, me, worry? I have it all under control, promise.
With that squared away, we can move on to the Netflix part of my screen time. It’s my one streaming service subscription because I only have time for one, and even then, “My List” of to-be-watched is as long as the to-be-read pile next to my bed. There’s stuff in there I will never get to. I don’t need to pile on more — books or streaming services.
That said, when I go on junkets, i.e., overnight babysitting expeditions, I get to watch Apple+ and Amazon Prime. Talk about diversification. But for now, let’s stick to Netflix, and my vote for best of:
Top movie: “The Penguin Lessons” with Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce. Set in 1976 Argentina, about a disillusioned school teacher at a boy’s boarding school. It’s a good story, good writing, and Coogan is a delight. Must-see. Especially if you were around in 1976.
Top series: “Average Joe.” When the good guys become the bad guys. Or at least, the other bad guys. There are a lot of bad guys in this one. If you liked “Fargo” or “Sneaky Pete,” this one’s for you. Great writing.
Top documentary: “Sunday Best: Ed Sullivan.” The focus is on how Ed contributed to American culture by introducing Black artists to his white audience. All these great clips from the 50s and 60s, which are interspersed with footage of the civil rights movement and Ed’s championing of the cause. Back in the day, I never heard or saw any of these Black artists because 1) they didn’t play Black artists on my radio, and 2) I was too young to watch Ed Sullivan.
The first time I did watch was when The Beatles performed in 1964. Remember that? The Sunday night that changed everything.
And the song they sang is my choice for song of the week. Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles …
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