Pastimes with a PellaPusher: February 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

PusherPix 02/29/16

PusherPix
Monday, February 29, 2016

I didn't take any pictures today, but it's Leap Day, so I'm leaping back to 4 years ago.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

PusherPix 02/28/16

PusherPix

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Happy Birthday, Bro!

Gloomy vs. Glass

The final movie of our Best Picture Showcase was "The Revenant". Linda was not looking forward to it. I was OK with seeing it, knowing that I'd be rooting for Gloomy Bear. Yeah, I'm crazy like that.

Lesson One in bear encounters: play dead. Why are you still moving and shooting your gun? She's protecting her cubs' they would have left eventually.
I was starting to think that Powaqa didn't exist, because they didn't show her until way late in the movie.
I miss the days when we could use our imaginations and not actually see the gross stuff. Like, do I have to see the horse's stomach? Do I have to see those sores that many times? Do I have to see the scalped head? Just ew.
Speaking of the horse. Horse = Tauntaun. Both of us thought of that. Linda refrained from saying aloud, "I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
More Star Wars stuff happened, like hands being chopped off. Just not as gross.
I've decided that I don't actually know what Tom Hardy looks like, because I never know that he's the person portraying characters until I see the credits.
Half the time, I couldn't understand what the heck Fitzgerald was saying because his accent was really thick.
They said the "F" word back then?
Hux! I mean, um, Domhnall Gleeson! Again! This is the second movie today in which we saw him. Dude's all over the place.
Lots of scenes reminded me of "The Good Dinosaur": the scenery, the needing to get home, the folks that stopped him from getting there...but I miss the Dino Cowboys.
"Revenge is in God's hands. Not mine."

Good movie. Linda actually thought that much of it was beautiful, so I guess it won her over a bit. I don't want to see it again because of the gross, but it was a good movie.

Globe Trotting

The second film to watch on Day 2 of Best Picture Showcase was "Spotlight". I was pretty sure that I wouldn't be crying during this one as much I was during "Brooklyn".

Does every movie in Boston require a scene at Fenway?
No wonder people are so proud to come from Boston, the way they look at it as a small town.
I smiled whenever they said "Worcester" and "Dorchester". The former because of FFE, and the latter because of NKOTB.
I know there are more than 2 Armenians in the Boston area. Hi, Steve's family!
I like how the whole story played out, and I wonder if it's true that keaton's character buried leach's info.
So... Sabretooth, Batman, and Hulk work at the Boston Globe. Interesting.
I thought that Mike was going to Hulk out during that scene. Great job not going green, Ruffalo.
I didn't realize that was Rachel McAdams, probably because of her hair. I did recognize her, but couldn't figure it out.
I like movies about investigative journalism, mostly because they usually show people whom are passionate about their work. I also love it when the actors are great, like in this one.
Seeing John Slattery in an office environment makes me miss "Mad Men".
"Personally I'm of the opinion that for a paper to best perform its function, it really needs to stand alone."

Excellent movie, and I'm getting why they're receiving so many accolades.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Through the Blue Door

Today was Day 2 of AMC Theaters' Best Picture Showcase. Linda and I sat in the front this time to stay away from the talky people. First up for the day was "Brooklyn".

This made me think of my mom's decision to immigrate to the USA. She was going to come by herself and send for me and my dad later. I'm glad that my dad's father insisted that she wait for us to be able to go with her.
Saoirse Ronan wows me again.
Hey, it's Felicity from "Arrow"!
I love the way she does her hair and makeup. Lovely.
I also loved her outfits, except for that orange one that she wore to get married. I probably might have liked it had he not worn blue.
"There'll be no more talk of the Lord's complexion at the dinner table."
That whole boarding house dynamic was hilarious.
"I'm a rude idiot."
Wouldn't the ocean have been too cold for swimming? They were all wearing sweaters when they arrived at the beach.
I was going to kill her myself if she had stayed in Ireland.
I was totally Team Tony.
Is that blue door still there?
That made me a weepy mess.

What a beautiful movie! This one is my favorite to win.

PusherPix 02/27/16

PusherPix

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Day 2 done, excited for tomorrow's Oscars!

Friday, February 26, 2016

I've been watching this building's progress since it was just a hole in the ground, as I see it every day across from my Metro station. Someday next year, it will be the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

The (future) Wilshire Grand Tower

Thursday, February 25, 2016

PusherPix 02/25/16

PusherPix

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Got to eat my favorite burger today!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

PusherPix 02/24/16

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Wednesday February 24, 2016

Even as adults, we still need candy and toys to get us through a long school day.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Pusher Pix 02/23/16

PusherPix

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Couldn't get my regular place to stay on business, so I'm in a place where you get your own cottage. Not the best location, but it's gated, and look how quaint!

Monday, February 22, 2016

PusheePix 02/22/16

PusherPix

Monday, February 22, 2016

Love coming home to see this package on my porch!

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Batman Does Bonds

The fourth film of the day from the Best Picture Showcase was "The Big Short". I'd been looking forward to seeing this because of Christian Bale and Steve Carell, so I was happy that it was nominated so that I could see it during this time.

I forgot how much I love the chemistry between Carell and Gosling. I loved their dynamic in "Crazy, Stupid Love".
Drums. Christian Bale playing the drums. Who's a happy girl?
Love all of the attempts to get a layperson to understand the different terms by using celebrities to talk about them with their own analogies.
The hair. Oh no, it was awful.
The Lehman office looked like the set from "Wolf of Wall Street". I can't remember if it was supposed to be the same firm.
I'm confused about the end...so did Dr. Burry actually lay off all of his employees, and he was the only one with all of the money? Or did he lay them off, then the $ came in?
I wonder if I'm the only one whom, when Dr. Burry was going around and shorting the mortgage bonds, was thinking to herself, "Because he's Bruce Wayne." Also, I thought, "Because he's Batman."
OK, I'm dumb. I didn't realize until I heard his voice talking to the guys on the phone that Ben was being played by Brad Pitt. Must be the beard.
I'm going to be using the word "shittily" because I like how Carell said it. Be prepared, y'all.
I'm really glad that I didn't continue working with the investment firm way back when I was temping.

A lot of that made my brain hurt, but it was well done. I'm going to need to see it again to see if I can understand it more the second time around.

I'm going to wear my new t-shirt on Day Two. Looking forward to next week!

PusherPix 02/21/16

PusherPix

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Watching "Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60", I realized that I don't have the 60th anniversary ears, so I posted this old picture from the 50th anniversary to help reach the Make-A-Wish goal for Disneyland to donate $1 million.

Sher, Linda and Tatiana waiting in DCA

Sand, Sand Everywhere

The third film of this year's Best Picture Showcase was "Mad Max: Fury Road". I'm not a fan of the Mad Max movies, so I wasn't really looking forward to this one, but hey, it got a nomination for Best Picture, so I figured I'd might as well check it out.

The movie starts with Max eating a double-headed salamander. What. The. So you know we were in for weirdness.
DRUMS!
You can't totally hate a guy that has his own soundtrack following him around wherever he goes, especially when that soundtrack is drum-heavy.
Linda got all excited about the car.
I like badass Charlize!
I thought I was watching "Star Wars" during a few moments because Sand People, Tatooine, and that missing left arm.
Awwww....love during war. I wonder if his lips tasted like chrome paint.
Mother's Milk. Um, okayyyyy....
Hey! It's Cristina from "Divergent"!
"That's not his blood."
"I thought you weren't insane anymore."
Linda told me about the other Mad Max movies while we ate during our dinner break. Maybe if I can watch them and cover my eyes during the weird-ass stuff, I might like them, because the premise sounds interesting. Seriously, those characters were straight up ODD. Also, not pretty to look at, unless you're Charlize or one of the Wives.

So, yeah, I'm not sure why the Academy thought this was on par with the other movies I saw today. Maybe they're more hip than I am. Or their eyes don't hurt when they see all of the weird.

Itty Bitty Living Space

Yesterday, Linda and I attended Day One of the AMC Theaters Best Picture Showcase, wherein we get to see all 8 of the Best Picture nominees for the Academy Awards.

The first film shown was "Bridge of Spies", which I had already seen, and enjoyed again upon the second viewing.

Our host, Sean, did some trivia between films. I won a t-shirt! He had asked what other nominations "Bridge of Spies" had earned, and I answered Best Supporting Actor for Mark Rylance. Yay, me!

The second film was "Room".

***All movie posts on this site have spoilers, and this one is no exception. If you plan on seeing the movie, stop here and go see the movie first, please.***

Jacob Tremblay is going to make a lot of money as an actor. Goodness gracious, he was incredible.
Brie Larson was also amazing. I especially liked the way she tried to get Jack to understand the truth about their situation.
That is way too much butter for that small of a cake.
"I want to be 4 again."
I was very tense during the truck ride. My whole body was clenched and I somehow didn't scream out loud.
I was really worried that Old Nick had gone back to kill her.
Interesting that the doctor thought of the sunglasses, sunscreen and surgical mask. They all made sense, yet I guess I never thought of that when seeing these stories in the news.
I wanted to slap that interviewer with her insensitive questions.
"I love you, Grandma."
"Ice cream hurts."
Yay, Seamus!
"It's my Strong."
"I've been wanting to cut that hair for a LONG time." Joan Allen. Yay! Makes me want to see "Pleasantville" again.
William H. Macy is just too good, not being able to look at Jack, and the anguish in his eyes. Yup, "Pleasantville" thoughts.
"When I was small, I only knew small things. But now I'm five, I know EVERYTHING!"
"You're still Ma." (OK, I'm crying again).
Seven years in there. SEVEN?!?
Nice shot of Jack playing with LEGOs in the closet even when living in the big house.
Oh, yeah, you bet I was a mess of tears through much of this movie. The guy next to me kept saying "WOW" afterward, and that he didn't see any of that coming. He was somehow surprised that his friend, sitting behind him, had cried during the movie. How could you not? Oh my gosh. AMAZING.

So Much 2 Sing

Take 6

Friday, February 19, 2016

Lewis Family Playhouse

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

I left work earlier than usual (but still late) to get myself out to Rrrrrancho Cucamonga to see one of my favorite vocal bands. I was doing OK until I got to Upland and traffic slowed. ACK! I figured that I'd miss at least the first song because I only had 8 minutes to get in my seat by the time I exited the freeway. Prepared to be detained in the lobby, I looked at the monitors and saw that the stage was still being set up. Yay! I found Wendy and her friend Esther waving at me from the middle of the orchestra level, and excitedly went to my seat.

Take 6 entered the stage wearing jeans and blazers over their shirts. Casual and cool. this is as much of the set list as I could remember.

Happy

What a fun way to start the show, with everyone clapping their hands and getting all into the music!

Spread Love

I love when they go way back to the era when I first knew about them. This was their first single.

They sang a jazz song with Alvin on the piano, and the other guys were visibly pointing to their ear buds and looking up at the booth. I told Wendy, "They're talking to their Fred." Alvin couldn't take it anymore and stopped the song, saying, "I'm sorry, but Tommy, I can't hear a thing, and I rehearsed this way too much to not be able to hear it." Tommy got it going, though. See? This is why they should just sing a capella and not use any tracks, which is what they used for the other instruments.

Overjoyed

So pretty. I love this song. This one was done with Khristian on the piano, I think.

Take 6's new CD will be released on March 25. It is called "Believe". They made sure we would remember it by quizzing us. I failed, saying that the release date would be "Believe".

David talked about all the bad things we see on TV these days, and introduced one of the songs on "Believe"...

When Angels Cry

Lovely. Does this mean that the new album will be all a capella?

Windmills of Your Mind

David said that they saw "The Thomas Crown Affair" and they liked this song so much that Mark arranged it for them.

Stand By Me

Joey kept trying to get someone to go over and actually Stand By him. Had he been pointing in our direction, I would have gotten up, or pushed Wendy to go up there...and taken a picture...and sent it to Rockapella to show them what to do.

Claude and Mark have been singing together for 36 years! Incredible.

They did some jamming. This is what I love about jazz, all that improv, mostly because I can't improvise worth a damn, so I'm in awe of anyone that can do that. Alvin told us to take out our cell phones and they told us to "Like" them on facebook, but he didn't tell us that we could record that, and then chastised those of us who weren't smart enough to do it. Oh, it's ON next time, Alvin! :) "Stop! Wait a minute."

They called a lot of audibles during the evening. One was a tribute to Maurice White of Earth, Wind, and Fire. They sang portions of a few songs, including "Can't Hide Love", with Claude reaching those way high notes.

Another audible was called. "Since Stevie Wonder is my best friend...", Mark said, looking at Joey, who informed the audience, "But I'm his brother!"

I Wish

OK, I would like to hear them sing this WITH Stevie. Awesome.

I L-O-V-E You

This is from my favorite Take 6 CD "So Much 2 Say". They didn't sing my fave song from that CD (also my fave Take 6 song), though.

Mary

Going way back again! Mark and Joey showed off their vocal gymnastic skills by trying to outdo each other. So awesome. "Tell Martha not to moan."

Fly Away

I've decided that Khristian, the baritone of the group, has a personality like Rockapella's Elliott, the baritone of that group. He's all smiley and stuff. When he was about to start talking, a guy from the front row came back from the restroom, and Khristian teased him, saying, "Here's your seat, sir. Nice of you to come. The show's almost over." The audience laughed and laughed. "I'm sorry, but that was hilarious."

Anyway, I have this song on CD and forgot all about it. I love this song.

Alvin: "Are we ready to race now?"

The group nodded and took deep breaths.

So Much 2 Say

Wow. I can't believe how fast they sing this live! I even understand what they're saying even better than when I listen to the recording. The piece goes into lots and lots of tangents, as they sing stuff like the Bee Gees' Night Fever and several Michael Jackson songs, which Khristian rocked! No, Elliott would not have been able to do those moves. Sorry, El.

Encore

They returned to the stage, took off their ear buds, and put their mics on the floor. Then they proceeded to sing my favorite song in the whole world. I whispered this to Wendy and she gave me moral support by holding on to me, because I thought I was going to lose it.

Alleluia by Randall Thompson

Yes, they sang it "Hallelujah" instead of without the "h", but I'm good. I mean, one of my favorite vocal groups singing this song in their style....happiness! OMG, I'm crying again. Why don't I have this CD "One"? I need to remedy this.

I'm pretty sure I was the first one to stand after this was done.

I bought their "The Standard" CD and got in line for the meet and greet after we took pictures by their poster.

We just saw them!

Not all of them were available, but I spoke briefly with one of my favorite basses in the world (Alvin), MJ extraordinaire Khristian, and the man himself, Mark. Their version of Phil said that we could take one picture per group, so I told Aura to be a group with her friend, and I'll be a group with Wendy, and we'd have more pictures. :)

Mark, Wendy, Khristian, Sher, and Alvin

When I got home, I checked my trip report from the last Take 6 concert I attended, and I realized that I had met them back then. Why didn't I remember that earlier? So weird. I guess it's because I didn't take pictures with them.

I had a great time, and I look forward to hearing the new CD! Thank you for a great show, Take 6!!!!!!

Saturday, February 20, 2016

PusherPix 02/20/16

PusherPix

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Day One of the AMC Theaters Best Picture Showcase. Get ready for several movie posts!

Friday, February 19, 2016

PusherPix 02/19/16

PusherPix

February 19, 2016

Take ummm..3.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

PusherPix 02/18/16

PusherPix

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Awesome lunch today at Louie Bottega: Crab beignets and Duck Prosciutto Crostini. I also got macarons: mango and red crudo.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

PusherPix 02/17/16

PusherPix

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The view from underneath my umbrella is even prettier when I actually have it with me while I'm walking in the rain.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

PusherPix 02/16/16

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

"Alarm sounds like whoop"

Monday, February 15, 2016

PusherPix 02/15/16

PusheePix

Monday, February 15, 2016

Happy HippopoTAMus Day!!!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

PusherPix 02/14/16

PusherPix

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Happy Valentine's Day, Deadpool!

Valentine's Day with Mr. Pool

I wanted to go out and play today, so I met up with Linda at the movie theater for some "Deadpool". (OK, I just went to the official site, and I love the sign on the theater seat next to him that reads "For Your Mom"). I was all happy when I got there because during my walk over, Rockapella's version of "Cupid" popped up on my phone. Awwww, how perfect for Valentine's Day! Then I remembered that Steve sang this in my house and I was so distracted that I didn't see Linda walking my way until she called my name. We had reserved seats so we weren't freaking out about time, and I took a couple of pictures with the man of the day before going into the theater. I am only looking forward to one of the 7 movies that were shown in trailers. Six? I don't know. I only want to see one: "Batman vs. Superman". My 2 guys! Oh, but we're here for someone else today. Take it away, Merc with a Mouth.

OMG, the opening credits. Hilarious.
Whoa, that's violent. A lot of blood and pieces of bodies strewn about. People, if you bring your young children, it will be your fault when they grow up to be psychopaths.
Also, that's a lot of nudity/sex. People, if you bring your young children, it will be your fault when they ask you all of those uncomfortable sex questions.
The cursing. Have you all gotten the hint yet to NOT take your kids to this movie, expecting a regular superhero flick? Because if not, you need to go to a parenting class or something. He says in this movie that he is NOT a hero. He's really not.
So, so funny! There were so many lines that I love that my brain can't think of all of them.
Ryan Reynolds was made for this part. It's not wonder that he campaigned for it for such a long time.
T.J. Miller! I love him on "Silicon Valley".
"You look like an avocado had sex with a much older avocado."
Love all of the fourth wall breaking. "That's....sixteen walls!"
The taxi driver. The contents of the trunk. The whispering. Great!
"He got his name from a cleanser." The spelling of "Francis". The drawing of Francis. "Have you seen this man?"
That's the lady from "V". I like long hair on her. I also like that she's not trying to invade Earth to use our bodies as food.
The soundtrack was awesome, especially the use of "Careless Whisper" and "You're the Inspiration". Also, and of course, "Shoop", one of my favorite Salt 'n' Pepa songs.
"Don't make the super suit green! Or animated!"
OMG. The hand. OMG. I could not stop laughing for a while after seeing that baby hand.
"It's like the studio didn't have enough money for another X-Men movie."
Polverine. The mask under the mask.
Ferris!

I'll be seeing this many times, but perhaps not on the big screen because there's so much movie watching for me in the next couple of weeks that I don't know if I can squeeze it in again. Great Valentine's Day movie, though. It's a love story that starts with a murder!

Making The World Taste Good

Remember my trip report from Reno that included the tidbit that Steve and Jeff were talking business at breakfast and on the way back to the hotel?

This is one of the things they talked about. KP and I should be named as creative consultants because we did take part in the conversation. We'll take any positive credit, anyway. :)

Enjoy Rockapella's sugar-filled version of Sammy Davis Jr.'s "Candyman", as arranged by C. Scott Leonard IV.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 13, 2016

PusherPix 02/13/16

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Saturday, February 13, 2016

It's a beautiful day, and the grapefruit are abundant in my town.

Friday, February 12, 2016

PusherPix 02/12/16

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Friday, February 12, 2016

L.A.Live is getting geared up for Monday's GRAMMY awards.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

PusherPix 02/11/16

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Art at 7th & Fig. Each "door" has a different poem by the artist.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

PusherPix 02/10/16

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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Someday, that purple line will be longer. Someday sooner, I hope to get a picture of the current Gold Line diagram before it changes.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

PusherPix 02/09/16

PusherPix

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

I wanted Mardi Gras food but the place we wanted to go to for lunch is now only open for dinner. We ended up at Lucky Strike because they had this Shrimp Po'Boy Sliders dish. It was tasty, but not as tasty as those Sweet Potato Tots.