Peacocks at the Arboretum

After so many attempts and waiting, it finally opens up!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013, Movie)

This is an exceptionally well made follow-up to "The Hunger Games", and is adapted from the second book in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

It delved much deeper into the politics of the dystopian kingdom of Panem, where a totalitarian central government lords it over the capitol and 12 districts...the mysterious 13th District having been reportedly destroyed. We learn from President Snow (a menacing Donald Sutherland) that there may be a ground swell of rebellion in some of the districts, and that Katniss Everdeen is a source and inspiration for rebellion. So Katniss has to walk on thin ice, so to speak, while carrying on her bogus relationship with Peeta Mallark, and hiding her true feelings for Gale Hawthorne. During the Quarter Quell games, which pits former Hunger Games victors against each other. 

Jennifer Lawrence reprises her Katniss Everdeen characterization; and as with all her performances I've seen, she totally immerses herself in the character. Woody Harrelson is back again, perfectly cast as Haymitch. The movie ends rather abruptly and you'll be left hungering for more. Never fear, two more films are planned to portray the events in the third book, "Mockingjay".

On the other hand, I was totally disappointed in this movie because so much of it was too dark to discern what was going on. 

A wonderful gathering

After more than one year, we got together again at Madaline Hu's home at Laguna Woods. It was the first time for Tony Huang though since he missed her house warming party last year. Fortunately, Tony has fully recovered from his spinal surgery and was able to enjoy the food, laugh and beautiful scenery around the beach. Of course we enjoyed a wonderful lunch first before heading for the beach and delicious coffee and cake after the journey.

Dana Point Strand Beach Vista Park is truly beautiful! It wasn't too crowded during our visit. There are some great rocks to climb right along the beach. It was also pretty clean as far as water goes. There are also many pretty homes to gawk at near the shore. There is refreshing water on a hot summer day, like a little piece of paradise right here. What a hidden gem!

Good morning to those thirsty humming birds, 05/11/2014

Hungry squirrel seeking for food

Southern California Chinese Relay For Life (2014 南加州華人抗癌接力大會)

This is a 24 hour relay activity to fight against cancer. We participated as guest performers. I danced "Green Sleeves" in pointe shoes. See it here:

Half day at Huntington Library

Today's target is Chinese garden 流芳園, to search for 袁志鍾老師's masterpieces. We found 三友閣, 邀山臺, 不波小艇, but not the recently updated 對聯. Accidentally, we discovered one 對聯 written by 張宏美. See it for yourself.