The Legend of Captain Crow

 I watched "The Sea Beast" on Netflix a bit ago.

• Whoa, that water looks real.
• I love Maisie and her love of adventure.
• How many of those huge monsters are there?!!?
• APPARENTLY, a whole lot of them.
• They're so pretty!  I want a blue one.
• "You picturing us on a form or something?"

I enjoyed this movie.  Glad to read that a sequel is in the works.

Take the Baton

Time for Tar, which I watched on Peacock. 

• "You don't call women astronauts 'astronettes'."
• Interestng that student Max can't direct to Bach because he doesn't see eye-to-eye with his lifestyle.  I don't know why any musician would let that cloud their judgement.
• Not cool, Tar.  Asking principal cellist in front of the entire orchestra if she would mind auditioning for the solo?  That should have been done in private.  I know it's because she had no intent to have anyone play it other than the new girl.  That was just horrible.
• Who was wearing those big boots?  And who was screaming?  I guess she was paranoid because of Krista's obsession?
• I mean, why did she take the girl with her to NYC, knowing about the stuff they're staying about her and younger people?
• Oh, she had two places!  I was so confused.
• I laughed a lot at her reaction to the neighbor wanting to schedule apartment showing without all of her "noise".
• I don't understand.  How did he get her score?  And what the heck?!?
• "Music is movement."  I liked what that guy was saying.  I hope I can find thata video so I can listen to the whole thing.
• They're speaking tagalog!  They're in the Philippines!  That's a jeepney! Why is she there?!  (Yes, I was saying all of these things out loud, so it's good I wasn't in a theater.)
• "Is there something wrong with the water?"  "No, there are crocodiles."  <Takes hand out of water> "Oh."
• Whoa.  Filipino massages are...different.  Why did it make her throw up in the street?  Did it remind her of the crap back home?
• Oh, she's conducting her music from the film score, like when we watch at Hollywood Bowl.  I get it.
• The movie's done?

All Quiet, Redone

 I don't know if I would have volunteered to see "All Quiet on the Western Front" when it was in theaters, but I'n glad that it was available on Netflix so I could take time to watch.  I viewed it with German language and English subtitles.

• Awww... wolf pups!
• Not so awww...bunch of dead soldiers.
• I didn't know that they reused the uniforms from the dead soldiers, but that saves money.
• I like the scene on the farm when they're eating all of the stolen food.
• Cinematography is beautiful.  Lots of gross scenes, though, because of war blech.
• So naive thinking they ere going to have fun attacking the French.  
• The French have good wine, even in the trenches.
• I mean...almost made it.  Sad.

Good film.  I need to see the original one someday.

Love Me Tender

 I'm an Elvis fan.  I don't know what prevented me from seeing Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" in the theater, but I regret that, especially once I saw Austin Butler on The Late Late Show and developed a crush on him.  I'm glad that I was able to see it on HBO, though.

• Love that blingy WB logo!
• His eyes are soooo blue.
• I would have totally been one of those girls screaming.
• "If I can't move, I can't sing."
• If Elvis could have, I think he would have been a Civil Rights advocate.
• The thing about rock and roll is that it's anti-establishment.  Sorry, not sorry, y'all.
• Love how they did the 1968 Comeback Special together with Colonel Tom thinking it was just about Christmas.
• "He's not wearing the sweater!"
• The Elvis figurine with the Christmas sweater!  I want one.
• OK, I just got the cape thing.  Because he wanted to be Superman!
• My hear is breaking all over again, just like when he died in real life.
• I did not know the story behind "Trouble".  Interesting.
• "When things are too dangerous to say, sing."

Mmmm...Austin Butler....dreamy....

Mer Na'vi

 I remember watching the original "Avatar" (not the Last Airbender") three times in the theater, because I was so amazed by the visuals that I wanted to see it in different formats.  So I knew when "The Way of Water" was released, I wanted to see it in IMAX3D.  I did!  

• I had no idea Kate Winslett was in this movie.  That's some good CGI.
• There were no mermaids harmed in the filming of this movie.  Also, there were no mermaids.
• I should have watched the original again, because I couldn't remember how the whole avatar works, and got a bit confused when they would go from real to avatar and back.
• The visuals were amazing again.  
• My favorite scenes were all of the underwater scenes. I mean, if anyone knows how to film with water, it's James Cameron, right?
• I want to swim with a tulkun!
• My favorite character was Spider.  He reminded me of Chaka from "Land of the Lost".  Is that weird?
• "I see you."
• Sullys stick together.
• Those soldiers are evil.  Why you gotta burn down a whole village?  They weren't attacking you.
• Actually, I want to ride with or on all of those creatures.  Very cool.

I won't be seeing this film 2 more times in the theater, but I did enjoy it.  Maybe I'll remember more stuff by the time we get to see the next one.

Little Wooden Boy

I was hesitant about watching Guillermo Del Toro's "Pinocchio", just because I didn't know if that was the one that people didn't like.  Apparently, that applies to the other Pinocchio movie released last year.  My thoughts as I watched on Netflix:

• I like that they look like they're made of wood.
• One song and I'm already crying.  I mean, I knew what was coming, and I still cried.
• "Model Fascist Youth" Ha!
• Is Sebastian's middle name "Jiminy"?
• That's how I am about balloons, Gepetto!  I wouldn't have taken it with me.
• Oh, I love the Ahab character!
• I was, like, "Mine, mine, mine" when I saw the seagull, and then BOOM.
• Who knew Mussolini liked puppets?  
• "This-a puppets I do not like."
• "Sometimes fathers say things they only think they mean in the moment.  But they love you."  I am a mess of tears!
• That's no island!
• "Well, I taught it to him, and he taught me right back."
• Oh, he gets his top hat!  And Ewan gets to sing!  

Well, that was beautiful and quite touching.

The Need for Speed. Again.

I remember seeing Tom Cruise's tweet "It begins." with a shot of him walking on an aircraft carrier with a fighter jet, and that I about lost my mind.  "They're doing a Top Gun sequel?!"  I've watched the original a LOT of times, and I was happy that I was able to watch the sequel, 2 decades later, in Dolby.  My thoughts on "Top Gun: Maverick":

• This movie was everything I hoped it would be.  Seriously.  I loved it and wished I could have seen it more than once, but couldn't.  I'm bummed about that, because it is meant to be seen on a big screen.  It's not just the visuals; it's also the story that I really liked.
• I told several people that if they liked the first movie, they needed to see this one on the big screen.  Some people listened to me, like my dad.  He loved it.  Some people did not listen to me and watched it on stream, so I hope they get to see a re-release some day.
• Oh, man, those flight sequences.  Incredible, especially when you realize that they used minimal green screen throughout the film, on Cruise's insistence.  Old school, like Maverick!
• I love the trivia that they all got to choose their own call signs.
• Maverick having to deal with teaching Goose's son reminded me of Luke trying to teach Ben Solo, although the outcome was very, very different.
• "My dad believed in you.  I'm not going to make the same mistake."  OUCH.
• Yay!  Beach bodies playing football!  
• ICEMAN!!!!!
• Apparently, I was supposed to know that Jennifer Connelly's character, Penny, is the admiral's daughter from the original movie.  Oh.
• For reals, though, that theme.  I love it.

Great, great movie.  Thanks for bringing it to life, Mr. Cruise!

Oscars 2023 Live Blog

We interrupt all of the non-blogging with some film stuff.

Happy Oscars Day!  I just barely watched all 10 of the Best Picture nominees, and rather than tweeting live, I'm blogging the fun of the day.  I'm also writing some of my thoughts from the Best Picture nominees separately, although the ones I saw on screen will be kind of vauge because I didn't have a notebook with me in the theater, and some I'm doing a year later.

CHAMPAGNE CARPET

3:30pm

• I feel like Ashley Graham (ABC) needs more clothing. 
• Jamie Lee Curtis clears stairways.  :)  I love her peach / sparkly ensemble.
• You go, Sarah Polley, with your tux!  I would think it would be more uncomfortable than a dress but whatevs.
• Malala Yousafi looking so gorgeous in that shiny silver dress.  I love it.
• Why is that guy so awkward?
• Zoe Saldana looking lovely as always.  I like the elegance of her Ferdi dress.  
• Ooh, I love the color of Stephanie Hsu's dress!  Lovely shade of pink.
• Is Angela Bassett wearing an Ouroboros necklace?
• I love Kerry Condon's Irish brogue.

4:30pm:

• Florence Pugh's hair is cute!
• Hugh Grant: "I can't remember my tailor."  He didn't have fun on set, so let's cut away now.
• Ke Huy Quan is adorable.  "Wow wow wow!"
• Michelle Yeoh looks like a ballerina from Swan Lake.  Beautiful!
• Wait.  Pedro Pacal's sister is nominated tonight?  Wow!
• If I was Austin Butler, I would have kept the 1968 Special outfit, too.  Sexy.  Have I told you that I have a crush on Austin Butler?
• Oh, there he is!  AUSTIN!!!  Aw, he brought his best friend instead of his girlfriend.  His best friends is also his agent.  Cute.  OMG, he says "nice to see you", and I so wish he was saying that to me!!!

So...I totally forgot that I was behind because I was watching that last film.  Hoping to catch up during the commericals.  Oy.

95TH ACADEMY AWARDS

• "Why are you like this, Tom?!!!"  Nice entrance, Jimmy.  Haha, needs to adjust his Danger Zone.
• "I'm glad to se that Nicole Kidman has finally been released by that abandoned AMC...and thank you for encouraging people to go to the theater,  to people that are already at the theater."  SPOT ON.
• "Two actors from 'Encino Man' are nominated ofr Oscars."   Should I see that movie now?
• "If you've never made love to the score to "Raiders of the Lost Ark", do yourself a favor.
• Cute story of the correspondence between Austin Butler and Tom Hanks via a typewriter by their characters.
• I love the list of people that any assailant would have to get through to get to Jimmy: Apollo Creed, Michelle Yeoh, The Mandalorian, Spider-man, Fableman, and Guillermo.
• Yay, all of the categories are back!  That was so disrespectful last year.  I hated it.  
• RRR dancing you off stage should actually be a goal.

Best Animated Feature 

    My favorite was Guillermo Del Toro's "Pinocchio".  (I haven't finished 'Puss in Boots' yet)

    Dwayne Johnson can't stop talking.

    Yay!  Pinocchio!!!  

Supporting Roles

    I'm rooting for Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis or Stephanie Hsu or Angela Bassett or Kerry Condon.  Clearly, I can't decide on supporting actress.  OK, if I had to decide to save my life: Angela Bassett.  No Jamie Lee.  Oh, just kill me now.  I haven't seen "Causeway" or "The Whale".

    So nice to see Tony Koster presenting.

    Whoo HOOOOO!!!! Ke Huy Quan!  I yelped from my seat.  Aw, Spielberg is giving a standing ovation.  Ooh, I like how the names of the winners are on movie theater marquees.  "Mom, I just won an Oscar!"  I'm totally weeping.  "This is the American dream!"  He thanked his Goonies brother for life, Jeff Cohen.  Go, CHUNK!!!!  "Dreams are something you have to believe in.  I almost gave up on mine.  To all of you out there, keep your dreams alive."  I'm so happy right now.

Jamie Lee Curtis!  Also a first nomination, and a first win!  I'm so happy for her!  I had no idea that she was married to Christopher Guest.  We just won an Oscar together!  Aw, the tears when she mentioned her parents, Tony Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh.  I'm a mess again.

She has a lovely voice.  Wish I could understand what was happening.  (Sophia Carson and Diane Warren for short stories about women).

Aw, cute shot of Jamie Lee and Key together!

Documentary

Nice to see Riz Ahmed and Questlove!

For Feature, I'm rooting for "Navalny", but haven't seen "All the Beauty...and "A House Made of Splinters".

Ooh, "Navalny" won!  This footage was amazing.  Very cool that they got a written statement from him in prison.

Short Live Action:

I've only seen "Le Pupille", which I really liked.

Congrats to "An Irish Goodbye" for your win.

Little Mermaid!!!  So a fancy way of showing us a trailer in the middle of the Oscars.  Interesting.  Necessary?  No.  Am I looking forward to the movie?  More than I thought I would.  Awkwafina?  Who is she playing?  No, don't tell me.   OK, I need to go make dinner. I'll play catch-up later.

Cinematography:

I'm rooting for "All Quiet..."

"All Quiet on the Western Front" wins!    

Well, a Very Merry Unbirthday to you, sir!

"One minute, you're fine, the next, your fingers are hot dogs."

I did not like the performance of "This is the Life" for "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once".  I feel like it was dissonant and weird.  I know the movie was weird, but still. 

Makeup

I had no favorites for this one.

Congratulations to the makeup team for "The Whale".

Warner Bros 100th Anniversary Tribute

The donkey from "Banshees..."!!

Costume Design

My fave is "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris."

Julia wearing her dress from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989.

I need to go to FIDM this week at my lunch break to see these.

Congratulations to Ruth Carter for "Wakanda Forever"!  I also liked those costumes a lot.

"Do you know Naatu?  If not, you're about to."

I've been looking forward to this all day.  "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR".

Yay!  That was awesome, and not even as long as the one shown on screen.

Eva Longoria providing support to the Academy President.  

Go to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures!  It's really cool.  

International Feature Film

Because we cannot have an Oscars ceremony with Salma Hayek, here she is with Antonio Banderas.

I have not seen all of the movies, but I'm rooting for "Argentina 1985".

I mean, I knew "All Quiet on the Western Front" would win, but a girl can hope.  I did like that movie, too.

Oh, the actors are there!  Felix was soooo good, and that was his first feature film!

Shorts were presented by presented by The Mandalorian and Scarlet Witch   

Documentary Short Film,
    I'm rooting for the elephants, but I haven't seen 3 of the movies. 
    Yay!  "The Elephant Whisperers" won!

Animated Short Film

    I didn't see any of these.

    Congratulations to "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse".

    "I'm British, so I"m more comfortable saying 'sorry'."

    

Lady Gaga performing with Bloodpop:  "This is a Life" from "Top Gun: Maverick"

    She could have sung that a cappella and it would have been equally as good as this was, she's just amazing.

Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell, representing the importance of using moisturizer.  Oh, Hugh, you scrotum.  

Production Design

My favorite is Elvis.

Congratulations to "All Quiet on the Western Front"!  

Original Score presented by Mindy Kaling and John Cho.   Love the bit about pronouncing Banshees of Inesherin

    Congratulations to Volker Bertelmann for  "All Quiet on the WEstern Front".  I didn't think I had a favorite, but when the house orchestra played the theme, I remember that I did really like this one the most.

I love Elizabeth Banks.  Why is she with Cocaine Bear?  Oh, she directed it?

Visual Effects

"Tom Cruise flying around is real, but also visual effects.  Wakanda is totally real."

I'm rooting for Maverick.

Congratulations to the theme for "Avatar: The Way of Water".

Malala, when asked about Harry Styles and Chris Pine: "I only talk about peace."

The bear is crawling around!  LOL

Rihanna singing "Lift Me Up" from "Wakanda Forever"

I like her outfit!

Beautiful job on a beautiful song.  Aw, I miss Chadwick, too.

7:30pm

Hi, James Hong!  One of our great living actors, and one of our worst civil engineers.

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield presenting the writing categories.

Original Screenplay

I'm rooting for "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once". 

Yes, the Daniels for EEAAO!!! 

Adapted Screenplay

        I'm rooting for "Women Talking".  I have not seen "Living".
        Congratulations to Sarah Polley for "Women Talking"! 

Hello, fake pilots from Maverick!

OK, I didn't understand the Robert Black in memoriam bit.  I will check socials later.

Sound categories presented by Jaenelle Monae and Kate Hudson.

Sound

I'm rooting for Maverick.

Yay!  A win for Top Gun!  Tom is smiling that Cruise smile somewhere out there right now.

Original Song

I'm rooting for "Naatu Naatu".

Yay!  "RRR"!!!

"I grew up listening to the Carpenters..." then goes into singing to "On Top of the World".  YES!

I'm now always concerned whenever John Travolta speaks at the Oscars because of past blunders.  But today, it's for In Memoriam, and I know he's there for Olivia.  So it's all good, JT.  Aw he said, "Hopelessly Devoted".  I CAN'T.  

Performed by Lenny Kravitz: "Calling All Angels".  Very nice, Lenny.

8:05pm

Avatar actors Sigourney Weaver and Zoe Saldana presenting Film Editing.

    I'm rooting for EEAOO.

    Yes!  Congrats to Paul Rogers for "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once".  I mean how could that film NOT get the award for editing?  He's adorbs.    Haha: "kind, generous, strange, sexy people".  I like him.  That's the most handsome film editor I've ever seen.  Have I seen other film editors, though?

Idris Elba and Nicole Kidman presenting for Directing.

    I'm rooting for the Daniels

    Oh, Yes!  Congratulations, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once"!!!

    Dressing in drag as a kid is a threat to nobody.  That's RIGHT.

    "Genius emerges from the collective."  Beautiful.  I love that his son "rearranges his DNA every day".  

Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry presenting Lead Actor/Actress awards

    Actor: I'm rooting for Austin Butler.  Ooh, he's sitting next to Angela Bassett!

    Congratulations to Brendan Fraser for "The Whale"!  He's going to make me cry, isn't he?  No, I'm OK.  I'm happy for him, though.

    Actress:  I'm rooting for Michelle Yeoh, and if it doesn't happen, there will be HELL TO PAY.

    Aw, they're all holding hands. 

    YES!!!!!  Congratulations, Michelle Yeoh, for "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once"!!!  QUEEN!  I love that the hot dog fingers are in the background.  "This is a beacon of hope and possibilities" for all of the little boys and girls that look like her.  "Ladies, don't ever let anyone tell you you are past your prime!"  She dedicated to all of the moms, the real superheroes.  I love the kiss to Oscar's head.  I am crying again!

Hello, Harrison!  Aw, cut to a shot of Data!  

Presenting Best Picture

Y'all know I"m rooting for EEAAO.  Or you haven't been paying attention.

Then my TV stopped recording.  OY.  Glad I"m watching live.

Congratulations to "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once"!!!!!!!  I'm so happy!!!  Who is that guy?  "It's intimidating speaking up here."  A24 cleaning up tonight.  "No person is more important than profits."  Thank you, Daniels!  

Jimmy Kimmel apologizes to Matt Damon, says Good Morning America is already in progress.

Love the Number of Oscars Telecasts Without Incident "001" sign!

Congrats to everyone!

It's 8:40pm.  I want dessert.

Please, Be Kind

My friends and I wanted to see "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once" as soon as we saw the trailer the year before.  So, naturally, we all wanted to see it as soon as it hit theaters.  I'm blogging about it a year later, so I'm missing a ton of stuff from my memory, which is a shame because this movie had SO MUCH going on that I wish I wrote it down.  Anyways...

• I heart Michelle Yeoh, especially in this movie, with every incarnation of her character.  She is a badass.  
• Key Huy Quan still has that tenor voice, and I'm all in with his character trying to save the multiverse.  
• Love the whole love story between Waymond and Evelyn, complicated as it is.
• Oh my gosh, the dad.  James Hong made me laugh so much.
• Jamie Lee Curtis as bad guy.  Love her.
• Hot Dog Fingers.  Enough said.
• Raccacoonie.  OMG.
• This movie made me crave an Everything Bagel.  I mean, it was so big!  I'm sure they wouldn't notice my bite taken out of it.  Joy might kick my butt, though.  Stephanie Hsu was great.
• "Every rejection, every disappointment has led you here to this moment" — Alpha Waymond.  I mean, is this the story of everyone's life?  Just Evelyn's?  Just mine?
• I think I'm the Waymond in this mutliverse, wanting people to be kind, looked at as naive, but I know that this is my strength.  Even when I don't want to be kind. 
• I wonder what my rock would look like.

Brilliant movie.  I'm hoping it wins the Best Picture Oscar today.

To N.Y.

Rockapella in NY

Travel Day

Thursday, December 8, 2022

I haven't seen a Rockapella Holiday show in several years, so when I saw that they would have some back to back concerts on a weekend I was free and they still had good seats left, I decided to use some of my travel funds and go to New York.  I asked Bro if he wanted to join me.  I was very happy that he said yes!  Bro was able to get a free flight from his miles, so bonus!  That meant that we would be taking separate flights, but we do that all of the time for drum corps finals, so no big deal.   

I couldn't decide whether or not I should park at LAX, and finally decided to take a Lyft, so that I could catch a ride home with Bro when we returned.  So I needed to pack for an extra day.  And for cold.  Possibly for snow.  Somehow I fit everything into one bag plus my carryon in case I wouldn't be able to check my bag.  I made an appointment for the Lyft, then worried that I wouldn't wake up in time for the pickup.  All was well, though, and I was waiting outside early.  The app notified me that my driver was either deaf or hard of hearing, and gave a couple of tips, like waving hello, and texting instead of calling if I needed to contact him before he arrived.  I thought that was pretty cool.  He could hear me fine, though, I think, but I did notice that he did not play any music so that he could concentrate on his navigation app.

I arrived at LAX with plenty of time to check my bag, so I did that, then waited until my appointment to go through security.  They were trying a new thing so that you don't have to stand in a long line, different from TSA pre-check because you still need to take off your shoes and all of that business.  So I texted Bro to let him know that I was in the airport, completely forgetting that he was already on his own flight, up in the air, and couldn't answer me.  My appointment time came up, and I ended up having done all that for nothing, because there was NOBODY in line at security.  I went to the appointment thing anyway, which was kind of useless, because the agent's app wasn't reading my QR code.  But at least I didn't have a long line to deal with. I decdied to get a muffin and didn't like it at all.  Note to self next time for Terminal 1:  don't get the muffins at Urtth Caffe & Bar. Dense and dry.  

Yay for non-full flights!  I talked to the guy seated at the window for a bit.  He was going back to St. Louis, but will be returning in a few months to live with his sibling, because he really likes LA.  I hope the job works out and he can work remotely.  I wasn't going to be staying long at all in St. Louis, but I wanted to know about the food there.  He said that I would have to get ribs since that's what they're famous for, but also that St. Louis has a bunch of different ethnic food because so many people from different cultures have immigrated there because of refugee status or whatever.  So they apparently have a huge Bosnian population there and I should try that food, too.  OK, I have food plans whenever I actually leave the airport in St. Louis!

My flight to LaGuardia must have been uneventful because I don't remember it at all, except that it was a full flight, and people didn't know how to just deal with their carryons and sit the heck down.  When I arrived, Bro met me at my gate and I marveled about the beauty of the airport.  But we had places to go, and it looked like it was going to rain.  

Bro had researched the transportation options for me while he was waiting at his fancy club, and we caught the free bus to the Woodside station of the Long Island Railroad.  I needed to take the elevator because I could not deal with lifting my bag up the stairs, and Bro met up with me on the platform.  I love that we can use apps for all of this transportation!  I downloaded the app, bought my ticket, and we got on the next train.  There wasn't room for two seats together plus my bags, so I sat in a different row as Bro.  The train stopped at one of the stations and I couldn't really hear what the conductor was saying.  We finally figured out that there was an accident at one of the stations down the way, and we were being told to get off to take another train because this one was scheduled to go toward that accident and needed to stop.  That took a while, though.  I texted Bro.

S: "Just hoping that there aren't any zombies at the Deerpark."

B: "Now that would be an adventure.  Got your running shoes on?"

S: "I'll just kick off these shoes and run in my socks."

If you haven't seen "Train to Busan", go watch it now.  It's on Netflix, and it's so good that I recommended it to Bro, completely forgetting that he's the one that recommended it to ME.  

The train we ended up riding blew through a bunch of stations without stopping, to make up for some time.  It was a crazy mess when we got to Farmingdale Station, because of all of the rerouting and people trying to get alternate rides home, and all of that.  I requested a Lyft, and I think I had 3 drivers cancel before we actually got picked up because it was so crazy. Like, people didn't even know how to get into the parking lot.  On a later day, we realized that it's because that area is kind of confusing with the parking lot situation.

Bro and I were hungry by the time we got to the hotel, and we decided to walk to an Italian restaurant down the street called Trento.  I was tired.  I was cold.  It was a little windy, too.  It seemed far because of that cold.  We passed 3 eating establishments on the way, but we were still determined to get there.   There were a lot of cars in the parking lot.  We hoped we could still get a table.  There was even a bouncer at the door.  It was really jumping for a Thursday night, with a DJ, people dancing, and dressed up for parties.  It turns out that there were two big parties there, having their holiday festivities.  While we were waiting for our table, I took a matchbook from the hostess station.  I think Bro took a pen.  Oh, I think I took a pen, too. The bouncer was amused by us and nodded as we took the free stuff.  

We were seated at a table right next to the dance floor, so it was really loud.  The drink menu folder did not actually have a menu inside.  Bro pointed it out to the server, and he apologized.  When he did come back with the drink menu, Bro ordered a Fragola Rock because, well, Fraggle Rock!   It contained Grey Goose, St. Germaine, Lemon, Strawberry Puree, and Prosecco.  I ordered The Temptress, made of Titos, Basil, Cucumber, St. Germain, Lime, and Agave.  Both were yummy.

Scotcherbreadman is here
 and ready to party! 

For our starter, we ordered the Eggplant Ripieno.  The menu did not mention that it came covered in a tomato-based sauce, but I ate some anyway.  It was really yummy.  

The food was taking a while, and the server felt bad, so he comped us a second round of drinks.  I think he also felt bad about the no-drink-menu thing.  We didn't care, but we're good with free alcohol, especially when it's this tasty!

I ordered the salmon, which was delicious with the brussels sprouts and cipollini onions.

Bro ordered spaghetti with seafood.  They brought over spaghetti with marinara, and no seafood.  The server again apologized and brought the correct dish. So Bro not only had 2 drinks; he also had 2 entrees!

Eventually, people from both of the parties ended up mingling on the dance floor, and we enjoyed watching all of the activity.  I wondered about all of the dynamics because one party was a business function, and the other one was a big family that always has their holiday dinners there.

We were quite full by the time the server asked if we had a dessert in mind.  Like, we were already going to wrap up one of Bro's entrees and the rest of the appetizer.   So we said no to dessert and made our way home.  The walk didn't seem as long at that point, probably because we were nice and full and needed the walk!  It was still cold, though, and we were thankful to get back into our cozy hotel room.  

What a great find that was!  If you're ever in Farmingdale, you should definitely try Trento.  I'm not just saying that because of the free stuff we got.  :)

I wasn't really that tired, because I was still on West Coast time, so I watched movies and played games on my phone.  I could have blogged, and did draft some notes at the time, but when I looked at them today, I'm glad that I didn't publish anything. They were kind of a mess, probably because of those two drinks.  

Next up: ROCKAPELLA!!!!!  

DLR LotD 01/20/2023

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Friday, January 20, 2023

"There's a banana in my pocket, and I am also happy to see you."  -- Sherry, to Glenndy, at Flo's V8 Cafe

Birthday Banana in a Clamshell

 

DLR LotD 01/19/2023

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Thursday, January 19, 2023

"Don't they know we're doing a photo shoot here?!" -- Sherry, to photopass CM, at the hub

Celebrating the Double Nickel birthday
 with Bananaman at the Happiest Place on Earth

DLR LotD 01/15/2023

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Sunday, January 15, 2023

"Because that's what you need: one more huge plate on the table." -- Mox, to Linda, at Catal

We're kind of all in there.
#typicalSherrySelfie

DLR LotD 01/01/2023

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Sunday, January 1, 2023

"Wait.  Where did the bottom go now?!" -- Sherry, in the Toy Story Parking Lot

Holding the bottom of my shoe
 in my hand

DLR LotD 12/31/2022

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Saturday, December 31, 2022

"Is it OK if we stay until midnight?" -- Sherry, to Hannah, multiple times at Catal

Last cocktail for 2022:
Chilly Chata at Catal

Captain Morgan Rum, Fireball,
Rumchata, housemade horchata,
whipped cream and cinnamon stick garnish

Delicious Opera Cake at Catal

Day of Days at LA Live

Day of Days

Saturday, November 12, 2022

X-Box Plaza at L.A. Live

Los Angeles, CA

It's been a few years since "Days of Our Lives" has conducted its "Day of Days" fan event .  I've only attended once before, mostly because of conflicting schedules.  That time was five years ago, at Universal Citywalk.  This time was in Downtown LA, close to my office, so I decided to take advantage of my parking space and my free time to attend.  None of my friends are regular watchers of DOOL anymore, so I just attend by myself and soak in the whole atmosphere.  So this probably won't interest anyone that regularly reads my blog, and is mostly for my own memory diary.  

I arrived at my office building about an hour before the start time of the event, and walked over to the plaza.  They had already started letting people into the area, which had been fenced off from other people at L.A. Live.  Admission was free, but we did have a security check.  Then they stamped one of my hands for re-entry and gave me a lanyard with a card for the event.

An hourglass!  So cool!
Please ignore my horribly dry skin.

  

Each person was given a DOOL canvas bag which contained a box-like envelope, a DOOL water bottle, a DOOL visor, and a DOOL face mask.  There were boxes of individual donuts available to pick up, which were labeled as coming from "Sweet Bits Bakery", a business owned by one of the show's characters.  Nice touch!  

While waiting for the event to start, I sat on one of the chairs facing the stage, where they showed a schedule of the signings.  The schedule included station numbers for each group of actors, and there were already some people lined up to talk to their favorites.  At the other time I went to this event, I really didn't have any idea what to do, so this schedule was very helpful for me to figure out my priorities.  I figured that I could save the ones I had already met as my lowest priority if I happened to have time.   Not all of those people were at this event, although most of the cast was there.  

The schedule was so packed with cast members that there were two sessions: AM and PM.  I texted my friends to let them know that I would meet them later rather than sooner.

There were signs around that had rules, which included the actors not signing our personal items, and recommending masks and keeping a safe distance to protect the actors.  Most people followed the safety recommendations, except for the mask thing.  That part was kind of awkward because each setup had 2 tables of 2 actors each.  Once you finished talking with the first two actors and getting a photo (most took off their masks), you would go to the next table and probably still have your mask off because you're also juggling your phone/ camera and the card the actors just signed for you.

I saw that the station for Drake Hogestyn (John Black), Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), Martha Madison (Belle Brady), and Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady) was starting to fill up fastest, so I got in line there.  

The event started, and the MC of the day, Tony, announced each actor's name as they came across the stage.  I was happy that Tony was the MC that day because I watch a weekly recap show that he hosts with a few other people every Sunday, called "Dishin' Days".  The actors already know him because they occasionally do interviews on the show and Tony finally got a chance to act on Days in their "Beyond Salem" spinoff on Peacock, so they are familiar with him already and it wasn't awkward at all.  

Billy Flynn planting a smooch on Tony

Remington Hoffman with Tony

Stephen Nichols with Tony

What I really like about this event is that they furnish the autograph cards, so you really don't need to bring anything but your camera / phone and your happy-to-meet-them face.  This year's cards were very nice, and that box-shaped envelope was in our bag to keep them pretty.  There were people from Peacock there to help with photos, and I asked for help instead of taking selfies because of my history with taking selfies of important moments.

I was behind a woman who was there with her mom and baby, so when we got to the front, Deidre and Drake were completely enamored with the baby and held him for photos and everything.  I was, like, "Why did I follow a baby?!" then realized that it was actually kind of a relief because I didn't know what to say anyway. I talked to a guy in line whom grew up watching DOOL with his mom, and was going to put her on Facetime when he got to the table.  I was going to help him with photos, but got so caught up in the moment that I forgot all about it.  He had help from the assistants, though, thank goodness, because I felt bad.  I just pretty much told everyone I loved them and thanked them, unless there was something specific I wanted to mention.  Deidre and Drake did not ignore me, though, and were very nice, trying to get my name spelled correctly.  

When I met Martha and Brandon, I let them know that Belle and Shawn are my favorite couple on DOOL, no matter who has been playing their part, but I do love the two of them.  I also said that it hurts whenever they're apart because I like the couple so much, and Martha reminded me that the conflicts are what keep them on the show.  I do know that, but I also like to see them be happy together for more than a couple of weeks at a time.  Somehow I was able to say all of that and not get lost looking at Brandon's gorgeous face.  My goodness gracious.  Like a perfectly chiseled work of art.  But I digress.

On the way to the next line, I saw Tony walking around, and asked to take a selfie with him.  For that one we could get right next to each other and take our time, so I felt more comfortable with taking the selfie.  I told Tony that I watch every week but don't post any comments because I feel like my input would be boring, and he told me that it's probably not, so I should post. I did look for the others that do the show, but they were inside the theater conducting some interviews and taking photos.  

With MC Tony

The next station was to meet Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton), Paul Telfer (Xander Cooke), Kyle Lowder (Rex Brady), and Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton).  Linsey and Paul were clearly having a fantastic time and were perfectly lovely to meet.  

When I got to the other table, I yelled enthusiastically, "KATE'S BOYS!" and laughed.  I don't know if they laughed, but they were a couple of jokers and laughed at whatever the other one said.  

I didn't have time to get in line for the other two stations, so I walked back to my office to sit down and rest during the lunch break.  I had some snacks, so I ate those and my Sweet Bits Donut for lunch.   Having my office nearby was also nice because I didn't need to search for a restroom, although I guess I could have used one wherever I ate lunch if I had done that.

When I returned to the plaza, the Day Players had already started their brief set.  The Day Players is made up of guys from the show: Brandon Barash (Stefan DiMera), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis), and Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera), along with another guitarist.  They sang their version of "Let It Go" from Frozen, which was hilarious, and Journey's "Faithfully".  I enjoyed their performance, and contemplated going to see them the next night, but it was in West Hollywood and I just didn't want to deal with a Standing Room Only show after a day of mostly standing.  

Here's a little bit of them singing George Michael's "Faith":

I then saw that the line was starting to get long already to meet Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Robert Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera), and Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark).  I thought that I was near the end of the line, but it was in a different place than the end of the line for the morning session.  Although I had seen Billy the last time I attended, it was just a quick picture of him and I didn't actually get to meet him, so this was my MUST meet of the day.  But then that group was taking its sweet time to get to the tables, and we all wondered if we would even get to see more than just this group.  They finally got to the table, and the people that were at the front of the line took a lot of time talking, which was a little annoying to the rest of us watching the clock and wanting to meet people, too.  I did get up there and told Robert that I get confused sometimes because he was very recently cast as a different character, but his current one is so different that I'm good with it once he starts talking.  Robert kept messing up the spelling of my name and Abigail had to repeat what I said a couple of times.  He apologized and I giggled. 

I told Billy that he crushed my soul when he was mourning his wife Abby's death, and I cried so much that I was physically hurting.  Yeah, like I almost couldn't breathe, it was that devastating.  I told him that he was outstanding in those scenes, and he thanked me.  I'm glad that I was able to say all of that and not get hypnotized by his blue blue blue blue blue eyes, because they're really blue and beautiful.  I told Greg that he always makes me laugh, and that I loved that he and Billy had drawn on each other's cards.  Just like how I would expect their characters to act.  

I did have some time to get in another line, so I decided I'd best go meet Marybeth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), George Delhoyo (Orpheus), and Victoria Konefal (Ciara Brady Weston).  When I got in line, Victoria had left for a few minutes, so I was worried that I wouldn't get to meet her, even though it was weird to see her at a table NOT with character Ben, whom was busy being character Alex now, and therefore sitting at a different table with some other woman.  This is what happens when you ride off in a boat into the sunset!  

While we were in line, Tony came over to give away some Rokus.  He wouldn't give any to the quiet people.  I guess he didn't hear me yelling from behind my mask because some people were just way louder.  That annoyed me.  Not that I need a Roku but it was the principle of the matter.  The lady I had been talking to got one and she did nothing but raise her hand.  Later, some woman came up to the woman in line in front of me (the one who got the Roku by raising her hand), and proceeded to talk to the woman's baby for a while.  I asked if they were together because I wanted to know if she was going to also talk to the actors.  They had already closed the line at this point, and we had all been standing in line and it looked like she was cutting.  She said no, she just wanted to see the baby.  It was kinda weird because she obviously wasn't besties with the baby's mother, but they were friendly.  I got kidnapper vibes, but maybe that's because I was in line to see Orpheus.  She did stay for a bit to get photos of the actors (she wasn't in them), and I was annoyed for the other people in line who maybe wanted to get photos from their places in line.  

Anyway, I was happy to meet supercouple and best friends Marybeth and Stephen, because they got together very early on in my DOOL fandom.  

George was involved in trying to sign a bunch of cards, and then apologized and talked to me for a bit.  Victoria, though.  She heard me tell George my name, and asked me if I had heard the song "Cheri Cheri Lady" by Modern Talking.  She said that I should listen to it because they sing my name and it will become my happy song whenever I hear it.  She made sure that our photo came out OK, and also posed with some folks whom had missed her earlier when she needed to step out for a bit.  

The other lines were closed, so I didn't get to meet anyone else, and I was too late to get a cool Brady's Pub apron that they were distributing.  I did get photos of people when I could get a good shot, though.  I also got some water from the Peacock portable water station and filled up my DOOL water bottle.

Stacy Haiduk and Tina Huang

Dan Feuerriegel and Camila Banus

Leann Hunley & Thaao Penghlis

They then had everyone sit on stage, and they were joined by others who hadn't done the autograph sessions:  James Reynolds (Abe Carver), Jackee Harry (Paulina Price), and Judi Evans (Bonnie Lockhart).  Tony reminded the audience that the actors want to keep their jobs and wouldn't be giving any spoilers, but some people still asked spoiler questions to waste our time.  I guess it is a tradition that Drake and Deidre kiss during this panel, so that happened.  

They then showed a preview, and we all got sad for a few minutes due to some beloved characters getting deathly ill, but then all went bananas, because not only is Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) coming back, but so is Peter Reckell (Bo Brady, back from the dead).  Bo and Hope were the reason I got addicted to DOOL, so I was very, very happy.  

As we exited, we could pick up photo cards from the actors that we may have missed.  I was lucky enough to get signed ones.  (So that's what George was doing!).  

Here's the haul of photos I was able to get:

A lot of fans liked this venue more than the other one because it was more organized and in one spot.  I'm not sure if it will stay there because it will probably be bigger next year if there are no virus issues.  But this event had more cast members than any of the previous ones, and it was very well organized.  Thanks, Peacock!  

I had a great time and hope that I can go next year.