Another Documentary Documentary About The Villages - "The Bubble"

[Lottoguy]

Here is the director speaking about "The Bubble" a new documentary about The Villages. The release date has not yet been announced.

THE VILLAGES - Another Documentary Is Coming “The Bubble” - YouTube (https://youtu.be/G6eKJiDnN_A)

The trailer link here---> Trailer | The Bubble | Valerie Blankenbyl - YouTube (https://youtu.be/CJxhiq_iMbE)

[manaboutown]

just another hater, yawn...

[Tmarkwald]

just another hater, yawn...

Yeah, it is always the jealous ones who do this crap.

They even get on here and try to tell people how much life is better in other communities outside of TV.

[tophcfa]

Yeah, it is always the jealous ones who do this crap.

They even get on here and try to tell people how much life is better in other communities outside of TV.

All I can say is that when we are at our Villages home I NEVER wish we could get back north, but when we are up north I am always counting the days until I can get back to the Villages. I am NEVER bored while in the Villages, other places not so much. Who cares what anyone else's opinion of the Villages is?

[stanley]

Didn't we already go through this and the thread was closed?

[graciegirl]

Valerie Blankenbyl appears to be a "twenty something" from Austria. Why does she want to make a film about US???

And further;............

Ich bin ziemlich skeptisch, was das Motiv angeht. Natürlich MONEY, aber ich denke darüber nach, wie ein junger Mensch wirklich die Fähigkeit hat, die echten USA zu SEHEN.

Ja.

[EdFNJ]

Oy Vey * :) Another alles wissend wannabe social scientist !

* Oy vey - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oy_vey)

[Polar Bear]

…Ich bin ziemlich skeptisch, was das Motiv angeht. Natürlich MONEY, aber ich denke darüber nach, wie ein junger Mensch wirklich die Fähigkeit hat, die echten USA zu SEHEN.

Ja.
Tu as totalement raison! :)

[Tmarkwald]

All the people interviewed are non-TV residents.

They are all complainers who can't get in and are simply jealous.

Give me a break...

[Boffin]

Only been in the Villages a short time but things are fine for me inside the “bubble”. Although I refer to the Villages as the Reservation.

[VApeople]

I like the video of the young lady talking about her upcoming movie because she smiled and did not have that superior judgemental look so common among media people these days.

She seemed fascinated by what she had observed in The Villages. We look forward to seeing her movie.

[Gpsma]

Any production that doesnt reinforce that you live in paradise and made the best decision of your life is immediately panned.

She said nothing wrong. Yep...we live in a bubble

[graciegirl]

Tu as totalement raison! :)

Merci, mon ami.

[Lottoguy]

This is a different documentary. Your thinking of the documentary called "Some Kind of Heaven".

[swissy]

I watched this 90 minute documentary. A month ago it was streamed online at a film festival in Switzerland. Let me put it this way: This documentary has a very critical basic attitude especially regarding the rapid and unstoppable growth of "The Villages". All the beauties, pleasures and advantages were not shown to their best advantage. :mad:

"Man muss diesen Film nicht gesehen haben. Es gibt schönere und sinnvollere Möglichkeiten um 90 Minuten zu verbringen."

[Goldwingnut]

Unfortunately, I was involved in the making of this film, I did a majority of the drone photography (not the illegal flight in Spanish Springs). I owe everyone and the developer an apology for having any part in this, another typical hit piece on The Villages. I was hesitant to get involved and was even given forewarning by district staff about this crew being here. When I spoke to Valerie her story was that "they had nothing like The Villages in Europe" and that "retirement was a lot different there", she wanted to expose Europeans to a different idea for retirement. I was naive and tried, as always, to see the good in people, I was a fool. I'm sure she used the same line of BS on the other Villages residents that were involved.

The film starts out with a preacher espousing moving "here" for retirement, I couldn't help but to think of the likes of someone like Jim Jones, or some other cult leader. It's doesn't say were they're at and without that context it infers this is the way it is in The Villages.

There are many shots of activities going on here in The Villages that are shot to make the residents look somewhat foolish and this is further amplified by the silly music playing in the background.
Speaking of music, every shot of a town square has WVLG playing in the background with commercials for homes for sale playing, not music, here again the selective soundtrack is used to push their biased narrative and agenda. And we can't forget that somehow every TV seen in the film is always showing Fox News.

In one scene they show a golf cart just blowing through a stop sign, obviously Villages couldn't give a hoot about the law. I know there are some who will blow through a stop sign, but the vast majority of the people I know and see here in The Villages do always stop for stop signs and obey the traffic laws. But of course, the law-abiding residents don't make for a good story, do they?

Of course, all of use Americans are gun toting rednecks and The Villages is a mecca for them according to this movie. I'm not sure where the gun range they showed in the film is located, but it's not in The Villages, neither is the gun shop they showed, a fact that was conveniently left out.

A lot of the film is spent on the anti-Villages crowd that blames The Villages for being greedy and buying the land to develop and creating only low paying service jobs. Left out of course is that someone sold the land to The Villages, and why was that, for the money. Their former neighbors were being greedy. While there are low paying service jobs created, there are also thousands of good paying construction and construction related jobs created by the growth of The Villages. Did I miss the part of the film where they talked about many entrepreneurs in the area that have made their fortunes and higher thousands more individuals? Oh, that's right, they left that part out.

The way that residents were used in the film was embarrassing and shameful. They chose one couple and portrayed them as "typical" couple, she had a physical impediment due to surgery and he was a rather large bellied suspender wearing simpleton. I felt bad for the couple the way they were used, I seriously doubt they are as portrayed. Another lady was portrayed as vain, materialistic, and self-centered to make it seem the norm for The Villages.

A big deal is made of the water usage here in The Villages, showing lots of sprinklers running all the time. We represent less that 2% of the daily influx of people into the state of Florida, but we are responsible for all the water shortages. Did they mention the nationally recognized water retention/reuse systems here in The Villages? Of course not.

No hit piece on The Villages would be complete without the vitriol and contempt for The Village of Orlando's Lauren Ritchie. She throws her usual barbs and misinformed criticisms in at every turn of the film. According to her "most people are kind of brainwashed" and of course "they really feel entitled to let go". Of course, according to her we are all just a bunch of racist because "there aren't any minorities" in The Villages. The people who live here are here by their own choice without regards to race, religion, and any other popular social divider. The developer is, just like every other business, color blind, all they see is green when it comes to selling a home.

I will give credit where credit is due, there were many statements by the residents that were very positive about The Villages, our community, and living here, and these were left in.

This film crew came to The Villages, rented a home in the Lopez area, lived it up and enjoyed the amenities this community had to offer, all the while with a less than honorable and objective motive in mind. Eurotrash! Stay in Austria, and don't bother coming back to our country and community! You're not welcome here.

I could go on about the film, I took 2 pages of notes when I wasn't yelling at the computer as I watch this junk, but I think you get the picture, it's just another hit piece about us and our community. Is our community perfect? Of course not, we have our flaws and idiosyncrasies, but I think most will agree, there's not a better place to retire and enjoy our golden years.

Don't waste your time watching this movie, it will just make you mad.

[Dond1959]

Thanks Don for the overview. It’s sad some will have just this and the other documentary as their guide for The Villages. People just need to come here on their own and experience it. It’s not for everyone, but a lot of people love it here and sales of homes continue to boom.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Thanks Don for the overview. It’s sad some will have just this and the other documentary as their guide for The Villages. People just need to come here on their own and experience it. It’s not for everyone, but a lot of people love it here and sales of homes continue to boom.

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.

[manaboutown]

I don't know about Austria, but the USA is a free country. No one is forced to move to TV or remain here. Those who like it here can stay and live how they please as long as it is lawful. Those who do not can move elsewhere to a community that pleases them. These effete snobs set out to slyly do a hack job using misinformation, disinformation and distortions of reality on a community of good folk of whom they do not "approve". It is anything but a documentary. Parts of it are even libelous. They can go pound sand.

[dewilson58]

Don't waste your time watching this movie, it will just make you mad.

Dr. Gold

I wasn't going to watch it, but now I want to see your work.

I'll watch the content as part of my weekly dose of comedy.

Fly straight cowboy!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't know about Austria, but the USA is a free country. No one is forced to move to TV or remain here. Those who like it here can stay and live how they please as long as it is lawful. Those who do not can move elsewhere to a community that pleases them. These effete snobs set out to slyly do a hack job using misinformation, disinformation and distortions of reality on a community of good folk of whom they do not "approve". It is anything but a documentary. Parts of it are even libelous. They can go pound sand.

"I don't know about Austria, but the USA is a free country. No one is forced to watch the documentary and no one is forbidden from moving here. Those who don't like the movie can stay and watch whatever other thing they prefer as long as it is lawful. Those who like the movie can still move to the Villages, if it pleases them. Those effete snobs set out to slyly criticize critical reviews of the Villages with insults, distraction, disinformation, distortions of reality, and obfuscating some less than perfect things about the community of some good, some not so good folks because they don't approve of the movie. It is anything but a critique of a movie. Parts of it are even slanderous. They can go pound sand."

Yup - it seems to work perfectly in reverse. Very appropos. I approve.

[Goldwingnut]

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.

You obviously have not seen the movie, you are only reading what you want to read and bending it to meet your own biases. I freely admit that The Villages isn't perfect, it has many flaws. However, what's in this film is far from truth but rather an attempt to disparage both the community and the residents that make up this community.

I tried to be objective when I sat down to watch the film, it quickly became difficult as I watched in disbelief. My notes contain both positive and negative comments and take aways of the film, many of which I shared in the previous post.

As I create my own videos for others to enjoy, I am keenly aware that what I show, how I show it, what I say, how I say, the lighting, the cinematography, and the music in it can quickly take the meaning and premise of the video in many different directions, something to be taken very seriously and deliberately. The direction of this film is very clear.

Some will think this film fit for an Oscar, some will see it a better match for a Golden Raspberry. To each his or her own opinion, just don't make an opinion until you've actually seen it.

[Topspinmo]

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.

What rant!

[Topspinmo]

You obviously have not seen the movie, you are only reading what you want to read and bending it to meet your own biases. I freely admit that The Villages isn't perfect, it has many flaws. However, what's in this film is far from truth but rather an attempt to disparage both the community and the residents that make up this community.

I tried to be objective when I sat down to watch the film, it quickly became difficult as I watched in disbelief. My notes contain both positive and negative comments and take aways of the film, many of which I shared in the previous post.

As I create my own videos for others to enjoy, I am keenly aware that what I show, how I show it, what I say, how I say, the lighting, the cinematography, and the music in it can quickly take the meaning and premise of the video in many different directions, something to be taken very seriously and deliberately. The direction of this film is very clear.

Some will think this film fit for an Oscar, some will see it a better match for a Golden Raspberry. To each his or her own opinion, just don't make an opinion until you've actually seen it.


You’re wasting you’re time.

[Goldwingnut]

You’re wasting you’re time.

I know

[Northwoods]

Just an FYI - one of your commissioners (Mr Miller) said in a Facebook post about the movie “makes you think if you have an open mind.” His wife said “I watched the video. It’s very thought provoking. I think they did a good job with it.”

I think it’s always good to understand where your elected official’s “head is at” when it comes to YOUR priorities.

[graciegirl]

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.

Why would we be offended??????????????????????

Because this is the place we call home now. This is where our friends live. This is where we welcome family. This is a beautiful place that we are proud of and most of us think it only has minor flaws.

Some people from the very beginning of their posts have been negative. Some say their husband wanted to move here, not them. Some don't like the paper or the majority views of the population.

I am not that someone. I have loved this place from the beginning. I am glad to be with people who are in the same stage of life I am and have largely experienced the same kind of life. I love that this place is clean and nice and well run and has a place to live for almost all wage brackets. Most of us feel so lucky to live here.

I am so proud to call The Villages home.

[manaboutown]

"I don't know about Austria, but the USA is a free country. No one is forced to watch the documentary and no one is forbidden from moving here. Those who don't like the movie can stay and watch whatever other thing they prefer as long as it is lawful. Those who like the movie can still move to the Villages, if it pleases them. Those effete snobs set out to slyly criticize critical reviews of the Villages with insults, distraction, disinformation, distortions of reality, and obfuscating some less than perfect things about the community of some good, some not so good folks because they don't approve of the movie. It is anything but a critique of a movie. Parts of it are even slanderous. They can go pound sand."

Yup - it seems to work perfectly in reverse. Very appropos. I approve.

This statement is utter nonsense! The subject despicable fake documentary slamming The Villages and Villagers is a just garbage. BTW SLANDER | Definition of SLANDER by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of SLANDER (https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/slander). LIBEL | Definition of LIBEL by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of LIBEL (https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/libel)

[Boomer]

“Oh would some power the gift give us
To see ourselves as others see us.”

Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet, wrote those lines in 1786.

Actually, he wrote those words like this. . .

“O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us.”

(I had to wrestle spellcheck into finally letting me type Burns’ Scottish dialect.)

Of course, 235 years ago, Burns was not writing about a documentary. But like all writers, he knew plenty about human nature.

I just read a couple of other articles about this film. One was in Variety and the other one can be found at
businessdoceurope.com — if you want to read that one Google the site with the words, the bubble, and you’ll get there. Not everything said in the articles was mean.

Boomer

[Susan1717]

I just watched a new documentary out on Prime Video called “The Bubble”. It was about Celebration not TV. Will there be a separate new one with the same name? I was surprised Celebration was using the term bubble also.

[graciegirl]

“Oh would some power the gift give us
To see ourselves as others see us.”

Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet, wrote those lines in 1786.

Actually, he wrote those words like this. . .

“O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us.”

(I had to wrestle spellcheck into finally letting me type Burns’ Scottish dialect.)

Of course, 235 years ago, Burns was not writing about a documentary. But like all writers, he knew plenty about human nature.

I just read a couple of other articles about this film. One was in Variety and the other one can be found at
businessdoceurope.com — if you want to read that one Google the site with the words, the bubble, and you’ll get there. Not everything said in the articles was mean.

Boomer

Have YOU seen the film?

Don has shared how he was hoodwinked. Most of us know Don by his reputation and appreciate his drone videos keeping us up on how The Villages is growing.

I don't like kids coming in here ....and from other countries even, finding a way to make fun and be derisive of us mostly nice LAW ABIDING people who have worked hard to have a home and retirement here.

I find some comments are laden with hostility that has nothing to do with this film.

I am from Ohio too and I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.

I've read a few poems myself.

[Tmarkwald]

Unfortunately, I was involved in the making of this film, I did a majority of the drone photography (not the illegal flight in Spanish Springs). I owe everyone and the developer an apology for having any part in this, another typical hit piece on The Villages. I was hesitant to get involved and was even given forewarning by district staff about this crew being here. When I spoke to Valerie her story was that "they had nothing like The Villages in Europe" and that "retirement was a lot different there", she wanted to expose Europeans to a different idea for retirement. I was naive and tried, as always, to see the good in people, I was a fool. I'm sure she used the same line of BS on the other Villages residents that were involved.

The film starts out with a preacher espousing moving "here" for retirement, I couldn't help but to think of the likes of someone like Jim Jones, or some other cult leader. It's doesn't say were they're at and without that context it infers this is the way it is in The Villages.

There are many shots of activities going on here in The Villages that are shot to make the residents look somewhat foolish and this is further amplified by the silly music playing in the background.
Speaking of music, every shot of a town square has WVLG playing in the background with commercials for homes for sale playing, not music, here again the selective soundtrack is used to push their biased narrative and agenda. And we can't forget that somehow every TV seen in the film is always showing Fox News.

In one scene they show a golf cart just blowing through a stop sign, obviously Villages couldn't give a hoot about the law. I know there are some who will blow through a stop sign, but the vast majority of the people I know and see here in The Villages do always stop for stop signs and obey the traffic laws. But of course, the law-abiding residents don't make for a good story, do they?

Of course, all of use Americans are gun toting rednecks and The Villages is a mecca for them according to this movie. I'm not sure where the gun range they showed in the film is located, but it's not in The Villages, neither is the gun shop they showed, a fact that was conveniently left out.

A lot of the film is spent on the anti-Villages crowd that blames The Villages for being greedy and buying the land to develop and creating only low paying service jobs. Left out of course is that someone sold the land to The Villages, and why was that, for the money. Their former neighbors were being greedy. While there are low paying service jobs created, there are also thousands of good paying construction and construction related jobs created by the growth of The Villages. Did I miss the part of the film where they talked about many entrepreneurs in the area that have made their fortunes and higher thousands more individuals? Oh, that's right, they left that part out.

The way that residents were used in the film was embarrassing and shameful. They chose one couple and portrayed them as "typical" couple, she had a physical impediment due to surgery and he was a rather large bellied suspender wearing simpleton. I felt bad for the couple the way they were used, I seriously doubt they are as portrayed. Another lady was portrayed as vain, materialistic, and self-centered to make it seem the norm for The Villages.

A big deal is made of the water usage here in The Villages, showing lots of sprinklers running all the time. We represent less that 2% of the daily influx of people into the state of Florida, but we are responsible for all the water shortages. Did they mention the nationally recognized water retention/reuse systems here in The Villages? Of course not.

No hit piece on The Villages would be complete without the vitriol and contempt for The Village of Orlando's Lauren Ritchie. She throws her usual barbs and misinformed criticisms in at every turn of the film. According to her "most people are kind of brainwashed" and of course "they really feel entitled to let go". Of course, according to her we are all just a bunch of racist because "there aren't any minorities" in The Villages. The people who live here are here by their own choice without regards to race, religion, and any other popular social divider. The developer is, just like every other business, color blind, all they see is green when it comes to selling a home.

I will give credit where credit is due, there were many statements by the residents that were very positive about The Villages, our community, and living here, and these were left in.

This film crew came to The Villages, rented a home in the Lopez area, lived it up and enjoyed the amenities this community had to offer, all the while with a less than honorable and objective motive in mind. Eurotrash! Stay in Austria, and don't bother coming back to our country and community! You're not welcome here.

I could go on about the film, I took 2 pages of notes when I wasn't yelling at the computer as I watch this junk, but I think you get the picture, it's just another hit piece about us and our community. Is our community perfect? Of course not, we have our flaws and idiosyncrasies, but I think most will agree, there's not a better place to retire and enjoy our golden years.

Don't waste your time watching this movie, it will just make you mad.

Thank you for writing this. There is a distinct difference between reality and selective reality. They have obviously decided to focus nearly entirely on negatives, leaving out objectivity.

It would be nice to see a bit of film that espouses the whole picture of TV, rather than make documentaries that aren't really documentaries, but rather direct attacks on TV. Could this have been done to provoke hate and loathing against TV and American excesses? I wouldn't doubt that there are those out there that would love that....

And as far as gun-toting Americans? We haven't been invaded nor defeated in a world war, so these people can kiss my a$$ ....

[angiefox10]

Just an FYI - one of your commissioners (Mr Miller) said in a Facebook post about the movie “makes you think if you have an open mind.” His wife said “I watched the video. It’s very thought provoking. I think they did a good job with it.”

I think it’s always good to understand where your elected official’s “head is at” when it comes to YOUR priorities.


I wasn't going to watch the film either. I watched the previous film and felt it was awful and done poorly.


I'm not sure how saying a video is "thought provoking" or "makes you think if you have an open mind" has anything to do with YOUR priorities.

There are many people in here making comments and haven't watched it. I did watch it. I felt I understood the folks who lived outside The Villages better and the people who lives outside The Villages have told me they understand the residents of The Villages better as well.

I just happen to think things work better when you can listen to each other and work to understand. I would think you would want that in a commissioner.

Calling people names and making assumptions is never good.

Ya'll have a nice day... Please try not to judge until you have listened to the other side and especially not when you haven't watched the film you are judging.

[Dahabs]

Any production that doesnt reinforce that you live in paradise and made the best decision of your life is immediately panned.

She said nothing wrong. Yep...we live in a bubble

Totally agree. What's wrong with a little commentary even some if it is critical. Gotta admit, The Villages is kind of unique. Lots going for it but not going to be everybody's cup of tea.

Listening to some of the interviewees recently does make me cringe.

[rustyp]

All this fuss about a movie ? Why ? Stereotyping inaccuracies ? Settle down and watch a rerun of Blazing Saddles today.

[Girlcopper]

Didn't we already go through this and the thread was closed?
Yes, Yawn.....here we go again. Old news. Who cares???

[golfing eagles]

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.

yeah, and the video of Derek Chauvin was true also. But do you think it was representative of all police officers????? Taking a small, minority view snippet and implying it is the norm is pretty much the definition of a hit piece. And then to trick solid citizens into helping them is beyond despicable. I agree with the term "Eurotrash" for these "filmmakers"

[Skunky1]

Most newcomers to the villages are fascinated! It’s a little bit like going to Disney the first time. Soon we find it is another façade. A bubble filled with all the joys, troubles, heartaches of any big city.

[Villagesgal]

Look for the bad, you'll find the bad. Look for the good, you'll find the good. This applies everywhere. Unfortunately the good doesn't sell, unfortunately the bad sells. We who actually live here for the most part love it here and know this sort of movie is BS. I've been here 20 years and still love it. I'm pretty sure I'm not brainwashed and I'm very sure I love doing as I please attending classes, doing sports, enjoying the live bands, and volunteering my time to help others in the surrounding communities. Life here is wonderful, who cares what nay sayers think. Enjoy your lives Villagers, enjoy every day that God gives you.

[patrickj]

All I can say is that when we are at our Villages home I NEVER wish we could get back north, but when we are up north I am always counting the days until I can get back to the Villages. I am NEVER bored while in the Villages, other places not so much. Who cares what anyone else's opinion of the Villages is?
Agreed. Wait till there work days end and they find out their community spends next to nothing on elder activities.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

yeah, and the video of Derek Chauvin was true also. But do you think it was representative of all police officers????? Taking a small, minority view snippet and implying it is the norm is pretty much the definition of a hit piece. And then to trick solid citizens into helping them is beyond despicable. I agree with the term "Eurotrash" for these "filmmakers"

Of course I don't think it was representative of all police officers. But it was certainly representative of the situation.

The same is true about the movie the Bubble. And anyone who chooses to believe that this singular movie is the one true authority on all things Villages, is someone you wouldn't want as your neighbor anyway.

[Beyond The Wall]

A great bubble that outsiders want to burst

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Why would we be offended??????????????????????

Because this is the place we call home now. This is where our friends live. This is where we welcome family. This is a beautiful place that we are proud of and most of us think it only has minor flaws.

Some people from the very beginning of their posts have been negative. Some say their husband wanted to move here, not them. Some don't like the paper or the majority views of the population.

I am not that someone. I have loved this place from the beginning. I am glad to be with people who are in the same stage of life I am and have largely experienced the same kind of life. I love that this place is clean and nice and well run and has a place to live for almost all wage brackets. Most of us feel so lucky to live here.

I am so proud to call The Villages home.

Hint: this thread isn't about you, or your likes and dislikes, or your personal experience in the Villages. It's not about mine either.

It's about insulting people who created a very negative movie about a place that has flaws. Whether YOU recognize the flaws or not, they exist. This movie exploits those flaws to push an agenda. The flaws are real. They are true, factual. What is ALSO factual is that there are posters here who are posting about how it is bad to insult people - while insulting the people they're criticizing.

It's about pots calling kettles black. Not me, not you. You can't find anything wrong with the bubble you live in, because you've chosen to surround yourself in the safety of your own bubble, and isolated yourself from the rest of reality. That's your prerogative.

The rest of the world exists. The bubble YOU live in, is not the bubble every single resident of the Villages lives in. Your bubble is that of your own mind. Don't hate just because someone else's bubble isn't identical to yours. You can continue living in your own bubble of your own creation, oblivious to the rest of humanity. There's nothing for you to be insulted by. You are in your safe space.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Unfortunately, I was involved in the making of this film, I did a majority of the drone photography (not the illegal flight in Spanish Springs). I owe everyone and the developer an apology for having any part in this, another typical hit piece on The Villages. I was hesitant to get involved and was even given forewarning by district staff about this crew being here. When I spoke to Valerie her story was that "they had nothing like The Villages in Europe" and that "retirement was a lot different there", she wanted to expose Europeans to a different idea for retirement. I was naive and tried, as always, to see the good in people, I was a fool. I'm sure she used the same line of BS on the other Villages residents that were involved.

The film starts out with a preacher espousing moving "here" for retirement, I couldn't help but to think of the likes of someone like Jim Jones, or some other cult leader. It's doesn't say were they're at and without that context it infers this is the way it is in The Villages.

There are many shots of activities going on here in The Villages that are shot to make the residents look somewhat foolish and this is further amplified by the silly music playing in the background.
Speaking of music, every shot of a town square has WVLG playing in the background with commercials for homes for sale playing, not music, here again the selective soundtrack is used to push their biased narrative and agenda. And we can't forget that somehow every TV seen in the film is always showing Fox News.

In one scene they show a golf cart just blowing through a stop sign, obviously Villages couldn't give a hoot about the law. I know there are some who will blow through a stop sign, but the vast majority of the people I know and see here in The Villages do always stop for stop signs and obey the traffic laws. But of course, the law-abiding residents don't make for a good story, do they?

Of course, all of use Americans are gun toting rednecks and The Villages is a mecca for them according to this movie. I'm not sure where the gun range they showed in the film is located, but it's not in The Villages, neither is the gun shop they showed, a fact that was conveniently left out.

A lot of the film is spent on the anti-Villages crowd that blames The Villages for being greedy and buying the land to develop and creating only low paying service jobs. Left out of course is that someone sold the land to The Villages, and why was that, for the money. Their former neighbors were being greedy. While there are low paying service jobs created, there are also thousands of good paying construction and construction related jobs created by the growth of The Villages. Did I miss the part of the film where they talked about many entrepreneurs in the area that have made their fortunes and higher thousands more individuals? Oh, that's right, they left that part out.

The way that residents were used in the film was embarrassing and shameful. They chose one couple and portrayed them as "typical" couple, she had a physical impediment due to surgery and he was a rather large bellied suspender wearing simpleton. I felt bad for the couple the way they were used, I seriously doubt they are as portrayed. Another lady was portrayed as vain, materialistic, and self-centered to make it seem the norm for The Villages.

A big deal is made of the water usage here in The Villages, showing lots of sprinklers running all the time. We represent less that 2% of the daily influx of people into the state of Florida, but we are responsible for all the water shortages. Did they mention the nationally recognized water retention/reuse systems here in The Villages? Of course not.

No hit piece on The Villages would be complete without the vitriol and contempt for The Village of Orlando's Lauren Ritchie. She throws her usual barbs and misinformed criticisms in at every turn of the film. According to her "most people are kind of brainwashed" and of course "they really feel entitled to let go". Of course, according to her we are all just a bunch of racist because "there aren't any minorities" in The Villages. The people who live here are here by their own choice without regards to race, religion, and any other popular social divider. The developer is, just like every other business, color blind, all they see is green when it comes to selling a home.

I will give credit where credit is due, there were many statements by the residents that were very positive about The Villages, our community, and living here, and these were left in.

This film crew came to The Villages, rented a home in the Lopez area, lived it up and enjoyed the amenities this community had to offer, all the while with a less than honorable and objective motive in mind. Eurotrash! Stay in Austria, and don't bother coming back to our country and community! You're not welcome here.

I could go on about the film, I took 2 pages of notes when I wasn't yelling at the computer as I watch this junk, but I think you get the picture, it's just another hit piece about us and our community. Is our community perfect? Of course not, we have our flaws and idiosyncrasies, but I think most will agree, there's not a better place to retire and enjoy our golden years.

Don't waste your time watching this movie, it will just make you mad. to give me the Money Back ???

[RDhot]

Can’t get in? Lmao

[Lottoguy]

WOW! That was a great post and hits the mark!

[Villagesgal]

Hint: this thread isn't about you, or your likes and dislikes, or your personal experience in the Villages. It's not about mine either.

It's about insulting people who created a very negative movie about a place that has flaws. Whether YOU recognize the flaws or not, they exist. This movie exploits those flaws to push an agenda. The flaws are real. They are true, factual. What is ALSO factual is that there are posters here who are posting about how it is bad to insult people - while insulting the people they're criticizing.

It's about pots calling kettles black. Not me, not you. You can't find anything wrong with the bubble you live in, because you've chosen to surround yourself in the safety of your own bubble, and isolated yourself from the rest of reality. That's your prerogative.

The rest of the world exists. The bubble YOU live in, is not the bubble every single resident of the Villages lives in. Your bubble is that of your own mind. Don't hate just because someone else's bubble isn't identical to yours. You can continue living in your own bubble of your own creation, oblivious to the rest of humanity. There's nothing for you to be insulted by. You are in your safe space.

What an odd comment that this post is not about you or me. The film is about all who live here in the Villages and this forum has a comments section, which this is, that seeks your and my personal comments on posting to the forum. Just saying.........

[rustyp]

All I can say is that when we are at our Villages home I NEVER wish we could get back north, but when we are up north I am always counting the days until I can get back to the Villages. I am NEVER bored while in the Villages, other places not so much. Who cares what anyone else's opinion of the Villages is?

180 degrees opposite for me. As soon as the heat arrives I can't wait to go back north. I do agree with who cares what anyone else's opinion of TV is either way. Have not experienced a place to live yet without pluses and minuses including TV. To the total defenders of the throne I watched an entire small lake community go from heaven to hell when a bad neighbor moved in. You never know.

[stanley]

For me personally living here.........sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it, but most of the time it's home and just where I live

[jimjamuser]

TV Land is like almost anyplace in Florida. It has its strengths and weaknesses. The first 5 years you are here, you see only the strengths - gradually you see some weaknesses - and more each year thereafter. The amount of volunteerism is impressive and improves everyone's quality of life.

I have a pet peeve. I suppose everyone does. I have sensitive hearing and the lawn maintenance crews seem to use ONLY the loudest possible gasoline-powered lawn equipment possible. In my ideal community, all lawn maintenance equipment would be battery-powered. And solar-powered charging stations would be readily available. This would also help Global Warming. A 2 fer - quiet and help for an over=heating planet. Incidentally, US temperatures are rising lately, but everyone is trying to ignore that. Ignore Mother Nature at your peril! It is a shame that TV Land is NOT a leader in conservation. That is MY personal pet peeve.

[jimjamuser]

Valerie Blankenbyl appears to be a "twenty something" from Austria. Why does she want to make a film about US???

And further;............

Ich bin ziemlich skeptisch, was das Motiv angeht. Natürlich MONEY, aber ich denke darüber nach, wie ein junger Mensch wirklich die Fähigkeit hat, die echten USA zu SEHEN.

Ja.
Someone from a different country or society often has a keener eye to describe the situation than those involved in the situation. Same as corporations hiring outside consultants. Same as corporations hiring for diversity - it keeps everyone on their toes - and maximizes productivity. I would be interested in her conclusions! Keep an open mind!

[jimjamuser]

All the people interviewed are non-TV residents.

They are all complainers who can't get in and are simply jealous.

Give me a break...
That seems strange. Why would they NOT interview actual TV Landers? They would get plenty of volunteers. I would be interviewed! In advertising, all publicity - good or bad is GOOD!

[jimjamuser]

I don't know why they'd only have these two documentaries. I think too many groupies are so intent on proving how wonderful the Villages is, they take offense when anyone offers any criticism at all.

It seems like most of what Goldwingnut describes, tracks. There are Villagers who drive through stop signs. The radio station in the town squares really does have ads selling the Villages. The vast majority of TVs at restaurants really are set on Fox, and the vast majority of Villagers are Fox-watching Republicans. There really are damaged humans who live in the Villages.

Why are you taking offense to that? It's all true. Why would you be offended by the truth, unless you're ashamed of the truth? Are you that fearful of flaws, that you reject anything that doesn't fit your idea of perfection and take pot-shots at it, and create... (CHECK THE IRONY HERE) a hit-piece thread to rage against the movie?

Yes, it really does sound like a negative critique coming from the perspective of "people who live in the area but don't live in the Villages." Their perspective is equally as valid as yours. The only difference is, your perspective sells houses. Their perspective sells movie tickets.
Good job - speaking your mind - Clockwork Orange.

[jimjamuser]

You obviously have not seen the movie, you are only reading what you want to read and bending it to meet your own biases. I freely admit that The Villages isn't perfect, it has many flaws. However, what's in this film is far from truth but rather an attempt to disparage both the community and the residents that make up this community.

I tried to be objective when I sat down to watch the film, it quickly became difficult as I watched in disbelief. My notes contain both positive and negative comments and take aways of the film, many of which I shared in the previous post.

As I create my own videos for others to enjoy, I am keenly aware that what I show, how I show it, what I say, how I say, the lighting, the cinematography, and the music in it can quickly take the meaning and premise of the video in many different directions, something to be taken very seriously and deliberately. The direction of this film is very clear.

Some will think this film fit for an Oscar, some will see it a better match for a Golden Raspberry. To each his or her own opinion, just don't make an opinion until you've actually seen it.
Orange baby wrote a good, interesting post that did NOT depend on seeing the actual movie.

[jimjamuser]

Have YOU seen the film?

Don has shared how he was hoodwinked. Most of us know Don by his reputation and appreciate his drone videos keeping us up on how The Villages is growing.

I don't like kids coming in here ....and from other countries even, finding a way to make fun and be derisive of us mostly nice LAW ABIDING people who have worked hard to have a home and retirement here.

I find some comments are laden with hostility that has nothing to do with this film.

I am from Ohio too and I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.

I've read a few poems myself.
Poor Don got hoodwinked (someone winked at his hood). But........he also got paid the big bucks by the nice Austrian lady. So his hood should NOT feel TOO bad.

[jimjamuser]

Thank you for writing this. There is a distinct difference between reality and selective reality. They have obviously decided to focus nearly entirely on negatives, leaving out objectivity.

It would be nice to see a bit of film that espouses the whole picture of TV, rather than make documentaries that aren't really documentaries, but rather direct attacks on TV. Could this have been done to provoke hate and loathing against TV and American excesses? I wouldn't doubt that there are those out there that would love that....

And as far as gun-toting Americans? We haven't been invaded nor defeated in a world war, so these people can kiss my a$$ ....
Invaded - Yes, recently on Jan 6th the people's House of Congress WAS invaded. The large numbers of guns in civilian hands did NOTHING to prevent that. In History, guns have been used for Democracy and guns have been used to advance Fascism. The mere owning of guns does NOT guarantee freedom!

[jimjamuser]

to give me the Money Back ???
My thought exactly!

[manaboutown]

TV Land is like almost anyplace in Florida. It has its strengths and weaknesses. The first 5 years you are here, you see only the strengths - gradually you see some weaknesses - and more each year thereafter. The amount of volunteerism is impressive and improves everyone's quality of life.

I have a pet peeve. I suppose everyone does. I have sensitive hearing and the lawn maintenance crews seem to use ONLY the loudest possible gasoline-powered lawn equipment possible. In my ideal community, all lawn maintenance equipment would be battery-powered. And solar-powered charging stations would be readily available. This would also help Global Warming. A 2 fer - quiet and help for an over=heating planet. Incidentally, US temperatures are rising lately, but everyone is trying to ignore that. Ignore Mother Nature at your peril! It is a shame that TV Land is NOT a leader in conservation. That is MY personal pet peeve.

You could do your part to save the planet by not running your A/C and using a bicycle for transportation. Cut your own grass with a push mower and use hand tools to trim your bushes. The electricity to run power tools has to be generated somehow, likely by a fossil fuel operated plant. Also batteries and solar panels comprise toxic materials which much be disposed of somewhere at some point in time. These materials are frequently mined in Africa under unsafe and polluting conditions.

[Stu from NYC]

Lets face it people find negative info much more interesting than the actual truth that this is a great place to live.

Not to mention the national media hates this place and will always try to show this place in a negative light.

[Spalumbos62]

Hint: this thread isn't about you, or your likes and dislikes, or your personal experience in the Villages. It's not about mine either.

It's about insulting people who created a very negative movie about a place that has flaws. Whether YOU recognize the flaws or not, they exist. This movie exploits those flaws to push an agenda. The flaws are real. They are true, factual. What is ALSO factual is that there are posters here who are posting about how it is bad to insult people - while insulting the people they're criticizing.

It's about pots calling kettles black. Not me, not you. You can't find anything wrong with the bubble you live in, because you've chosen to surround yourself in the safety of your own bubble, and isolated yourself from the rest of reality. That's your prerogative.

The rest of the world exists. The bubble YOU live in, is not the bubble every single resident of the Villages lives in. Your bubble is that of your own mind. Don't hate just because someone else's bubble isn't identical to yours. You can continue living in your own bubble of your own creation, oblivious to the rest of humanity. There's nothing for you to be insulted by. You are in your safe space.


This person is correct...I agree 100%. Whenever I read one of your post,I cringe, hold my breath, or say " for the love of god" it's truly not all about you and how what you see is so perfect, while what others see is wrong...only in your eyes. Not the case...but just seen as different. It's called being diverse, and yes the villages need that more.

[Bilyclub]

My pet peeve is 8 posts in a row by the same poster.:MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot::pray::pray:

[jimjamuser]

You could do your part to save the planet by not running your A/C and using a bicycle for transportation. Cut your own grass with a push mower and use hand tools to trim your bushes. The electricity to run power tools has to be generated somehow, likely by a fossil fuel operated plant. Also batteries and solar panels comprise toxic materials which much be disposed of somewhere at some point in time. These materials are frequently mined in Africa under unsafe and polluting conditions.
Actually, I have ALWAYS used a push mower, up North or in Florida. No one can say with a straight face that gasoline pollutes less than electricity! Or that gasoline engines are NOT noisy and more polluting than electric motors. Gas engines are about 30% efficient. Some electric motors are 90% efficient. That's why every year more and more electric vehicles are on the road. It does NOT take an Einstein-like futurist to see the trends shaping us today!

[Tmarkwald]

Invaded - Yes, recently on Jan 6th the people's House of Congress WAS invaded. The large numbers of guns in civilian hands did NOTHING to prevent that. In History, guns have been used for Democracy and guns have been used to advance Fascism. The mere owning of guns does NOT guarantee freedom!

That entire area of Washington DC is a gun free zone.

And that's exactly why we need the 2nd amendment.

[manaboutown]

Actually, I have ALWAYS used a push mower, up North or in Florida. No one can say with a straight face that gasoline pollutes less than electricity! Or that gasoline engines are NOT noisy and more polluting than electric motors. Gas engines are about 30% efficient. Some electric motors are 90% efficient. That's why every year more and more electric vehicles are on the road. It does NOT take an Einstein-like futurist to see the trends shaping us today!

But do you run the air conditioning and heating systems in your home? Do you fly on airplanes and use other forms of fossil fuel propelled transportation? Do you operate a refrigerator, freezer, vacuum cleaner?

[Goldwingnut]

Poor Don got hoodwinked (someone winked at his hood). But........he also got paid the big bucks by the nice Austrian lady. So his hood should NOT feel TOO bad.

Interesting statement, where did you get your facts? Where did you get your information? Did I tell you this (I'm the only one who knows for sure)?

You have no facts, you're simply making things up.

You have no idea what you are talking about, and you know absolutely nothing of my business. You are simply spouting B.S. and lies about something you know absolutely NOTHING about!

The video was shot in May 2019, my company and commercial work did not exist until August 2019, I received exactly $0.00 for this work, that's right I did it for free, those are the FACTS.

I did this because I thought it would be a positive thing for our community, I was unfortunately wrong.

[rustyp]

How does that saying about assume go ?

[Northwoods]

I wasn't going to watch the film either. I watched the previous film and felt it was awful and done poorly.


I'm not sure how saying a video is "thought provoking" or "makes you think if you have an open mind" has anything to do with YOUR priorities.

There are many people in here making comments and haven't watched it. I did watch it. I felt I understood the folks who lived outside The Villages better and the people who lives outside The Villages have told me they understand the residents of The Villages better as well.

I just happen to think things work better when you can listen to each other and work to understand. I would think you would want that in a commissioner.

Calling people names and making assumptions is never good.

Ya'll have a nice day... Please try not to judge until you have listened to the other side and especially not when you haven't watched the film you are judging.

Angie - first of all, I do understand the frustration of the Sumter residents who live outside of the Villages. I get that they hate all of this development.

I hope I didn’t call anyone names. I quoted what you and your husband said. And I said it’s good to know where your commissioners head is at when it comes to YOUR priorities. This blog is Talk of the Villages. The YOUR refers to Villages residents.

I also agree things work better when you can listen to each other and work to understand. I do want that in a commissioner. I really wish the EMS team would listen to and try to work with South Sumter residents, Villagers, and The Developer. . Not because I want The Developer to take advantage of Sumter County residents, but because understanding and compromise can be a good thing.

[stanley]

You have no facts, you're simply making things up.

You have no idea what you are talking about, and you know absolutely nothing of my business. You are simply spouting B.S. and lies about something you know absolutely NOTHING about!
.

That's a normal round of posts from jimmyjammer

[VApeople]

How do we get to watch the full movie?

[swissy]

How do we get to watch the full movie?

Well, you can wait until the official release, or ... Goldwingnut could be so kind and shares his copy of the film. :pray:
I have a downloaded copy of the film myself (see my post #15) but unfortunately I am not allowed to share it for legal reasons. :sad:

[Tmarkwald]

'The Bubble' World Premieres in Competition at Visions du Reel - Variety (https://variety.com/2021/film/markets-festivals/the-bubble-visions-du-reel-the-villages-1234953731/)

[JMintzer]

That entire area of Washington DC is a gun free zone.

And that's exactly why we need the 2nd amendment.

Er... Not any more...

[Goldwingnut]

Well, you can wait until the official release, or ... Goldwingnut could be so kind and shares his copy of the film. :pray:
I have a downloaded copy of the film myself (see my post #15) but unfortunately I am not allowed to share it for legal reasons. :sad:

While I was able to copy the entire video stream and have a copy of it on one of my drives (having the right tools always helps), it would be a copyright infringement to share it publicly, so the only way to see it now is to pay the $8 to view it. Films - Sarasota Film Festival (https://sarasotafilmfestival.com/films/)

[golfing eagles]

Angie - first of all, I do understand the frustration of the Sumter residents who live outside of the Villages. I get that they hate all of this development.

I hope I didn’t call anyone names. I quoted what you and your husband said. And I said it’s good to know where your commissioners head is at when it comes to YOUR priorities. This blog is Talk of the Villages. The YOUR refers to Villages residents.

I also agree things work better when you can listen to each other and work to understand. I do want that in a commissioner. I really wish the EMS team would listen to and try to work with South Sumter residents, Villagers, and The Developer. . Not because I want The Developer to take advantage of Sumter County residents, but because understanding and compromise can be a good thing.

I don't.

What do you think they are most frustrated with? The thousands of jobs that have been created? The new retail stores and shopping opportunities? Perhaps the Town Squares where anyone can go, shop, eat, and listen to live music for free. Do they hate that Sumter County has gone from the poorest county in Florida to the 12th most affluent in 20-25 years? Do they hate that their property taxes have been REDUCED, yes, reduced----the mileage rate is lower than 25 years ago?

Are you sure you understand their frustration or their jealousy?

[Tmarkwald]

That entire area of Washington DC is a gun free zone.

And that's exactly why we need the 2nd amendment.

Er... Not any more...

Yes, the area around Federal buildings is gun-free.

Or, rather gun-free for any law-abiding citizen.

[JMintzer]

Yes, the area around Federal buildings is gun-free.

Or, rather gun-free for any law-abiding citizen.

Well, that's not "the entire area of Washington, DC"... ;)

And DC is now "shall issue"... I never thought I'd live to see that!

[Tmarkwald]

Well, that's not "the entire area of Washington, DC"... ;)

And DC is now "shall issue"... I never thought I'd live to see that!

I did not say the entire area - read my post again.

I said THAT AREA, meaning the area around the Capitol.

There are LOTS of illegal weapons in DC - it is basically a ghetto, full of drugs and hoodlums. Embarrassing to us as visitors from overseas cannot understand why our nation's capitol is like this. Then you see the DC government and you are no longer surprised.

[JMintzer]

I did not say the entire area - read my post again.

I said THAT AREA, meaning the area around the Capitol.

There are LOTS of illegal weapons in DC - it is basically a ghetto, full of drugs and hoodlums. Embarrassing to us as visitors from overseas cannot understand why our nation's capitol is like this. Then you see the DC government and you are no longer surprised.

Yup, I misread your initial post (replacing your "that" with a "the"...)

But no, DC is not "basically a ghetto". There are plenty of nice places...

That said, I'm quite glad it is now "shall issue" and law abiding citizens can protect themselves...

Now, Maryland, otoh... :cus:

[Lottoguy]

I know this is off topic, but did you know the "right to bear arms" was intended to keep guns away from slaves? Yep, its true! An "organized militia" is something they thought slaves could not accomplish.

[Bilyclub]

Actually, I have ALWAYS used a push mower, up North or in Florida. No one can say with a straight face that gasoline pollutes less than electricity! Or that gasoline engines are NOT noisy and more polluting than electric motors. Gas engines are about 30% efficient. Some electric motors are 90% efficient. That's why every year more and more electric vehicles are on the road. It does NOT take an Einstein-like futurist to see the trends shaping us today!

Why do the electric leaning persons try to stuff their beliefs down our throats. Electric generation by solar and wind may not be as carbon intensive as fossil fuel generation, but it's only a slight difference taking into account the maintenance like changing out the fan blades or solar cells declining output. If you want to get off the grid try Gilligan's Island.

[VApeople]

While I was able to copy the entire video stream and have a copy of it on one of my drives (having the right tools always helps), it would be a copyright infringement to share it publicly, so the only way to see it now is to pay the $8 to view it. Films - Sarasota Film Festival (https://sarasotafilmfestival.com/films/)

OK, thanks for your response. When it comes out on a DVD, we would like to buy it.

[Tmarkwald]

Another thing I noticed is that we, as Americans, are generally patriotic. We fly flags everywhere. Well, patriots do anyway.

When you go anywhere else, a flag flying on someone's property is rather rare. Some even make fun of the flag-flying Americans. Just from the flyer on this film, they seem to be displaying a bit if that as well.

America is always judged by people from other countries, and usually very critically, although there is also some enthusiasm because we tend to be 'giving' people, though many are a bit ignorant of local customs.

So, when we get the chance to watch this film, my opinion is we should watch it from the standpoint of someone who knows virtually nothing about growing up and living in America and our sense of values and decorum. Because that will have an impact on how we are portrayed and be reflected in their film-making.

[Boomer]

:swear: I am so damned tired of the Mean Streets of TOTV.

This constant inviting and inciting of division hog the page every day — from transparent-agenda thread-starts to the infiltration of other threads.

(And I have noticed that several of our interesting, fun, helpful conversationalists seldom or never post anymore.)

Boomer

[Bogie Shooter]

:swear: I am so damned tired of the Mean Streets of TOTV.

This constant inviting and inciting of division hog the page every day — from transparent-agenda thread-starts to the infiltration of other threads.

(And I have noticed that several of our interesting, fun, helpful conversationalists seldom or never post anymore.)

Boomer

:agree:

[NAB20]

The female director, in her interview, stated that TV residents chose to avoid living in normal society. I don't know what normal society is in Austria, but in many parts of our country life in a normal society isolates senior citizens and provides no activities or opportunities for social and physical activities. Is normal societal life in Austria continue to work, babysit grandchildren, and buy a rocking chair? No wonder TV is growing, it is a gem and there really is no other place like it in the country.

As far as the growth affecting surrounding communities, I don't know of any city, town, or burb where current residents don't want things to change around them. But they always have and always will as long as we have population increases.

Enjoy TV and don't provide one cent of profit to this project by buying a CD or a movie ticket.

[JMintzer]

I know this is off topic, but did you know the "right to bear arms" was intended to keep guns away from slaves? Yep, its true! An "organized militia" is something they thought slaves could not accomplish.

https://media.tenor.com/images/daa0bb56759a58c3b906703686b95dc0/tenor.gif

[cegallup]

I know this is off topic, but did you know the "right to bear arms" was intended to keep guns away from slaves? Yep, its true! An "organized militia" is something they thought slaves could not accomplish.Please ! Please ! Please !

To keep guns from the slaves ? ! ! ! Surely you jest .

The Second Amendment was to protect the citizens from tyrannical government !

Kinda like we are shifting to over the last two decades !

[DALEPQ]

So what is so bad about freedom of choice????
If you don't like this life style, DON'T COME!!!! DA

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So what is so bad about freedom of choice????
If you don't like this life style, DON'T COME!!!! DA

And if you don't like people criticizing this lifestyle, don't listen.

Freedom of choice is fun, huh?

[Two Bills]

And if you don't like people criticizing this lifestyle, don't listen.

Freedom of choice is fun, huh?

Touché

[Tmarkwald]

You have no facts, you're simply making things up.

You have no idea what you are talking about, and you know absolutely nothing of my business. You are simply spouting B.S. and lies about something you know absolutely NOTHING about!

The video was shot in May 2019, my company and commercial work did not exist until August 2019, I received exactly $0.00 for this work, that's right I did it for free, those are the FACTS.

I did this because I thought it would be a positive thing for our community, I was unfortunately wrong.

So, let's fix it - what can we do, as a community, to make a real positive documentary of the villages and all it has to offer?

Not a sales video - that would be sickly-sweet, and also none of these click-bait 'life in the villages' YouTube videos.

Everyone has a different tale to tell - why not? Balanced and truthful journalism is in itself thought-provoking.

I can't be the only journalist here - and with positivity created by a production done by TV residents it would seem even the TV management would be onboard.

Just rambling, I know... have a beer with me and I'll talk your head off.. LOL

[Chi-Town]

:swear: I am so damned tired of the Mean Streets of TOTV.

This constant inviting and inciting of division hog the page every day — from transparent-agenda thread-starts to the infiltration of other threads.

(And I have noticed that several of our interesting, fun, helpful conversationalists seldom or never post anymore.)

Boomer

The trolls have a base.

[John41]

And if you don't like people criticizing this lifestyle, don't listen.

Freedom of choice is fun, huh?

He has the freedom of choice to listen to “journalists” who criticize our wonderful lifestyle and complain about it. And you have the freedom to complain about his complaining.

[Lottoguy]

I guess you don't know much about history then. Dig deeper then what the the ARA has been spilling out for years.
The Forgotten Truth Of How Slavery Shaped The 2nd Amendment | Rantt Media (https://rantt.com/2nd-amendment-and-slavery)

[Topspinmo]

All this fuss about a movie ? Why ? Stereotyping inaccuracies ? Settle down and watch a rerun of Blazing Saddles today.


I like “mars Attack”. Yak, Yak, YAK.

[Topspinmo]

:swear: I am so damned tired of the Mean Streets of TOTV.

This constant inviting and inciting of division hog the page every day — from transparent-agenda thread-starts to the infiltration of other threads.

(And I have noticed that several of our interesting, fun, helpful conversationalists seldom or never post anymore.)

Boomer

Maybe they lost there audience or choir? :shocked:

[Topspinmo]

Have YOU seen the film?

Don has shared how he was hoodwinked. Most of us know Don by his reputation and appreciate his drone videos keeping us up on how The Villages is growing.

I don't like kids coming in here ....and from other countries even, finding a way to make fun and be derisive of us mostly nice LAW ABIDING people who have worked hard to have a home and retirement here.

I find some comments are laden with hostility that has nothing to do with this film.

I am from Ohio too and I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.

I've read a few poems myself.

You would think she have enough to film about in Austria?

Austria under National Socialism - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria_under_National_Socialism)