Monterey and 17 Miles Drive vacation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o7vnoa1uN3mZcfw28

https://photos.app.goo.gl/X3TqJHSv3AXMYmfHA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DFLsPxTPse64VZFH7 (play slide show)

Ikenobo California Pacific Study Group Intensive Training Workshop

This is a very intensive 3 days training on Rikka, Shoka and Free Style flower arrangements. We had a very skillful and talented teacher Sensei Yu (余仲麒) leading us towards very detailed and complex ways of arranging flowers. The key event was the inauguration of the new Chapter: California Pacific Study Group, led by Joseph Lam. 

I learned a lot of the trivial aspect regarding how to treat fragile flowers, after breaking several branches while practicing Rikka. No wonder I just couldn't enjoy the cruel way of bending and wiring such natural plants. How sad! 

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Movie, 2008)

It proved to be a huge disappointment. Li looks absolutely bored in his role as the first Chinese emperor. He is underused and seems more a reinforcement of cliche than anything else. And the CGI quality is strictly middle-of-the-road and frankly, it's not enough to overcome the crumby dialogue and superficial story.

This third entry into the Mummy franchise is a complete waste of time. 

The Express (Movie, 2008)

TOUCHDOWN!! This is a Football movie with everything I expect. It tells a true inspiring story. The Express is based on a true story about the first African American, Ernie Davis, to win the Heisman trophy. 

Recruited into Syracause, Davis is coached by Ben Schwartzwalder. A legendary football hero, Davis well deserves a story about his life. 

Wonderful acting by all, a heartwarming story and a movie that will leave you inspired. 

The Greatest Showman (Movie, 2017)

It tells the romantic story of P. T Barnum, the poor son of a tailor, falling in love at an early age with an aristocratic girl. When I was young, I loved West Side Story. This movie is not on the same level though.

Don't expect historical accuracy.

Moribana

CIA: Exiled (Movie,1993)

Originally named “Curacao,” “CIA: Exiled” is an action thriller centered around a discredited CIA agent assigned to an island outpost. This was a made for TV movie based on a novel called 'The Prince of Malta' written by James David Buchanann. George C. Scott must have been hard up for a job when he made this low budget film. It's a boring one.