launderess
Well-known member
Better prepare to dig a bit deeper for that bucket of popcorn next time you head off to the pictures.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288858,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288858,00.html
First Milk, Now Popcorn Prices Are On The Rise
- Thread starter launderess
- Start date
Sorry - me again. Must just be a cynic.
1) Fox News - "We Report, You Decide"
What - they couldn't get away with "Fair and Balanced"
anymore? Should probably say "We Report Biased News,
You Decide"
2) "A trip to the local Cineplex may become even pricier soon thanks to surging popcorn costs."
Rigggght - an overpriced box/tub of popcorn is going to
go up in price because the price of a pound of popcorn
has gone up from 9 to 13 cents. How many pounds of
popcorn do you think are in those mega-dollar boxes/tubs?
Wait a minute while I puke.
Me - I never buy popcorn at a theater (or any of their other
price-gouging offerings.) Yes, it would be nice to have the
experience the way it used to be, but not going to contribute
to insanity. Maybe I should just not even think about
participating in the new world. Time to depart this mortal
coil. (Just what is a coil anyway - or am I remembering the
cliche incorrectly?)
1) Fox News - "We Report, You Decide"
What - they couldn't get away with "Fair and Balanced"
anymore? Should probably say "We Report Biased News,
You Decide"
2) "A trip to the local Cineplex may become even pricier soon thanks to surging popcorn costs."
Rigggght - an overpriced box/tub of popcorn is going to
go up in price because the price of a pound of popcorn
has gone up from 9 to 13 cents. How many pounds of
popcorn do you think are in those mega-dollar boxes/tubs?
Wait a minute while I puke.
Me - I never buy popcorn at a theater (or any of their other
price-gouging offerings.) Yes, it would be nice to have the
experience the way it used to be, but not going to contribute
to insanity. Maybe I should just not even think about
participating in the new world. Time to depart this mortal
coil. (Just what is a coil anyway - or am I remembering the
cliche incorrectly?)
Speaking as a theatre manager...
I agree that the increase in the cost of popcorn seed doesn't warrant any increase in our already inflated prices. It's still a fact the theatres pay 50-70% of the box office receipts to the film companies. With the rest of the receipts and concession, we pay the rent, utilities, payroll, insurances, etc.
Now I know that some locations are raking in the cash, but for every one of the more profitable theatres, there's a couple that aren't as profitable. For example, the one that I'm sitting in.
Keep in mind that in order to have things the way they used to be, we'll have to get rid of TV, video games, and computers. I might go so far as take away home air conditioning, since theatres had more patronage when they were one of the few places that were cool.
I agree that the increase in the cost of popcorn seed doesn't warrant any increase in our already inflated prices. It's still a fact the theatres pay 50-70% of the box office receipts to the film companies. With the rest of the receipts and concession, we pay the rent, utilities, payroll, insurances, etc.
Now I know that some locations are raking in the cash, but for every one of the more profitable theatres, there's a couple that aren't as profitable. For example, the one that I'm sitting in.
Keep in mind that in order to have things the way they used to be, we'll have to get rid of TV, video games, and computers. I might go so far as take away home air conditioning, since theatres had more patronage when they were one of the few places that were cool.
selectomatic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
- Messages
- 483
Sad, but true.
And unfortunately, it's the 'coolest' theaters that suffer most.
-kevin
And unfortunately, it's the 'coolest' theaters that suffer most.
-kevin
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Speaking of theatre refreshments... do epics set in hot, dry, desert regions induce more sales of soft drinks and iced novelties at the concession stands? Did "Lawrence of Arabia" set some sort of record for such?
Just wondering... lol...
Just wondering... lol...
There are many trends...
I haven't noticed an increase in sales during epics. If anything, sales drop because of the length of time to wait to use the restroom. The more mainstream the picture is the more concession that's sold. The art crowd is pretty restrained in their buying, same as the matinee crowd. No matter how cheap anything is, it will always be too much to them
Then again, an intermission always helps sales. It's a shame that few pictures warrant them or that the audiece would respect them if they did.
Can we ban the wearing of casual athletic clothing in public(unless doing said activities) as a society?
I haven't noticed an increase in sales during epics. If anything, sales drop because of the length of time to wait to use the restroom. The more mainstream the picture is the more concession that's sold. The art crowd is pretty restrained in their buying, same as the matinee crowd. No matter how cheap anything is, it will always be too much to them
Then again, an intermission always helps sales. It's a shame that few pictures warrant them or that the audiece would respect them if they did.
Can we ban the wearing of casual athletic clothing in public(unless doing said activities) as a society?
Paper products tend to be higher..
A case (300- or 150-count) of larger-size popcorn tubs costs more than either a 35# or 50# bag of corn or a 50# can of coconut oil.
I used to track the raw number of concession transactions vs. admission head-count, but quit 'cause it was mostly pointless to do so. IIRC, not counting repeat visits by individual customers because I had no way to do that, it was less than 50%. Maybe 44% on average.
Got a cutesie letter from WB last week, advising of their new rental policy. Weekly rental is higher of either: 1) weekly gross multiplied by the flat-rate percentage, or 2) number of admissions (passes are paid as if they're a full-price admission) multiplied by their arbitrarily-set "combined per-capita" ... meaning they no longer recognize matinee or evening child or senior citizen as discrete price points. In my case, the per-capita is $4.25. Our matinee and child/senior citizen price is $4.00. Deducting sales tax makes it $3.70 ... so the per-capita is HIGHER. I don't recall if WB's terms allow for deducting local sales tax from their per-capita ... but I'm guessing not. Even if it does, that's still higher. So we're "grossing" $3.70 on a matinee admission, but paying film rental as if it was $4.25. At 70%, that's $2.975 rental. $3.70 - $2.98 = $0.72 gross "profit" on a matinee admission.
Believe it or not, there have been rumbles in the past from film companies about taking a percentage of CONCESSION sales, on the theory that it's THEIR movie bringing the people in to buy concession, so they should get a cut from that as well .. a cut of ALL theater revenue generated by their films. I don't think it would ever happen, but who knows.....
A case (300- or 150-count) of larger-size popcorn tubs costs more than either a 35# or 50# bag of corn or a 50# can of coconut oil.
I used to track the raw number of concession transactions vs. admission head-count, but quit 'cause it was mostly pointless to do so. IIRC, not counting repeat visits by individual customers because I had no way to do that, it was less than 50%. Maybe 44% on average.
Got a cutesie letter from WB last week, advising of their new rental policy. Weekly rental is higher of either: 1) weekly gross multiplied by the flat-rate percentage, or 2) number of admissions (passes are paid as if they're a full-price admission) multiplied by their arbitrarily-set "combined per-capita" ... meaning they no longer recognize matinee or evening child or senior citizen as discrete price points. In my case, the per-capita is $4.25. Our matinee and child/senior citizen price is $4.00. Deducting sales tax makes it $3.70 ... so the per-capita is HIGHER. I don't recall if WB's terms allow for deducting local sales tax from their per-capita ... but I'm guessing not. Even if it does, that's still higher. So we're "grossing" $3.70 on a matinee admission, but paying film rental as if it was $4.25. At 70%, that's $2.975 rental. $3.70 - $2.98 = $0.72 gross "profit" on a matinee admission.
Believe it or not, there have been rumbles in the past from film companies about taking a percentage of CONCESSION sales, on the theory that it's THEIR movie bringing the people in to buy concession, so they should get a cut from that as well .. a cut of ALL theater revenue generated by their films. I don't think it would ever happen, but who knows.....
launderess
Well-known member
All this would'nt bother me if local movie theaters didn't have bans on persons bringing their own snacks (and yes, they do search/check), so one is pretty much forced to use their stuff.
Personally bring my own "candy" regardless and carry it either in my bag or on my person. The first theater worker that tries to bodily search ME is going to find themselves in the ER, explaining how they got their own hand/arm so far up their own hinnie.
L.
Personally bring my own "candy" regardless and carry it either in my bag or on my person. The first theater worker that tries to bodily search ME is going to find themselves in the ER, explaining how they got their own hand/arm so far up their own hinnie.
L.
LOL
I sincerely doubt that theatre staff are going to search you. That's just ridiculous, just don't be obvious. We have a sign at the ticket drop advising no outside food, but that's it. My only problem is when people carry in their leftovers and six packs of beer.
Once again common sense, that's not all that common anymore must prevail!
I sincerely doubt that theatre staff are going to search you. That's just ridiculous, just don't be obvious. We have a sign at the ticket drop advising no outside food, but that's it. My only problem is when people carry in their leftovers and six packs of beer.
Once again common sense, that's not all that common anymore must prevail!
Popcorn prices
I'm glad popcorn prices and milk prices are on the rise. Have you ever stopped to think of the poor hardworking farmer whose crop prices have remained relatively flat while all other overhead costs have risen so steeply, (All petrol products, along with labor, taxes, insurance). Take time to appreciate how cheap U.S. food really is compared to foreign domestic food prices.
-A little spiel from an Agriculture major, hehe
I'm glad popcorn prices and milk prices are on the rise. Have you ever stopped to think of the poor hardworking farmer whose crop prices have remained relatively flat while all other overhead costs have risen so steeply, (All petrol products, along with labor, taxes, insurance). Take time to appreciate how cheap U.S. food really is compared to foreign domestic food prices.
-A little spiel from an Agriculture major, hehe
mrsalvo
Well-known member
As a theatre manager who makes nearly 50% of his take home pay on concession commissions, yes its time to increase ALL concession prices. Its HARD to get a pay salary increase in this business, last one I had was 6 years ago, so ANY increase in the commission off of concessions is looked upon by the higher ups as a pay raise.
And strick enforcement on NO outside food or drinks.
Do I feel bad about passing the buck? Err no.
And strick enforcement on NO outside food or drinks.
Do I feel bad about passing the buck? Err no.
Seems to me the "fault" lies with the film company. Or maybe
it goes back further in the change, but if the film companies
weren't jacking up the prices to the theatre owners and the
film companies didn't release their movies on DVD within 60
days (tongue-in-cheek exaggeration?), then maybe more people
would go to movies. But there is also the problem of the
competition for the entertainment dollar. In the past, where
did you go on a date? What did the kids do for entertainment?
Other than bowling, kids didn't have to pay to play sports
on the neighborhood playground. Of course, the adult admission
for sporting events (alternate entertainment) ain't cheap
now. Guess I just don't have a clue. All I know is I used to
get popcorn and candy at movies - no more.
it goes back further in the change, but if the film companies
weren't jacking up the prices to the theatre owners and the
film companies didn't release their movies on DVD within 60
days (tongue-in-cheek exaggeration?), then maybe more people
would go to movies. But there is also the problem of the
competition for the entertainment dollar. In the past, where
did you go on a date? What did the kids do for entertainment?
Other than bowling, kids didn't have to pay to play sports
on the neighborhood playground. Of course, the adult admission
for sporting events (alternate entertainment) ain't cheap
now. Guess I just don't have a clue. All I know is I used to
get popcorn and candy at movies - no more.
Society as a whole has changed. Going to the movies used to be a regular event for a greater part of society. TV started changing that, then cable TV, then video, and now computers. I am sure I missed a few changes, but you see what I mean.
Film rental used to be a set amount per week. Film used to play at a very limited number of screens per city. That was also when the stars were making a good, but realistic wage. Don't forget there were high-tech special effects and most films were in mono and in non-stadium seated auditoriums. There were even lines outside the door to get in and usually scarce parking. Oh wait, people rode the bus and street cars.
My point is that you can't just have lower concession prices without changing other factors.
Film rental used to be a set amount per week. Film used to play at a very limited number of screens per city. That was also when the stars were making a good, but realistic wage. Don't forget there were high-tech special effects and most films were in mono and in non-stadium seated auditoriums. There were even lines outside the door to get in and usually scarce parking. Oh wait, people rode the bus and street cars.
My point is that you can't just have lower concession prices without changing other factors.
Now I know that some locations are raking in the cash, but for every one of the more profitable theatres, there's a couple that aren't as profitable. For example, the one that I'm sitting in.
What do you think makes a profitable theatre? Is it just
location? Lack of nearby competition? Sound system, seating,
number of screens, parking?
Assuming they are also paying a percentage of receipts to the
film companies, then they have an advantage of some sort. If
rental was on a weekly basis, would they just be making more
money now - assuming weekly rental was priced low enough to
allow smaller/other theatres to make a profit.
What do you think makes a profitable theatre? Is it just
location? Lack of nearby competition? Sound system, seating,
number of screens, parking?
Assuming they are also paying a percentage of receipts to the
film companies, then they have an advantage of some sort. If
rental was on a weekly basis, would they just be making more
money now - assuming weekly rental was priced low enough to
allow smaller/other theatres to make a profit.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
The whole concession issue is one of the reasons why I prefer to buy a DVD of a recent movie and watch it at home. For particularly interesting movies I can watch it multiple times, pause it, replay sequences, get closed captions, etc. What is missing is the audience group experience, and the dating possibilities, but that's sometimes a good thing ;-).
Sometimes I wonder if it's cheaper to book a bargain round trip flight somewhere and watch the in-flight movie. LOL.
Sometimes I wonder if it's cheaper to book a bargain round trip flight somewhere and watch the in-flight movie. LOL.
Film rental is always paid weekly. It's normally figured two ways, with the higher amount being paid (film distributor advantage) --
1) Gross admission total (less local sales tax) for the week multiplied by a percentage rate set by the exhibition contract.
vs.
2) Gross admission total, less a "house allowance" granted to the theater, with the remainder multiplied by 90%. (Theater gets 10% after house allowance.)
Typically the percentage rate starts at 70% for the first week or two, then drops by 10% per week to a minimum of 35% (in some cases 30%). There are exceptions. A "blockbuster" may by billed at 70%, 70%, 60%, 60%, 50%, 50%, 40%, 35%. The film may not run long enough to get to the lower percentages. If it only runs three weeks, then the theater pays 70%, 70%, 60%. Or perhaps 70%, 60%, 50%.
There are exceptions. Some distributors have started billing a fixed percentage such as 54% for all weeks.
Some films are billed on a "floating percentage" scheme, meaning the highest percentages apply to the highest grossing weeks, regardless of calendar order.
In most cases the weekly payment are considered to be "on account" until the final terms are settled. It's not unusual to get a bill for more rental due several months after a film has closed, with payment demanded *yesterday*. On the other hand, in the rare case of an overpayment, it may take 6, 9 months or up to a YEAR for the distributor to crank out a credit notice.
Disney came up with a new scheme for the last Pirates of the Caribbean. A sliding scale ranging from 45% to 62% depending on what is the *total* reported domestic gross earned during the film's run. In other words, theaters do not know what will be the final bill until ALL theaters across the U.S. have finished their runs and the prints are pulled from distribution.
Old material that's still available for theater run, such as what may be shown for $1 summer kid shows, are typically billed at a flat $-amount per week. As an example, last week we ran Open Season for the Wednesday $1 summer kid show. It sold 223 admissions. Deducting the included 8.25% local sales tax on admissions, the net gross is $206. Sony's flat-rate for it was $200. Thus the net "profit" was $6.00. Concession makes up the difference in operational costs ... hopefully!
There's also the matter of advance and guarantee payments ... but this post is already too long.
1) Gross admission total (less local sales tax) for the week multiplied by a percentage rate set by the exhibition contract.
vs.
2) Gross admission total, less a "house allowance" granted to the theater, with the remainder multiplied by 90%. (Theater gets 10% after house allowance.)
Typically the percentage rate starts at 70% for the first week or two, then drops by 10% per week to a minimum of 35% (in some cases 30%). There are exceptions. A "blockbuster" may by billed at 70%, 70%, 60%, 60%, 50%, 50%, 40%, 35%. The film may not run long enough to get to the lower percentages. If it only runs three weeks, then the theater pays 70%, 70%, 60%. Or perhaps 70%, 60%, 50%.
There are exceptions. Some distributors have started billing a fixed percentage such as 54% for all weeks.
Some films are billed on a "floating percentage" scheme, meaning the highest percentages apply to the highest grossing weeks, regardless of calendar order.
In most cases the weekly payment are considered to be "on account" until the final terms are settled. It's not unusual to get a bill for more rental due several months after a film has closed, with payment demanded *yesterday*. On the other hand, in the rare case of an overpayment, it may take 6, 9 months or up to a YEAR for the distributor to crank out a credit notice.
Disney came up with a new scheme for the last Pirates of the Caribbean. A sliding scale ranging from 45% to 62% depending on what is the *total* reported domestic gross earned during the film's run. In other words, theaters do not know what will be the final bill until ALL theaters across the U.S. have finished their runs and the prints are pulled from distribution.
Old material that's still available for theater run, such as what may be shown for $1 summer kid shows, are typically billed at a flat $-amount per week. As an example, last week we ran Open Season for the Wednesday $1 summer kid show. It sold 223 admissions. Deducting the included 8.25% local sales tax on admissions, the net gross is $206. Sony's flat-rate for it was $200. Thus the net "profit" was $6.00. Concession makes up the difference in operational costs ... hopefully!
There's also the matter of advance and guarantee payments ... but this post is already too long.
There're also cases like the aforementioned Warner Bros scheme of the distributor setting an arbitrary per-capita amount on which rental is calculated ... regardless of what the theater actually charges. The per-capita amount varies per the local markets. A theater in NYC would be socked with a higher per-capita than a little one-horse town in TX. In all cases the advantage is to the distributor.
Basically, theaters work for themselves on selling concession, but for the distributors on selling admissions.
With the boon in home theater setups, DVDs, and now hi-def, the ONLY thing keeping people coming to theaters IMO is 1) the group experience (which isn't always pleasant), and 2) the urge to see the movies ASAP (for those who have that urge, and as long as theater releases trump DVD release dates).
Basically, theaters work for themselves on selling concession, but for the distributors on selling admissions.
With the boon in home theater setups, DVDs, and now hi-def, the ONLY thing keeping people coming to theaters IMO is 1) the group experience (which isn't always pleasant), and 2) the urge to see the movies ASAP (for those who have that urge, and as long as theater releases trump DVD release dates).
Yew! What a complicated mess. If you are one in the business
and have experience on this film rental nightmare, has it always
been this tough? (I would think not since there seemed to be
no problem way back when.)
Too bad theatres can't just boycott the film companies until
they came up with something that seems more fair. Though
$200 doesn't seem like much to rent a real/reel movie. With
the low attendance and the low price, it makes it difficult.
Any idea how much film rental (prices) might have been back
in the 60's?
and have experience on this film rental nightmare, has it always
been this tough? (I would think not since there seemed to be
no problem way back when.)
Too bad theatres can't just boycott the film companies until
they came up with something that seems more fair. Though
$200 doesn't seem like much to rent a real/reel movie. With
the low attendance and the low price, it makes it difficult.
Any idea how much film rental (prices) might have been back
in the 60's?
Well, at least for now, I think the 3rd reason people DO
go to films is they don't have a fancy home theatre system.
And none of those can really match the large screen.
I do agree the group experience really isn't necessarily
pleasant - but maybe that depends on the perception of age.
go to films is they don't have a fancy home theatre system.
And none of those can really match the large screen.
I do agree the group experience really isn't necessarily
pleasant - but maybe that depends on the perception of age.
On occasion I will watch movies at the theater.For instance I have both "Pirates of the Carribean" onb Blu-Ray DVD.After watching the second one-"Dead Mans Chest"You were left hanging and had to watch at the theater what happened next!clever Disney folks!sometimes I do look to watch at the theater-yes they do have a much bigger screen than I do at home.And sometimes do want to watch with other people.however on occasion I watched a movie by myself!No one else in the auditorium!Just for Me!Sometimes is nice to have someone else show the moovie for you-and the show was out of frame-told them and they fixed it-and gave me a free pass to another show!Great service-now I watch movies at that theater-Consolidated Cinemas.New theater here in town.We also have a 12 screen Carmike-the Consolidated has 14.And yes-sometimes I want to watch a movie as its released rather than waiting for it to come out on DVD.
DADoES I agree
First and foremost, what makes a theatre profitable is whether it plays the films that an audience wants to see. Theatres can't just order up whatever they want, that's partly dependent on competition and strength of the chain booking the location.
What does the public want at a rule:
a sea of parking, the lowest ticket price, stadium seating ( though many would complain if you had it), high number of screens (greater chance you'll have the film they want to see and the perfect time), and a good sound system.
It's a tough business now. My biggest complaint is that all titles are booked at so many theatres in the area that no one can have a good gross or a lengthy run. Check an old newspaper to see what I mean. The most recent example of this for us was with "A Mighty Heart" on 23 screens in the STL area.
As DADoES put it, that's at the distributors advantage.
Sorry for the rant, but it bothers me to hear the complaint of the end result when the problem was twenty steps back. Since I also collect vintage radios and tv's, I frequently bitch about the quality of the products, but the old stuff simply weighs too much to be shipped from China.
First and foremost, what makes a theatre profitable is whether it plays the films that an audience wants to see. Theatres can't just order up whatever they want, that's partly dependent on competition and strength of the chain booking the location.
What does the public want at a rule:
a sea of parking, the lowest ticket price, stadium seating ( though many would complain if you had it), high number of screens (greater chance you'll have the film they want to see and the perfect time), and a good sound system.
It's a tough business now. My biggest complaint is that all titles are booked at so many theatres in the area that no one can have a good gross or a lengthy run. Check an old newspaper to see what I mean. The most recent example of this for us was with "A Mighty Heart" on 23 screens in the STL area.
As DADoES put it, that's at the distributors advantage.
Sorry for the rant, but it bothers me to hear the complaint of the end result when the problem was twenty steps back. Since I also collect vintage radios and tv's, I frequently bitch about the quality of the products, but the old stuff simply weighs too much to be shipped from China.
Thats a problem with older Hi-fi equipment--yes there is a market for it in China and Japan-those guys want our vintage equipment-that is why it is becoming scarce and expensive-and yes- tube amps are heavy and delicate-but the Asians pay a good price for it and the shipping.
As for moives currently-there is more powerful competetion to theaters more from DVD's Satellite TV,Cable,and now Hi Def DVDs-(HVDVD and BluRay)Its now many people simply wait for their favorite movies to appear on one of those mediums and watch it at home-yes you can go to the bathroom without interrupting your movie-get whatever "concessions" you want without interrupting your movie.You just don't get the bigger screen and other folks watching the movie with you.If theaters are to survive-their system has to change.the system of booking and distributing movies will have to change.theaters should stock a WIDER selection of concession items.Remember when you went to a THEATER for the best selection of candies-no more!the selection of snack items at most theaters I have been to is pretty lame.Stock the items I wish to eat-Or will I have to bring it?Theaters may have to lighten up on this-Its better to have "butts in the chairs"!than having them empty!Digital projection(no films are involved)may help out the theaters-the "films" are downloaded to the theater to show.This is slowly taking place(Carmike)I haven't watched a digital "filmless" movie presentation-but would like to
n the "Film-Tech" website they argue which is better film or digital-would like to see for myself.the thought of a projector to a manager with no moving parts or film handling is a dream come true for them.I hope theaters can survive-its getting tough out there-but if they and the system doesn't change-they may become dark houses.People will just watch movies at home on their new Hi Def widescreen TV's.
As for moives currently-there is more powerful competetion to theaters more from DVD's Satellite TV,Cable,and now Hi Def DVDs-(HVDVD and BluRay)Its now many people simply wait for their favorite movies to appear on one of those mediums and watch it at home-yes you can go to the bathroom without interrupting your movie-get whatever "concessions" you want without interrupting your movie.You just don't get the bigger screen and other folks watching the movie with you.If theaters are to survive-their system has to change.the system of booking and distributing movies will have to change.theaters should stock a WIDER selection of concession items.Remember when you went to a THEATER for the best selection of candies-no more!the selection of snack items at most theaters I have been to is pretty lame.Stock the items I wish to eat-Or will I have to bring it?Theaters may have to lighten up on this-Its better to have "butts in the chairs"!than having them empty!Digital projection(no films are involved)may help out the theaters-the "films" are downloaded to the theater to show.This is slowly taking place(Carmike)I haven't watched a digital "filmless" movie presentation-but would like to
n the "Film-Tech" website they argue which is better film or digital-would like to see for myself.the thought of a projector to a manager with no moving parts or film handling is a dream come true for them.I hope theaters can survive-its getting tough out there-but if they and the system doesn't change-they may become dark houses.People will just watch movies at home on their new Hi Def widescreen TV's.I wonder are Fox News simply taking the oil industry's line i.e. Bioethanol = bad! Gasoline = Good.
There are other factors that could also cause a rise in the price of popcorn i.e. there has been a huge increase in the cost of diesel which has had a knock-on effect on the cost of running farm machinery, transport and energy used in processing, packaging and ultimately popping the pop corn.
That wasn't mentioned at all.
It was just "see what those mad hippies are doing to your popcorn!"
Every moment spent watching Fox News is another moment of your life wasted and another hike in your blood pressure.
There are other factors that could also cause a rise in the price of popcorn i.e. there has been a huge increase in the cost of diesel which has had a knock-on effect on the cost of running farm machinery, transport and energy used in processing, packaging and ultimately popping the pop corn.
That wasn't mentioned at all.
It was just "see what those mad hippies are doing to your popcorn!"
Every moment spent watching Fox News is another moment of your life wasted and another hike in your blood pressure.
So called Ethanol isn't always good-crops raised just for that purpose is LESS efficient than using the petroleum products-you have to plant and raise the crop-We are burning fuel to do this-then transport it to the mill or plant where the ethonal is made.Then you have to transport the ethanol to the refinery-pipelines can't be used for it since ethanol is corrosive.So--that leaves us with trucks and rail transport--now were burning fuel again!Ethanol from WASTE agricultural products is a little better.And another bad thing-Ethonal does not have the same octane as gasoline-It just doesn't pollute as much when burned-but the engine has to be designed to use it.for instance small motors such as on lawn mowers CANNOT be used with Ehtanol-you will void the motors warranty.Its on both the books on the B&S and Tecumseh engines I have.
My gripe with movie theaters has to do with digital projection! Yes, the projectors have no moving parts, but they are ludicrously expensive compared to the old mechanical film projectors. Yes, they do break down. My company services some movie theaters, and the digital projectors have a lot to be desired. How is a little independant single-screen house supposed to foot the bill for a $60,000 projector every 5 years? Their old Simplex 35mm that they paid $1000 for 30 years ago still gets the job done perfectly.
The picture quality off the digital projectors basically looks like you are looking at a big projection TV. There's pixelation, compression artifacts, and worst of all, there's less resolution and contrast range than film...video cannot come close. Why am I going to go pay $10 to watch the same picture and sound quality I can get at home with my own equipment???
I guess part of the reason why digital projection is catching on too is that the digital projectors do not need any preventitive maintence, or skilled operator to load, thread and keep running. Film projectors need cleaning, adjustments, etc in order to produce the best picture. Regal Cinemas around here for some reason refuse to do these basic acts, and it shows up as dust/debris in the picture, scratch film, out of frame pictures, or even worse, a jammed projector halfway through the show! If the theaters would do basic service on their projectors, the nice picture that film can produce could really shine!
It all really boils down also to Hollywood turning out material that people really want to watch. A constant complaint by many people are that movies have too much violence, bad language and other sleeze in them. Another common complaint is that films are almost always politically loaded with a liberal slant. While I know most of you all here are more left-wing, a large portion of America is particularly conservative, and do not find all the political messages, violence, bad language and other trash particularly entertaining. Outside of those common complaints, in my own opinion, the plot lines of most modern movies has become particularly shallow and dumb. I do not like the editing techniques used lately too, where camera angles and shots are changed in rapid succession. No scene gets any more than about 5 seconds at best in any one position before the angle is changed, or the whole scene is changed. Even when a scene is held for any reasonable time, the camera is always panning, zooming, etc...it's everyone that made the movies have ADHD or something! Why can't they let the plot and story hold the viewer's attention, instead of their spastic cinematography (it actually looses my attention because it fatigues me!!!)
Simply put, theaters are loosing money because they have not provided a quality product!!!
The picture quality off the digital projectors basically looks like you are looking at a big projection TV. There's pixelation, compression artifacts, and worst of all, there's less resolution and contrast range than film...video cannot come close. Why am I going to go pay $10 to watch the same picture and sound quality I can get at home with my own equipment???
I guess part of the reason why digital projection is catching on too is that the digital projectors do not need any preventitive maintence, or skilled operator to load, thread and keep running. Film projectors need cleaning, adjustments, etc in order to produce the best picture. Regal Cinemas around here for some reason refuse to do these basic acts, and it shows up as dust/debris in the picture, scratch film, out of frame pictures, or even worse, a jammed projector halfway through the show! If the theaters would do basic service on their projectors, the nice picture that film can produce could really shine!
It all really boils down also to Hollywood turning out material that people really want to watch. A constant complaint by many people are that movies have too much violence, bad language and other sleeze in them. Another common complaint is that films are almost always politically loaded with a liberal slant. While I know most of you all here are more left-wing, a large portion of America is particularly conservative, and do not find all the political messages, violence, bad language and other trash particularly entertaining. Outside of those common complaints, in my own opinion, the plot lines of most modern movies has become particularly shallow and dumb. I do not like the editing techniques used lately too, where camera angles and shots are changed in rapid succession. No scene gets any more than about 5 seconds at best in any one position before the angle is changed, or the whole scene is changed. Even when a scene is held for any reasonable time, the camera is always panning, zooming, etc...it's everyone that made the movies have ADHD or something! Why can't they let the plot and story hold the viewer's attention, instead of their spastic cinematography (it actually looses my attention because it fatigues me!!!)
Simply put, theaters are loosing money because they have not provided a quality product!!!
Ethanol and lawn mowers
How old are your lawn mower manuals? Are they saying any
percentage of ethanol will void the warranties? I've been
using ethanol-blended gas in my mowers, chain saws, etc, for
more than 10 years. Is is just an excuse to void a warranty
vs. something that actually damages the engine? If you want
to burn E-85 or pure ethanol, then yes, the engine has to be
designed for it. (And, yes, your MPG figure does go down when
using ethanol.)
conservative/liberal
One does not have to be a conservative to dislike violence,
bad language, and other trash in movies. Though in fact,
the worst purveyor of it that I have seen IS conservative -
Rupert Murdoch and FOX.
How old are your lawn mower manuals? Are they saying any
percentage of ethanol will void the warranties? I've been
using ethanol-blended gas in my mowers, chain saws, etc, for
more than 10 years. Is is just an excuse to void a warranty
vs. something that actually damages the engine? If you want
to burn E-85 or pure ethanol, then yes, the engine has to be
designed for it. (And, yes, your MPG figure does go down when
using ethanol.)
conservative/liberal
One does not have to be a conservative to dislike violence,
bad language, and other trash in movies. Though in fact,
the worst purveyor of it that I have seen IS conservative -
Rupert Murdoch and FOX.
My mowers are current-brand new.And Ethanol isn't available here.B&S motor on the Crafstman-Tecumseh on the Toro.
On projectors thats what I thought-Film machines can be easily and relatively cheaply upgraded to run new picture and sound formats-can this be done with those EXPENSIVE Digital models?You can have a 50+ yr old film projector and it can be adapted to play newer films.If the digital movie presentation is like a digital TV-will watch at home.Also its bad that some theater chains do not keep up on maintenance and repairs on their equipment.The customers suffer as well as the film prints-maybe if the studio BILLS them for the damaged film prints sent back from the sloppy theater to the film depots-maybe they will change.I can agree the quality of Hollywood has to change-And it is the MAJORITY of Americans don't like the liberal slants on TV-Radio networks and Hollywood movies.Newspapers,magazines too!that is one of the reasons subscribers are down.I watch Fox just to get a DIFFERENT veiw of the story -don't always agree with them-but HATE the Communist veiw the libs have.and on the current movies agree-the sudden camera angles,sloppy hand held camera shots-and the "round-de-round"camera shots around the scenes or actors makes me sick!the handheld cameras make the show look like a sloppy home movie!Makes me Seasick.Get the cameraman a tripod or pedistal please!Lets make movie watching a real event-not just glorified TV.Sadly Fox,CNN and even the major networks are using the "Rollover" news formats-they keep repeating news stories until new ones come up.Drives you NUTS.Turn TV off at that point.
On projectors thats what I thought-Film machines can be easily and relatively cheaply upgraded to run new picture and sound formats-can this be done with those EXPENSIVE Digital models?You can have a 50+ yr old film projector and it can be adapted to play newer films.If the digital movie presentation is like a digital TV-will watch at home.Also its bad that some theater chains do not keep up on maintenance and repairs on their equipment.The customers suffer as well as the film prints-maybe if the studio BILLS them for the damaged film prints sent back from the sloppy theater to the film depots-maybe they will change.I can agree the quality of Hollywood has to change-And it is the MAJORITY of Americans don't like the liberal slants on TV-Radio networks and Hollywood movies.Newspapers,magazines too!that is one of the reasons subscribers are down.I watch Fox just to get a DIFFERENT veiw of the story -don't always agree with them-but HATE the Communist veiw the libs have.and on the current movies agree-the sudden camera angles,sloppy hand held camera shots-and the "round-de-round"camera shots around the scenes or actors makes me sick!the handheld cameras make the show look like a sloppy home movie!Makes me Seasick.Get the cameraman a tripod or pedistal please!Lets make movie watching a real event-not just glorified TV.Sadly Fox,CNN and even the major networks are using the "Rollover" news formats-they keep repeating news stories until new ones come up.Drives you NUTS.Turn TV off at that point.
Isn't it typical that when this country jumps on the bio-fuel bandwagon we go for a subsidized food crop like corn instead of other organic sources. Brazil uses the sugar cane, but I don't think that they sacrifice the sugar before using the biomas for fuel production. Here, we are going to make food unaffordable for the poorest so that those with more money can drive their SUVs. Grocery store prices just go up each week to where it's frightening, but we don't want to talk about inflation.
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