Here we go again

[Wing-nut2]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg

[Kenswing]

Over two hours? Maybe on the next rainy day.

[Oldragbagger]

Don’t be thrown by that title. That’s just sensationalism by Vice. The real title of the video is just The Bubble.
I thought it was good, and the Austrian producer brought a fresh perspective. Western Europe doesn’t really have communities like this so retirement looks very different over there.
I enjoyed the second half the most, the conversation about aging and ageism in our society, about how the high rate of mobility in our culture has changed not only retirement, but the family structure as well. She sees that starting to happen in Europe and so was, I think, truly curious about what retirement options might be in the future for her country, or how society might change to place greater value on, and connection with, seniors so they don’t feel the need to look for a place like the Villages to feel connected to their community.
She gives too much time to a disgruntled reporter from the Orlando Sentinel. She had some kind of a bone to pick for sure. I found it amusing that she writes for a paper located in a metropolitan area that has over 2.5 million people and she is worried about us Villagers using up all the water in the aquifer. 🙄
I wish she had mentioned the safety aspect of it. We become more vulnerable as we age and the low crime rate here was a big draw for us.
The interviewer from Vice kept trying to lead the the producer to take the conversation somewhere negative, but she never took the bait and stayed positive.

[djlnc]

Watched it for about 10 minutes. May watch the rest at some time. It is kind of strange -there's just an underlying tone that seems to imply it's unnatural for older people to be living together and enjoying life.

[bsloan1960]

Watched it for about 10 minutes. May watch the rest at some time. It is kind of strange -there's just an underlying tone that seems to imply it's unnatural for older people to be living together and enjoying life.

I watched it about a week ago. It does indeed have a negative thread running through much of it.

[LuvNH]

I watched for about half an hour and thought it was brutal. Do we really appear like that to people from outside the bubble! Goodness I hope not. :laugh::laugh:

[Miboater]

I watched it today as I'm in Michigan right now and it is raining and in the low 40's.

I thought it was pretty good. It wasn't a very negative view like Some Kind of Wonderful and it wasn't all rainbows and puppies glowing view. I thought she presented both sides evenly and her interview with the Vice reporter at the end was very good. She has a lot of respect for the Villages and Villagers.

The only thing I thought was interesting is that the Villagers they highlighted were at least in their early 70's and mostly in their 80's. I would have thought they would have shown some younger and newer retirees to get a full perspective.

[LuvNH]

[QUOTE=Miboater;2148323]I watched it today as I'm in Michigan right now and it is raining and in the low 40's.

I thought it was pretty good. It wasn't a very negative view like Some Kind of Wonderful and it wasn't all rainbows and puppies glowing view. I thought she presented both sides evenly and her interview with the Vice reporter at the end was very good. She has a lot of respect for the Villages and Villagers.

The only thing I thought was interesting is that the Villagers they highlighted were at least in their early 70's and mostly in their 80's. I would have thought they would have shown some younger and newer retirees to get a full perspective.[/QUOTE

Agree. Everyone seemed to be very old.

[LAFwUs]

...where is this outdoor gun range? &/or gun club shown in the vid?
all I've been able to find is airgunner club.

[MandoMan]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg

I’ve just watched the first 45 minutes. It seems pretty accurate without an attempt to sensationalize things. Good work.

[jarodrig]

...where is this outdoor gun range? &/or gun club shown in the vid?
all I've been able to find is airgunner club.

Call the recreation department. I’m sure they can tell you where it is and provide contact information for the club.

[DiandJay]

Had some guest visit from Spain. The husband is a doctor. He was amazed by TV and impressed with the set up along with it’s amenities. He kept commenting how he wished they had such a place in Spain, or that they needed such a place…

[Altavia]

...where is this outdoor gun range? &/or gun club shown in the vid?
all I've been able to find is airgunner club.


The Villages Air Gun Club - Home (http://www.airgunclub.org/)

Soaring Eagle
Rio Grande
Sugar Cane

Shoot Schedule - The Villages Air Gun Club (http://www.airgunclub.org/shoot-schedule.html)

[Mrfriendly]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg

Wow, some of us really do look taller and thinner on television!

[Wing-nut2]

Home (https://www.vssclub.org/)

[Byte1]

What difference does it make? It's not like the prices of homes is going down or home sales will slow. Shoot, I have friends that want to move down that every time they go to look at home for sale, it's already PENDING. And why should we care what outsiders think? As long as we like it here, what they think is irrelevant.

[Tom&JenC]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg
It wasn't as biased as I thought it would be. They focused on the north where most are eldery so they could make old people look silly. And of course the antiwhite racism was sort of there.
But all in all it was ok
At least the film maker admitted the STD thing and the swinger thing is bull****.

[coleprice]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg

Golf!!! Booze!!! & Guns!!! Where do I sign up???

[LAFwUs]

Home (https://www.vssclub.org/)
That's what I needed! Thank You Sir. :mademyday:

[Joe Sacco]

I was surprised at the Orlando Sentinel reporter’s take on there existing some dark purpose to the developers motives. If you to want publish a newspaper extolling the benefits of your community it is your right; we are not forced to buy. It was also disappointing that they spent five years developing this film and didn’t see fit to note the charitable good The Villages does for surrounding community. I am sympathetic to those folks who feel displaced by the growth of The Villages but this development did not come by razing city blocks and displacing thousands but, more often than not, purchasing large tracts of unused farm land that was not to be purposed in the future. As to the water usage the villages has been recognized for its use of 8.5 million gallons per day of reclaimed water and the use of 5 million gallons per day of storm water, this was never mentioned. On the topic of ageism and the locating of like minded folks in the same community (Bubble) I’m not sure where they want people to live. As a widower with no children my block in a NY suburb had more to offer young and growing families than empty nesters. It also seems a little short sighted to assume that The Villages has some hold on drawing only conservative thinkers to its population. I moved here for affordability, beautiful surroundings, weather, kind people in and outside the community and the healthy lifestyle. I’m not swayed by political bias on either side, I’m more attracted to intelligent thought. In closing I have to say I’m not concerned with the developers success as it pertains to their financial rewards because, for me, they have created a meaningful and joyful life and I wish them only good.

[Two Bills]

One thing for sure, the lady from the Orlando newspaper won't be moving to TV on retirement!
The rest was pretty predictable, true in most parts, far too long, and very cleverly edited.
JMO.

[Nana2Teddy]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg

I heard it was released a couple of years ago, but didn’t really get much interest then, so it was just re-released. We watched it here in California and had mixed feelings about it. We definitely wouldn’t tell our kids to watch it as an example of where mom and dad are moving to next month, lol, but it certainly didn’t deter us as we’ve been there already and think TV is awesome. This documentary left out so much good stuff.

[DAVES]

Freedom of choice. The Villages is only one option. As far as I think I see this is a Swiss production. Ironic, some might wish to go to Switzerland for a vacation. Are things that boring in Switzerland that they are interested in the villages?
There are many constants no matter what or where CHANGE is a constant. Since I was born the population of the US has doubled. Air Conditioning has tremendously improved the livability of the South.
What others think of the choices you have made. It only matters IF YOU CARE. Why would you chose to give others power that should be and is yours escapes me.
The only choice you do not have, you will be OLDER tomorrow than you were today.

[Kenswing]

The bottom line is, no matter how bad the MSM or others try to make this place look, people are still coming here in droves. The old "Any press is good press" applies here.

[Oldragbagger]

...where is this outdoor gun range? &/or gun club shown in the vid?
all I've been able to find is airgunner club.

The Villages Straight Shooters, link below.

Home (https://www.vssclub.org/)

[Laker14]

I thought it was well done. My kids are all happy we are here. We are a close family. We text multiple times every day. Whenever reasonably possible, we get together. We have 5 kids, 11 grandies, scattered about. They don't want us living in their homes, and we don't want them living in ours. At this point in our lives, we are able to help them financially more than we need them to help us, and that's fine with everyone.
I thought the segments highlighting the residents were handled with dignity and respect. If someone thinks they are ridiculous, or pathetic, well, that's their problem. I would be happy to call any of them my friend, and while I may, or may not agree totally with their political views, so what? I bet any one of them would help you with a problem if they could. I'd be happy to call any of them a friend, and delighted to have any of them as a neighbor.
I enjoyed the interview with the lady who made the film. I thought she was sensitive to the needs of all involved, and as non-judgmental as humanly possible.
The Orlando Sentinel lady, well she made some salient points, but didn't bother to learn enough about the gates to know that they aren't for security, but for making it safer for carts. She could have gained some credibility there, but you never know what was left on the cutting room floor.
I could say more, but this post is already too long.

[manaboutown]

The Orlando Sentinel lady, well she made some salient points, but didn't bother to learn enough about the gates to know that they aren't for security, but for making it safer for carts. She could have gained some credibility there, but you never know what was left on the cutting room floor.
I could say more, but this post is already too long.

If I am not not mistaken that woman is the infamous Lauren Ritchie who has written numerous articles disparaging The Villages, its developers and its residents. She wrote the world famous totally erroneous article about the rate of STDs in TV.

[Miboater]

If I am not not mistaken that woman is the infamous Lauren Ritchie who has written numerous articles disparaging The Villages, its developers and its residents. She wrote the world famous totally erroneous article about the rate of STDs in TV.

I did look it up and Lauren Ritchie of the Orlando Sentinel is reporter in the documentary. It does appear she retired at the end of 2020. As someone else said, probably not in the Villages.

[Barborv]

At first after skimming through it I felt it was a little mundane. But I did watch it later that evening fully. The music when showing all the wonderful clubs was a little depressing to me. BUT I did think the documentary was pretty good. I liked the interview with her. She seemed to go both ways on her perspective of the villages. Of course, she has a totally different perspective of what an elderly lifestyle should be. It did make me aware of the local's perspective and I get it. A few of her remarks I didn't agree with.

[nancyre]

2 outdoor airgun ranges, Multiple clubs for other firearms using off-property or indoor ranges.

[La lamy]

Thanks for this link. The video looks like it's over 2 hours, but it's only 1 hour and 26 minutes, with an interview with the director of the film for the rest of the time. I thought it was a very well balanced perspective of The Villages, especially the look at what the development has done to neighbouring people. I agree they could have added more of a look at younger retirees, but it's overall a cool viewing.

[Villages Kahuna]

Pretty good, balanced depiction of The Villages. The interview with the film maker at the end is also very interesting. Well worth watching.

[rockyhyder]

Another movie about our beloved bubble. Watch out for soaring home prices in our future! I enjoy watching movie producers trying to define this place, they always thread a little truth with their obligatory sensationalism. The truth is you can’t define The Villages because it’s different based on how each person chooses to live here.

[Byte1]

Still don't understand what everyone's problem is with the Villages. You either like it and move here or you don't like it and live happily ever after where ever you find your optimal residence for the final years of your life. If I lived here and didn't like it, I certainly would not stay here longer than it takes to sell my home. I've lived all over the world and this place is just fine with me. Not that I moved here for myself to begin with, but I am content now. You can make the Villages what ever you wish. I do not frequent the squares, but I think the entertainment they provide is a great idea. I don't play golf, but am amazed at how many holes of golf that is provided, at a very good price, too. I do not use the pools but love the idea that there is one in every community. But, there are plenty of other things I enjoy. The best thing I like about the Villages is the senior age neighbors. There is always someone in the neighborhood. The area does not empty out by kids going to school and other folks running off to work. Plenty of folks around. It's nice to be able to assist or help those that can use an extra hand. If nothing else, it's nice to chat with those that move around the neighborhood walking their dogs or just walking for exercise. I enjoy the quiet. No kids playing loud music. There is hardly any crime n the Villages, which gives one the feeling of security. I enjoy how clean it is here. AND, no one is forcing anybody to live here, so they really shouldn't complain about the Villages. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it amazes me that there are so many outsiders that wish to paint it out to be a miserable place. Hmm, politics involved?

[Altavia]

Pretty good, balanced depiction of The Villages. The interview with the film maker at the end is also very interesting. Well worth watching.

I agree, interesting European oriented view point where other cultures treat their elderly differently.

Suggest watching the interview at the end first to give the film makers point of view..

Surprising anyone here would agree to be filmed given the history. Those who did seemed a little atypical.

Favorite comment was the farmer who said he could make more money planting Yankees than watermelons :-)

Wish they would include things like the charter schools and discuss the positive economc impact creating thousands of good paying jobs as a result of the multi billion dollars a year financial engine.

[yankygrl]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg
Just watched this 2 hour video, fast forwarding thru most of it - I was underwhelmed to say the least.

[sowtime444]

Does anyone know the guy who sang Creep by Radiohead at City Fire in the last few minutes of the movie? I want to get his autograph! Or maybe we could do some karaoke together sometime! That was awesome! I thought it was funny how most of the YouTube comments were praising his singing and not commenting on the rest of the movie, LOL.

[JMintzer]

The Villages Air Gun Club - Home (http://www.airgunclub.org/)

Soaring Eagle
Rio Grande
Sugar Cane

Shoot Schedule - The Villages Air Gun Club (http://www.airgunclub.org/shoot-schedule.html)

Those weren't "air-guns" that were shown in the movie... Most were Ruger .22 cal

[Altavia]

Those weren't "air-guns" that were shown in the movie... Most were Ruger .22 cal

My bad, small phone screen...

So where was that video shot? <pun intended>

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

It was very ,very long , but interesting . I liked it and didn’t find it negative ,like some (showed our white racism? ) I mean what’s up with that?? I do agree with some posters , they could have shown more of our younger seniors , don’t know if that was on purpose or not , but I would think the family would be mostly positive about the free advertising

[ThirdOfFive]

It was cleverly done, and that is NOT a point in that video's favor.

My wife and I watched it last night and had a good talk afterwards about our feelings on it. Mine can be summed up in two words: class envy. To me the underlying theme was that TV and "the bubble" were somehow unnatural; that its very existence harmed society in some vague, ill-defined way. The fact that Villagers had both money and power which (indirectly suggested by the video) is used in the wrong ways thus also harming society. That unctuous, self-important reporter from the Orlando Sentinel was obviously biased and the film makers apparently bought into that; their agendae did not appear to be that different.

Apart from all that though is the fact that this video was A) designed to be seen by a lot of people, and B) making a lot of money for those Austrian filmmakers thereby. Some feelgood slop about baking socials and board-game nights certainly would not have done that.

[Bilyclub]

I watched some of it so far and can point out some things that our fellow residents got wrong.
The plastic surgery lady said there's no bugs here period, and she insinuated they must spray every night. Come out dusk and the skeeters are there along with the multitude of insects crawling outside the houses. Then there was the couple that were discussing water usage. Did he say they run their irrigation 2 hours a night ? Where did they find these people? The only guy who made sense was the Ohio State guy. I'll watch the rest and dive into the whole big bad Villages ruining things around Wildwood.

[villager7591]

Get you snack & your drink and get ready for another Villages story,

Golf, Booze, & Guns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp0nqJ1yrrg

Another negative slant on TV ... yawn ! It's unfortunate that non-Villagers, who watch this 'film', must have a poor image of TV and the residents. Unless you live here, you cannot speak with facts. That doesn't stop some idiot from Orlando running her mouth.

[Altavia]

Nice, professionally produced synthesis of the film by a Villager.

https://youtu.be/jNO3XXD6rfI

[Byte1]

I finally watched it until I got to the interview at the middle point of the total video.
It was better than the other one that had the guy living in a van. I was underwhelmed by interviews of the residents living outside of the Villages, when they complained about the Villages taking over their land and water. Heck, no one is being forced to sell their property as far as I know. And look at the revenue and employment that the Villages brought with it. They complain, but do they realize that the indigenous natives of this state were gathered up and moved out West somewhere before their families settled here? I say "get over it." Otherwise, the documentary was not bad. Before having empathy for the locals, one might want to consider that the Villages is not the only gated, senior living community in Florida. Del Webb is another expansive developer and there are many more in Florida as well as other areas in the U.S.A.

[Laker14]

I finally watched it until I got to the interview at the middle point of the total video.
It was better than the other one that had the guy living in a van. I was underwhelmed by interviews of the residents living outside of the Villages, when they complained about the Villages taking over their land and water. Heck, no one is being forced to sell their property as far as I know. And look at the revenue and employment that the Villages brought with it. They complain, but do they realize that the indigenous natives of this state were gathered up and moved out West somewhere before their families settled here? I say "get over it." Otherwise, the documentary was not bad. Before having empathy for the locals, one might want to consider that the Villages is not the only gated, senior living community in Florida. Del Webb is another expansive developer and there are many more in Florida as well as other areas in the U.S.A.

I had the same thought. I felt more empathy for the African-American lady whose living area was being hemmed in on all sides by TV, with people playing golf a few yards from her familial cemetery. They've gotten the short end of the stick from Day One. If what she says is true about being told that she can't add on to her single-wide, because of zoning, while she sees all of that building going on around her, I can see why she might think that's a tad unfair.

[Bilyclub]

I had the same thought. I felt more empathy for the African-American lady whose living area was being hemmed in on all sides by TV, with people playing golf a few yards from her familial cemetery. They've gotten the short end of the stick from Day One. If what she says is true about being told that she can't add on to her single-wide, because of zoning, while she sees all of that building going on around her, I can see why she might think that's a tad unfair.

I don't know where that lady lives, but it is true that TV surrounds the Cherry Lake Cemetery. The developer was able to buy that land legally. It wasn't clear where her single wide is. It certainly isn't in the cemetery

[Boomer]

Thanks for the link. I was wondering what had happened to that film, having heard about it
many months ago -- maybe more than a year ago. We will watch it sometime soon.

Boomer

[2delunatics]

I was surprised at the Orlando Sentinel reporter’s take on there existing some dark purpose to the developers motives. If you to want publish a newspaper extolling the benefits of your community it is your right; we are not forced to buy. It was also disappointing that they spent five years developing this film and didn’t see fit to note the charitable good The Villages does for surrounding community. I am sympathetic to those folks who feel displaced by the growth of The Villages but this development did not come by razing city blocks and displacing thousands but, more often than not, purchasing large tracts of unused farm land that was not to be purposed in the future. As to the water usage the villages has been recognized for its use of 8.5 million gallons per day of reclaimed water and the use of 5 million gallons per day of storm water, this was never mentioned. On the topic of ageism and the locating of like minded folks in the same community (Bubble) I’m not sure where they want people to live. As a widower with no children my block in a NY suburb had more to offer young and growing families than empty nesters. It also seems a little short sighted to assume that The Villages has some hold on drawing only conservative thinkers to its population. I moved here for affordability, beautiful surroundings, weather, kind people in and outside the community and the healthy lifestyle. I’m not swayed by political bias on either side, I’m more attracted to intelligent thought. In closing I have to say I’m not concerned with the developers success as it pertains to their financial rewards because, for me, they have created a meaningful and joyful life and I wish them only good.
........very well said