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Disneyland Surprise!

May 15th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in La Vida - (Comments Off on Disneyland Surprise!)

Yesterday, I was surprised as all surprised can be! My buddy Matt, who is my other half for the Matt and Pat Show (Don’t Listen!) wanted to take me out to lunch for my birthday. How cool is that! We left his place, along with his daughter and got onto the freeway to drive, what was apparent to me in the southern direction. That was an indication as to where we were probably heading to, which was Downtown Disney where there is a fun restaurant that Matt took me before called the Rainforest Cafe.

Sure enough, we parked within the Disney lot and proceeded to take the ultra chill-out and  totally pleasant tram that drops off at Downtown Disney. I mentioned how that would be the prefect job for me, just driving the tram back and forth, leisurely going about five miles per hour, through the well manicured driving lane with the rows of eucalyptus trees providing shade and a tranquil setting.

Walking in the direction towards the restaurant, Matt mentioned he wanted to ask guest services about a potential change to those who have an annual pass, which he has. “Sure thing, of course”, was my response. We waited a moment in line, until there was a guest services clerk available for us. After being warmly greeted by the clerk, Matt stated that he wanted to buy one annual pass-for me!

What??!!

My look of surprise and dumbfoundedness made Matt laugh all the more. He certainly got the reaction he was hoping for! His daughter smiled and proudly stated how she had kept this a secret the whole time, in fact she said she didn’t reveal it to any of her friends at school early in the day!

How do you respond to a gift that is overwhelming in nature. I was certainly blown away to say the least. I didn’t want to let go of my annual pass card once I had it firmly in my grip! Matt assured me that I could put it away now that we were within Disneyland.

First thing we did was have my picture taken, which would then be connected with my newly activated pass. The photographer snapped a few pictures of me and kindly welcomed me to the park. After that, we strolled down Main Street and decided to hit a couple of rides for fun.

The first was Star Tours. Let me just say, that it is much more “turbulent” that when I first rode it as a teenager. At one point I was feeling a bit queazy and put my hand over my stomach. I thought to myself, if I am sick, no way I am going to barf on Matt, especially after he so kindly bought me an annual pass. Sitting next to me was a kid. “Sorry kid” was all I thought and started laugh. Fortunately for me, as well as the kid, there was no Technicolor Yawn.

From there, we went on The Haunted Mansion and then the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Guess where they sat us for the pirates ride? That’s right, within the front row. Just where I had secretly had hoped! The velocity and momentum of the first drop was only heightened my poundage! When we hit the bottom, there was such a SPLOOSH of water, that it literally created a massive wave of water that drenched everyone within the boat. Matt was shellshocked and I, of course was laughing, which reverberated deeply throughout the underground cavern.

After that enjoyable misadventure, we had a very tasty and enjoyable lunch at Cafe Orleans. I had the gumbo, which really hit the spot! I was also impressed by how congenial all of the servers and hostesses were. Everyone was smiling and friendly. It really made for a very pleasant dining experience.

Afterwards, we proceeded into the Disney Gallery, I managed to spotted a duck on one of the little parcels of green grass. He was happily tending to caring for one of his feathers or two. How cool is that! I wish I had my camera to have taken a picture

Inside the gallery, there were awesome, beautiful and amazing works of art all dedicated to different aspects of the theme park. Some of the pieces, I would love to have hanging on my wall, yet the prices are a wee bit out of my range at the moment. One day!

We finished off the day by taking in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. What I really appreciated about the show was the sense of genuine patriot pride in our country. I walked away with a sense of Americanism, which so often these days is not much in evidence sad to say. It reminded me of certain fond memories I had of my grandparents and those of an older generation, who greatly appreciated our country and had a much deeper sense of civic pride. I wish we had more of that type of sensibility these days.

With that out time came to a close, but it certainly will not be a day I shall forget anytime soon! What a marvelous day indeed and what a surprise to say the least! You can bet your Disney Dollar that I will certainly be going back to the Happiest Place On Earth again in the coming days, thankfully all made possible by way of my friend Matt!

IF

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day

May 12th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Holiday - (Comments Off on Happy Mother’s Day)

I knew there would be some specific days which would have a bit of a peculiar feel about it, in terms of the reality that my mom passed away last September. Today being Mother’s Day is one of them. Having attended Mass this morning, I at least spiritually was able to ask Christ and our Lady (who is very much my Mother in a deeply personal and spiritual sense) to pass along my feelings of love for her, as well as asking for a sense of comfort for myself.

I do have my birth mom who I will call in a moment to wish her a joyful Mother’s Day. I will see her next week and we will celebrate over a homestyle dinner.

So in one sense, I have three mothers. My birth mother, my adoptive mother and our Lady. Pretty lucky indeed and blessed for sure!

Mothers really do not get enough credit for all that they go through. If your able to, I would ask that you take a moment to thank you mother and to tell her how much you appreciate all that she has done on your behalf, as well as to simply tell her how much you love her.

That is all a mother wants on Mother’s Day.

Cat Mom Hugs Baby Kitten

Two Spocks!

May 7th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Cool Vids - (Comments Off on Two Spocks!)

This is a fun commercial indeed…I love the part where Leonard Nimoy sings in the car, some of you may recognize the song…I have it on cd in fact!

Zachary Quinto vs. Leonard Nimoy: “The Challenge”

spockvsspock-nimoy-quinto-tsr

Iron Man 3 Review

May 6th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Movies - (Comments Off on Iron Man 3 Review)

Last week Iron Man 3 opened in theaters. As a “birthday” present to myself, I wanted to attend the midnight IMAX showing of the film. I asked a few friends if they were up to the misadventure, but sadly all said they needed their sleep due to work obligations or just didn’t want to be bothered. Undeterred, I excitedly looked forward to experience another chapter of the Marvel vision of Tony Stark. I made sure to take a panda nap during the late afternoon, so I would be well rested and ready for my little escapade.

Arriving at the theater early, I was informed by the gentleman who took my ticket that I was to stand at the designated spot further down the way, where those who were here for the midnight showing where to wait in line. I was in fact the very first in line! Thankfully, I brought my iPhone with me and happily texted several friends who were well cozy and snug in their bed as to the events thus far. Several of the theater workers walked past me and smiled as they meticulously swept the carpet for any lose popcorn kernels or any other such items that had found there way upon the floor. I mentioned to one how nice it was to see such a clean and well looked after theater, that I for one appreciated their efforts, which might otherwise seem somewhat insignificant or a drudgery to do. The young worker beamed by the fact that I had noticed and said “thank you”.

After around twenty minutes or so had passed, several others had joined me in line. There was some uncertainly as to wait at the designated spot as I was told, or to hang out in front of the specific theater section, being that all seats were preordained. Eventually, one of the  managers came over and asked everyone to kindly take a spot in line, my hunch had paid off it seemed, for now there was somewhat a scramble to get in line.

Striking up a conversation with the band of people standing by me, we happily discussed a wide range of topics dealing with super heroes, film, comics, actors and directors, as well as sharing our enthusiasm for Iron Man 3!

Eventually, the time had come and the manager alerted with a big smile that it was time to let us within the theater. I shook hands with my new found friends saying how nice it was to meet everyone and gave them Matt and Pat Show cards and told them, “Don’t Listen!”.

I was greeted by an user who kindly asked if I needed any assistance finding my seat, which I responded by saying that I think I was good and asked how he was tonight. He replied he was doing really well, excited that Iron Man was finally opening!

As I was moving down the isle to take my seat, which was perfectly situated in the center of the screen, I overheard a girl some rows up ask her friend what song was playing via the theater large speakers. I chimed in by saying, “The track from Inception”. She called down a “thank you” and I took my seat.

The movie opens with Tony Stark doing a voice over, relating how the current situation he find himself within initially came to play. It is an interesting way to open the film, for the circumstances which transpire throughout film take place by way of the aftermath of the Avengers, though there are aspects of Tony’s past which are to haunt him in the present, which indeed shape events upon a global scale.

I thought momentarily how many within the audience picked up that subtle nuance of the voice over, for after the end credits it is finally revealed who Tony Stark is speaking with. I won’t give anyway any spoiler as to who it was, but when I saw individual, I immediately yelled out a cheer and raised my fist in a triumphant pump shake!

I have read from different internet sites various audience comments concerning the film. It seems there is no middle ground in terms of the reaction that viewers are left with. Either they love it, or they hate it. I for one very much enjoyed the film! I believe the reason why some walk out disappointed in the film is that it is not “Avengers”, which is completely unfair and an unrealistic expectation to have going in to watch Iron Man 3.

This is a film that strips away all elements of support and help that were the case within Avengers and here it is all about Tony Stark not only coping with the ramifications of the events from Avengers, but also of the reality that he is faced in terms of his relationship with Pepper and how to co exist if you will with the many “suits” of his creation. How does Tony Stark comes to terms with who he is and with those he loves in relationship with being Iron Man.

Shane Black, the writer and director of the film, who is known for his wit and daft exchanged of dialogue does not disappoint! The verbal exchanges between characters throughout the film added a level of sophistication by way of dialogue which heightened what was taking on screen. Yes, there were very cool visual effects and movie magic galore, yet the heart of the story is about a man who has had these incredible life changing events and how he deals and copes with the ramifications of it all.

It is a super hero movie with a very human element to it. The actors and actress all were superb. Robert Downey Jr. IS Tony Stark. I certainly hope that he reprises his role in future Iron Man films, for he lends a believability to the character that other actors I do not think would be able to bring. He has had a past of excesses and debauchery, while having a genuine gift of talent. Similarity, he has been reduced to nothing, while having the gumption to come through to the other side so to speak, much like Tony Stark has had to. I want to see more of this character and more of Robert Downey Jr. portraying him.

Don Cheadle was finally Rhodes for me this film. The interplay that he has with Tony feels like the old friend that he is. It wasn’t until the very end of Iron Man 2 that I had a glimpse of that relationship, so to see the organic growth of it over the course of this film was most welcome.

Guy Pearce is always spot on in whatever he is in. I remember watching LA Confidential and thinking to myself this guy is good! I won’t give any an elements of his character per se, other than to say he was well cast!

Rebecca Hall is beautiful! I am in love! Nuff Said!

Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan rocked! He was a lot of fun to watch on screen!

Gwyneth Paltrow played Pepper to a T. She has this character down pat and really helps to make believable the interplay between her character and Robert Downey Jr. I liked the aspects that were brought in to add some new elements to her character and to the relationship that she has with Tony.

Finally, Sir Ben Kingsley! WoW! This film is a prime example as to why he is such an extraordinary actor, for he very much steals the movie whenever he is on screen. His portrayal of The Mandarin is beyond awesome! He manages to grip and hold ones attention by way of his subtle mannerisms and voice inflections which he infuses into his character. Again, without giving away any spoilers, there is an added element to his character which comes out of left field and what a field it is! Suffice to say, he was epic!

Bottom line, go see this film. It has all of the elements that are important to me, a good story, a strong script, well executed acting, with elements of humor, action and dare I say depth of character. Lastly, a well crafted film by way of solid direction.

Go in with an open mind, so as to not unduly influenced by way of the Avengers film and I contend that you will very much enjoy Iron Man 3!

As a side note, I was fortunate enough to obtain one of the limited editions IMAX posters as shown below for seeing it opening night. What a cool birthday present indeed!

iron-man-3-imax-poster3

 

Oblivion

April 27th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Movies - (Comments Off on Oblivion)

Last night, I met up with my buddies Josh and Jeff, who brought along two of there friends William and Aaron who I met for the first time and in we went to watch Oblivion in IMAX. When the trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness came on, Jeff shut his eyes and put his hands over his ears, so he would be as sensory deprived as possible, so as to not see or hear anything of the film which would lessen his experience of seeing it for the first time when it is released. Josh took a great pic of that moment!

Oblivion was a great sic-fi film, for it had all of the elements which for me made it really enjoyable to watch. The story first and foremost was engaging, with a few plot twists which I thought were both interesting and intriguing. The cinematography and visuals were both really cool and expertly crafted, while the effects were believable and realistic.

In terms of acting, Tom Cruise did a really good job. He really “acted” within this film and made his character both a credible and sympathetic “everyman”, as well as thoughtful hero. Not since The Last Samurai did I feel Cruise really engaged me as a viewer, though to be fair, he has done films since then that I have enjoyed. My point being that he brought it home in this one.

Music for me is a very crucial aspect of the film, for it helps to set the tone and evaluate the mood of the film. As I watch a film, I very much listen carefully and attentively as to the manner in which the film score works to solidify the overall fabrication of the movie. The film composer, M83 did a beautiful job with the score, balancing and harmonizing the futuristic atmosphere via a layered synthesizer approach that is a gorgeous soundtrack. I heard a few tracks previously, so I knew going in, I would very much enjoy it, thought I was quite curious to see how it worked with the visuals of the film. It blended perfectly and effectively. Needless to say, I went and bought a copy of the soundtrack after seeing the film, so as to add to my cd collection.

My recommendation: Go see the film, in IMAX if your able to, for it very much lends itself to the scale of an IMAX screen in terms of the beautiful visuals of the film. If you are a fan of the sic-fi genre, you will, I believe be quite happy with what director Joseph Kosinski has brought to the screen. I look forward to more of his films in the future!

Oblivion-Movie-2013

The Internet Must Remain Open and Free

April 24th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Politics - (Comments Off on The Internet Must Remain Open and Free)

Sadly, once again the internet is under attack! Put simply, if we who care about such concepts of freedom and openness are called upon to rally together to stem off the corrupt politicians, as well as those major corporations which are self seeking and desire complete and utter control.

First, there is a push for a broad rage of taxation for any financial purchases through the web. This has nothing to do about “fairness” and everything to do with hurting the little guy, the small business owners, as well as ultimately the consumers.

I contacted my Congressional representatives this morning by phone call and I will be mailing a letter as well!

For more information and how to best contact your Congressional representatives, Ebay has set up a web page to help stop this lunacy

Ebay-Internet Tax Alert

Second, if that wasn’t bad enough, the hydra of SOPA is back, this time calling itself CISPA. This will allow for the federal government to monitor our private communications and allows companies to hand over our personal information with no legal protection or oversight.

Stop CISPA

CISPA is back

Help turn the tide against those who seek to limit our freedom. The Internet is under attack and it needs you to help keep it safe, open and free!

internet-defense-league-800x375

Thor: Dark World Trailer

April 23rd, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Trailers - (Comments Off on Thor: Dark World Trailer)

The first Thor was quite fun, though Brian Blessed should have been Odin! Well, the trailer for Thor: Dark World is here and it looks richer and most grittier than the first…Oh, and look  notice who Thor asks for help at the end of the trailer…wheeeeee!

Thor 2: Dark World 

thor_animated

Do You Know

April 22nd, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in La Vida - (Comments Off on Do You Know)

On my way back home Friday, I came off the local freeway offramp and was behind a car that was waiting for the traffic signal to turn green. In short order the light turned green, yet the car in front of me didn’t move. After a momentary wait, realizing that the driver was not paying attention to the now green light so I gave a short tap of my car horn. For those who have heard my car horn, they know how truly forceful it can be, for it is classified as a “highway horn”, which sounds quite like a train more than your average car horn. It is probably the singularly best feature of my now “classic” car has, besides the comfortable and cozy upholstery seats.

Seeing that my gentle tap upon the horn did not evoke any reaction from the driver, I figured to just go around him by turning into the other lane over and thus proceed on my merry way home. As soon as I was in a position to go through the intercession, wouldn’t you know it, the light turned red!

Exasperated, I turned to look at the driver and threw my hands up in the air for added effect. Usually when it comes to driving, I remain pretty calm and Zen like, which in and of itself is quite a feat here in LA. Nevertheless, I was put off by this little happenstance. The driver within the other car saw me and said most apologetically, “I am so sorry!” Hearing those surprising words uttered immediately loosened my mood, where by I gave him a thumbs up and retorted, “It’s cool”.

I turned back my focus upon the red signal, waiting for it to change, only to have the feeling that the driver wanted my attention. Looking back over to the driver, sure enough my intuition was correct, for he added, “I heard a song from my childhood and I wanted to write it down so I could go back and listen to it again.” Good enough reason for me I thought, for how often have I heard a song and quickly jotted down the info, so as to listen to it again. I quickly replied knowing that at any moment the light would soon change, “what song was it?” He replied with a smile, “Do You Know by Diana Ross.”

With that the light turned green and we drove off our separate ways, but my thought driving home was how cool it was that this driver said something so rarely heard these days, “I am sorry” and how it went from some circumstance of annoyance, to one of congenial sharing in a sense.

When I finally came home, the first thing I did after greeting Jake and Bear my dogs was to go find the song Do You Know. Sure enough, it reminded me of my childhood as well, since it came out in the early 1970’s.

Do You Know-Diana Ross

diana-ross-1

Help Support My Friend Mark Run For Charity

April 18th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Charity - (Comments Off on Help Support My Friend Mark Run For Charity)

My friend Mark is taking part in a wonderful charity event called “Course of the Force” in which all proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

It is stylized as an Olympic torch run, only instead of there being the passing of the torch, there is a passing of a “lightsaber”!

It starts in Santa Monica and proceeds south all the way to finish in San Diego. Last year Mark suited up within his TK7328 Stormtrooper suite, which he dons when he does 501st Legion Charity events. How dedicated is Mark to charity? Watch the video of him running, you will notice that he was not wearing running shoes of any sorts, but his film accurate boots!

It takes place from July 9th-16th

So help bring a wish to a child in need and show your support Mark for this most worth charity cause!

Charity: It is all about the force of love doing good for others!

Marks Blog Page With Further Information On “Course of the Force”

Watch Mark Run In His Stormtrooper Outfit

501st Legion 

TK7328

 

 

Here I Come: The “Walking Towards the Camera” Supercut

April 13th, 2013 | Posted by pmpax in Movies - (Comments Off on Here I Come: The “Walking Towards the Camera” Supercut)

As a lover of the medium of Film, which I can attribute to being exposed to the movies with my dad and mom. I will never forget seeing the Temple of Doom with my mom, or watching a Bridge Too Far with my dad and family friend Tony. It was when I was a senior in high school, that I was able to take a senior elective on film, which was taught by the greatest of all the great teachers I have ever had, Mr. Baldetti. He has since moved away to live with his brother due to his failing health now in his old age, but he and I would go to the movies together every so often.For me, when I would look over and see the look upon his face of enjoying the movies with complete rapture brought me joy in every sense of the word.

I came across a great you tube video entitles ” Here I come: The “Walking Towards the Camera.” It perfectly highlights a simple, but effective technique that filmmakers employ to tell their story to us. So sit back and have a watch. I bet next time you are watching a film and you see this technique being employed, you will think just how cool film can be!

Here I Come: The “Walking Towards the Camera” Supercut

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