Abe's Adages 04/30/17

Abe's Adages: Week 12

On Assertiveness:

"You must not wait to brought forward by the older men...Do you suppose that I should ever have got into notice if I had waited to be hunted up and pushed forward by older men?"

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

Abe's Adages 04/26/17

Abe's Adages: Week 11

On Vision:

"If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

Abe's Adages 04/09/17

Abe's Adages: Week 10

On Curiosity:

"I know of nothing so pleasant to the mind, as the discovery of anything that is at once new and valuable."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

DLR LotD 04/02/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Sunday, April 2, 2017

"Does it taste better with the tarnish?" -- Cindy, to Glenn, at the Salon

Abe's Adages 03/31/17

Abe's Adages: Week 9

On Diligence:

"Half finished work generally proves to be labor lost."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

Abe's Adages 03/23/17

Abe's Adages: Week 8

On Work:

"The mode is very simple, though laborious and tedious. It is only to get the books, and read, and study them carefully...Work, work, work is the main thing."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

Monkey Day

My friends and I saw "Kong: Skull Island" today.  It was Mox's second time to see it, so we saw it in 3D.  On the way in to the mall, I saw that they have a new place in the mall called "Monkey Bar" and decided we should go there afterward to make it a theme day.  But first, we needed to get our tickets and obtain refreshments, during which time I got irritated by people whom went up to the counter to order but didn't have the person in the party that was supposed to pay.  Maybe you should wait before holding up the line of people that would like to be on time for their movies.  People make me crazy.  We arrived at our seats during the trailers.  I was disappointed that the only 3D movie trailer we saw was for "Ghost in a Shell".  I'm not planning on seeing that one.

• The first reveal of Kong: WHOA.
• Tom Hiddleston is so yummy when he kicks butt.
• "Hoooold on to your butts!"  -- Hey, that line sounds familiar, Samuel L. Jackson.
• That shot of the silhouette of Kong in front of the sun with the helicopters approaching it is awesome.
• "Is that a monkey?"
• Kong likes octopus sashimi.  Very fresh octopus sashimi.
• Those of you that do not like spiders need to not watch a part of this movie, because wow, that was big, and ewwww.
• Those skullcrawlers were yucky.  Those long tongues.  Yikes!
• "I never said that name out loud before, it sounds stupid now that I think about it. You just call them whatever you want."
• I heart John C. Reilly.
• I like the soundtrack.  It includes "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress".
• Irritated that they turned on the lights when the credits were still being shown.  You know, the credits when they're showing what happens when they get home.  A whole heckuva lot of people missed the ending tag.  Dummies.  It got me all excited!

See, people, this is what happens when you bomb an island that did nothing to you: birds tear you apart, lizards eat you, and spiders step into your mouth.  I really liked this movie, and am looking forward to the other installments.

Yes, we did end up at Monkey Bar.  During our discussion, John Gallagher, Jr.'s name came up.  You know what he's been in?  A show called "Love Monkey".

See?  Monkey Day!!!

A Rose for his Daughter

Instead of going to a Friday night showing, my friends and I went to a Saturday showing at the El Capitan for the live action "Beauty and the Beast".

As we were waiting to go into the theater, we could hear the soundtrack playing, but I didn't want to hear it yet. I know the story and all of that, but I could hear that some of these songs were new, and that was a spoiler for me.  We had also taken a look in the store and I decided that I wanted to return there afterward to purchase a couple of things.

I like the posters in the theater as they were all the characters coming to life, as if we were in a Harry Potter movie.  The theater was all sparkled up for the show, with a new Swarovski Crystal curtain, a spring garland hanging between the very sparkly chandeliers, and lamps on the box seats.  I didn't know what these were until I saw them in the film, though.

  My friends and I were not all sitting together, but a few of us were near each other, so I made them take a selfie with me.  

Say "BEAST!"

After we saw the trailers, images of animated rose petals were shown on the curtain, and it was time for the movie.

• Beast's castle on the Disney logo!  YES!
• I like that we saw more of the background of Beast's story.  Interesting that Mrs. Potts blamed herself and the others for not doing anything to stop him from being so selfish.
• Audra!  I also like that we got to see what everyone looked like before the transformation, as well as what happens to them when the last petal falls.
• It seems that they played "Belle" in a lower key, perhaps to adapt to Emma Watson's lower voice.  I did like the way that she paused at certain words for emphasis, although she is clearly not a musical theater vocalist.
• "Two lovers in fair Verona".  Beast ranting about the Romeo and Juliet story was hilarious.  I do miss the plot of Belle teaching Beast how to read, though.
• "Was that a joke?  Are you doing jokes now?"
• Why are the villagers so mean to Belle that they had to ruin her laundry?  What IS that?
• I think that I cried in every scene with Belle and Maurice, except maybe the escape scene.  That love between them has always been the heart of the story for me.
• Gaston and the mirror.  So very Gaston.
• Interesting that the woods turn to winter weather when Maurice gets closer to Beast's castle.  I miss the clever signs from the animated version, though.
• I would have liked to see Belle be more excited during "Be Our Guest".  I mean, hello, they put on a huge production number for you!  I know she's sad that she's there and she's not with her father, but she could at least show a little more surprise.
• Agrabah!
• Whoa, Beast, that is HUGE snowball, and you hit her face!  How did she not have a big, bruised Marcia Brady nose after that?
• "I've seen Defense of the Dark Arts before, but this is something else." -- Hey, I see what you did there.
• "I think we let the wrong monster out."
• "Someone turn me back into a clock, please!"
• I do wish that they had incorporated the songs from the musical theater rendition.  I heard "Home" in the score at one point, though, and it made me smile.
• Love that Cadenza's teeth were missing when he became human because he spit his piano keys at the villagers during the battle.
• "How do you feel about growing a beard?"  "Rrrawrr!"
• My favorite portrayal in this film was Josh Gad as LeFou.  Funny as always, and I rooted for him at the end.

While I didn't like the film as much as I loved the animated feature, I did enjoy it.  Out of all of the props on display, I liked the enchanted rose the most.

Made by Swarovski

Music box by Maurice

"I use antlers in all of my decorating"

Lumiere's costume

Belle's and Beast's costumes

Cogsworth's costume

At the store,  I bought the Deluxe CD of the soundtrack and score because I really like Josh Groban's rendition of "Evermore".  I also bought the pretty compact mirror with a rose.  I also bought Ariel stuff there and at Hot Topic, because, well.. ARIEL!  

Abe's Adages 03/13/17

Abe's Adages: Week 7

On Time Management:

"This habit of uselessly wasting time is the whole difficulty; and it is vastly important...that you should break this habit."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

She's Very Much Like You

I went to the movie theater to see "Logan", thinking that I would be seeing the 10:30 show in the Dolby theater.  I asked for a ticket for "Logan in Dolby".  After I got my snack, I went to the theater, and the sign said "9:30 Logan".   Two other women were about to go in, and I said, "That should be 10:30, right?"  We figured that the theater hadn't adjusted everything for Daylight Savings yet, because they were having issues with their scanning system at concessions for AMC Stubs.  They kindly opened the doors for me, and as we walked into the theater, we realized that the movie had already started...45 minutes ago.  So we went to Guest Services.  The women had bought their tickets online the night before, and at the time, the website said that the movie would start at 10:30.  I looked at my ticket and realized that when I paid for my ticket at the window, I was given a ticket for the 12:45 show.  Ohhhh.  The AMC guy apologized for all of the confusion, gave us refunds, and offered a free ticket to the 10:30 show in Standard format.  We all agreed.  By the time I got into the theater, about 80% of the seats were already taken, but since I was attending solo, I was able to get a seat.  Phew!  

• Well, that was violent.  Like, beheadings and stuff.
• Loved all of the "Logan" posters during the Deadpool segment.  "He just wears a tank top and jeans."
• Opening line: "What the f**k?" Yup, it's rated R all right.
• Oh, Stephen Merchant!  I recognized his voice but couldn't figure out the actor because of all of the makeup.  
• Well, that was violent.  Like, beheadings and stuff.
• The comic books.  The Wolverine action figure.  Made me smile.
• "I always know who you are.  I just sometimes don't recognize you."
• "...and this is Chuck."
• "This is what life looks like.  People love each other.  You should take a moment.  Feel it.  You still have time." <beat> "Okay."
• Sir Patrick Stewart made me cry with his last monologue.  Hugh Jackman made me cry with his last lines, too.  
• "Beware the light."
• "NOT okay!"
• Dafne Keen did a great job as Laura.  I liked how her eyebrows kind of perked up when she was eating her cereal and bracing herself for all of the bad guys coming to get her.  Also, when she started yelling all of he kids' names at Logan.  Plus, she's a badass.
• The growling from both Laura and Logan.  Rrrawwwrrrr!
• The kids giggling when they trimmed his beard.  "That's not funny!"
• Me, in my inside voice (I think): "The babies! Don't hurt the babies!"  I was a little emotional about the kids being in danger.
• "So this is what it feels like."
• The X as the grave marker.  
• I did not go into this expecting to cry buckets of tears.  My goodness gracious.  Great movie.

DLR LotD 03/11/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Saturday, March 11, 2017

"You have the clap." -- Jeff Smith, to a section of the audience, at Paradise Garden Bandstand

m-pact

Abe's Adages 03/12/17

Abe's Adages: Week 6

On Magnanimity:

"With malice toward none.."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

Abe's Adages 03/05/17

Abe's Adages: Week 5

On Patience:

"Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.  If there be an object to hurry any of you, in hot haste, to a step which you would never take deliberately, that object will be frustrated by takiing time; but no good object can be frustrated by it."

Source: Gene Griessman, The Words Lincoln Lived By

The Batman In The Mirror

I used my free movie pass today to see "The LEGO Batman Movie". YAY!  Finally!  All of this Oscars business made me miss opening weekend, so I didn't want to wait anymore.  Linda joined me, and I'm glad she did because we could laugh together.

• "Black."  First word of the movie, and I was already giggling.
• "Yeah, I've got an extra ab."
• "Iron Man sucks."
• That popcorn was huge.
• Why is he still wearing his cowl when he's wearing his bathrobe?
• The "Superman" theme as the doorbell at the Fortress of Solitude is awesomesauce.
• Justice League Dance Party!  Wonder Woman used her lasso to dance!
• All of the different bat suits, and Alfred wearing Adam West's.  YES.
• Heh.  "Harvard For Police".
• Enjoyed all of the different references to other incarnations of Batman.  Especially when the ones referencing the TV series' theme song.
• All of those villains.  OMG, so random.  Gremlins, Jurassic dinos, King Kong, Sauron, Agent Smith, and more!
• I love that Voldemort pretty much only knows "Wingardium Leviosar".  Too bad Ralph Fiennes couldn't play both Alfred and Voldemort.  That would have been fun.
• "Sorry, my pants are attached to my shoes."
• Nightwing!
• "B Go."  Love it.   Yay, Batgirl!!!
• "Shamon"

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and look forward to seeing it again.  I think I need that soundtrack, too.

Math Doesn't See Race

The final movie in the AMC Best Picture Showcase was the one I was most looking forward to seeing: "Hidden Figures".

• Well, there are Janelle and Mahershala again!  Hi, there!
• "Here at NASA, we all pee the same color."
• I liked the music, and wondered why I hadn't heard it before, because it sounded like it was from the era in the movie.  Well, because they just wrote it recently, Sher.
• "It's equal rights.  I have the right to see fine in every color."
• John Glenn.  So cool.
• Loved the clothing that the women wore.
• All of the actors did a great job, especially Octavia Spencer.  I would have liked to see Taraji P. Henson get an Oscar nomination, too, though.
• I couldn't get The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon character out of my head for Jim Parsons' role, because of the dialogue.

I enjoyed this movie, and I'm glad the day ended on a high note.  Nope, I didn't cry.

Non-zero Sum Game

After a dinner break, during which I bought two different meals because I didn't like the first one, we returned to the AMC to watch the 4th movie of the day, "Arrival".  

• Amy Adams was amazing.  I do not understand why she wasn't nominated for an Academy Award for this role. 
• I kept thinking that the 12 different ships would come together and make some kind of huge pod-looking ship.
• Louise just shouldn't tell Ian about Hannah's disease, right?  Then he wouldn't leave.  Is she not allowed to change the timeline?
• "Offer weapon."  "Language...is the first weapon drawn in a conflict."
• "You told me my wife's dying words."
• "You can understand communication and still end up single."
• "Louise knows future."
• They gave her the gift of time, right?  That was their offer?  Or just understanding time?
• "When you know their language, you experience time differently."
• "In 3000 years, we'll need your help."  So somebody is recording all of this and will keep it in some archive with some kind of notification system to get ready in 2999 years, right?
• "Mom, I told you not to watch that channel.  They're idiots."
• "The show is called 'Mom and Dad talk to animals'."
• So if the bird in the cage was fine the entire time, why didn't the others ever take off their suits?

Help Me Get One More

The third movie of Best Picture Showcase Day 2: "Hacksaw Ridge".   The theater folks already ran out of tissues, so we were on our own.  

•  I was not looking forward to seeing a war movie.  I'm glad that it was oh so much more than that.
• "This way I can just beat the one that wins."
• "How long have you been dead, Private?"
• "Keep this one away from strong winds."  
• Vince Vaughn's comedic acting is spot on, and I loved him in this part.
• "Are you going to ask me to marry you or what?"
• BUGLE!  
• Spider-man was on that ridge, albeit with a different kind of web.
• "This is not the time for target practice."
• "Most of these men don't believe the same way you do, but they believe so much in how much you believe."
• 75.  He saved 75 men that day.  What an incredible story.  Thank you, Desmond Doss, for your service to our country.
• Andrew Garfield was amazing.  He just said on the Oscars Red Carpet that when he read the script, he cried through the whole thing.  You could tell that his heart was in this part, and well-deserving of the Oscar nomination.
• Mel Gibson did a fabulous job with this one.  Brilliant way of getting me to that "I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me" place.

A Long Way Home

The second show for Day 2 of AMC's Best Picture Showcase was "Lion".  I'd been wanting to see this movie, so I'm glad it was nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award so that I could watch it today.

• That kid is freaking adorable!!!
• I can't even comprehend being that kind of lost as an adult, much less as a small child.
• That lady working the adoptions in India sure has a huge job.
• I liked the cute courtship on the sidewalk between Saroo and Lucy.
• I like Dev's hair, very mane-like. Oh, Dev, you're amazing, as usual.
• Beautiful cinematography of Tasmania.
• "I'm not from Calcutta.  I'm lost."
• Poor Mum.  How awful to lose both of her boys that day, even though she did get Saroo back.
• Google Earth reunites families.
• Oh, Sheru. 
• I was a crying mess after that.
• "In Loving Memory of Guddu."  Because I hadn't cried enough.

In Moonlight, Black Boys Look Blue

Today was Day 2 of the AMC Best Picture Showcase.  I wasn't able to attend Day 1, so I'm glad that I still found time to see the 4 films that they showed that day.  I'm bummed, though, for my friend that had tickets at another theater today.  They canceled the show because the projector broke.  You couldn't use another theater?  

Anyway, first up for today: "Moonlight".

• That first scene made me kinda dizzy.
• I heart Mahershala Ali, even when he plays a drug dealer.  Well, a drug dealer with a heart of gold.  
• Naomie Harris did an excellent job portraying her character.  I really despised her until her last scene, which just had me bawling.
• Was that the same crown in Chiron's car that Juan had in his?
• "You're still the same, can't put more than three words together."
• "I saw that.  You didn't want to waste any of it."
• "I can't really taste it so I stay away from it."
• "These Grandma rules, man: yo ass eat, yo ass speak."
• All of the guys playing Chiron did a great job portraying him without the use of a lot of words, because that guy does not talk a lot.  In fact, Linda said that there was much chatter after the film was over, and we thought that maybe people needed to hear each other talk after there was so much silence.  That screenplay must have been sparse dialogue-wise.
• Beautifully done. I just wanted to hug Chiron all of the time.

DLR LotD 02/21/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Special Robert Mondavi Wine Dinner edition!

First Course: Scallop* paired with Fume Blanc Reserve, Napa Valley, 2012*
"I need to put up my pinkie finger." -- Mox, to Sherry

butternut squash puree, maitake shitake crimini mushrooms,
crispy kale, olive vinaigrette

Second Course: Oxtail Ragu* paired with Pinot Noir Reeserve, Carneros, Napa Valley, 2013
"He's still making word things." -- Cindy, to Sherry

braised oxtail, masa gnocchi, cilantro pickled slaw

Third Course: Duck* paired with BDX Red Blend, Oakville, Napa Valley, 2012
"That's duck." -- Glenn, to Sherry

carrot braised steel oats, puffed rice, plum demi

Fourth Course: Venison paired with Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Oakville, Napa Valley, 2013
"I don't get to pet Jeff very often." -- Cindy

saffron onion soubise, king trmpets, golden gooseberries

Fifth Course: Chocolate Mousse Cake paired with Moscato D'Oro, Napa Valley, 2014*
"There's no honeycomb!" -- Valerie, from the next table

Italian meringue, quince,
honeycomb

*Sherry's favorites