A Trip Around The World In Only One Day!
Now I've always loved Epcot but I really liked it this time around. Why is that you ask? Well for one thing...we actually were able to see almost everything unlike last time when we missed at least two attractions because they closed early and for another thing the whole family was here this time. I took some medicine in the morning because my ankle was bothering me but I was determined to not waste a $65 ticket even if it killed me. At any rate, that's what we were here for :) Mom and I decided to do Spaceship Earth while Dad and David went to Test Track so they could beat the line. I loved that ride because it's very relaxing but fun at the same time as your seat rotates during this journey through time :) Great way to start your visit!
Then Mom had the brilliant idea of going to The Living Seas since we missed that last time and she wanted to talk to Crush hehe as well as see the Finding Nemo ride. We got to see all sorts of underwater wildlife and the cutest, round manatee who kept turning over on his back for us. The most adorable thing ever. Talking Crush was amusing as he interacted with the little kids and made jokes. Also quite amusing. After that we headed to Living With The Land because Mom wanted to try Soaring since it's the newest attraction and takes you on a journey all over California while smelling the sweet pine scented air, orange scented breezes or nice salty taste of the sea :) The wait wasn't long and she really enjoyed it alot as did we. Next up was the Imagination attraction with a ride with Figment (THAT was kind of strange and not worth talking about) where we were fortunate to be given free Fast Passes for six popular rides at the park. These Passes allow you to cut in line and usually cost a lot of money but these guys were handing them out for free and we got some. We immediately used it for the next attraction: Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. I should have felt guilty passing all those people on our way in but I didn't...I've waited for rides before hehe.
Well, from there it was on to the French restaurant where I ordered some pate, a lobster bisque and the best creme bruele I've ever tasted. Must come back here for dessert next year. We then decided to take in the rest of the world showcase. There are too many shows to name so I'll list my favorites. The Voices of Liberty singing in harmony and acappella some old American Favorites, a lady from China playing a harp/piano type instrument with skill and grace, Chinese acrobats performing feats of flexibility and daring that make you go wow, and a mariachi band in Mexico singing old romantic ballads that make your heart flutter. As for food, we had strawberry shortcake, strawberry waffles, Italian pastries, and countless other things I can't remember but know were delicious.
Mom and Dad went back to the room for some jackets while my brother and I used up the rest of our Fast Passes. Let me tell you right now...I hate high speeds. I went on Test Track and felt like I was going to hurl. I always thought it was the drops on roller coasters that I hated...nope, it's the high speed. Long live nice, slow and easy rides! We finished off the evening with a fantastic fireworks display with an animated globe that opened up at the end to spew more light and color for the grand finale. I spent way too much again by purchasing a Chinese fan, a passport of the World Showcase, Disney postcards with the princesses in their respective countries, some Stitch pens, a Stitch keychain, and a Mickey/Minnie Mouse pair dressed in the latest Celebration outfits. However, my favorite souvenir of the day was a green hummingbird made of candy that a lady in Japan made on request. It has the most delicate wings spread out on each side with a pink breast like the hummingbird in Pocahontas. Very beautiful to behold!
We got back too late to watch another two hours of 24 so nothing to report on that front but I will leave you with another news story :D
DAY BREAK
By DIANE CLEHANE
January 7, 2007 -- Just when it looked as if Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) was finally going to get a much-needed break after finally exposing President Logan (Gregory Itzin) as the mastermind behind the latest terrorist attacks, his day from hell took a turn for the worse at the end of Day 5.
He was kidnapped and bound for China where, we assume, his ticked-off captors exacted a pound or two of flesh as retribution for his role in the accidental killing of a Chinese official.
In the season six opener, almost two years have passed since the tireless super agent was on American soil - and he's been sorely missed. The country has devolved into a nihilistic state, says executive producer Howard Gordon.
"It's like Tel Aviv - think weekly terrorist attacks." The show's producers' dark vision of the "24" world sets the stage for a season that's "as raw as it's ever been," Gordon promises. "We doing things we couldn't do two or three years ago."
It's hard to imagine what other Job-like trials await Jack now that he's back home. Plague? Famine? It's not the simple, explains Gordon. "We see the cumulative toll of tragedy on Jack. He feels he might be better off dead and he wears that nobly."
While Jack might believe he has nothing left to live for, it's a fair bet the recently elected commander in chief, President Wayne Palmer (DB Woodside) - brother of the beloved assassinated President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) - hopes his friend sticks around.
"There's a specific reason Jack has been brought back," teases Gordon.
Thankfully, he's not the only one who is returning. President Charles Logan and First Lady Martha (Itzin and Jean Smart) are back ("The question is, has he really changed?" says Gordon) as is steely Karen Hayes (Jayne Atkinson) who has been promoted to National Security Advisor.
As for Jack's long-suffering lady love Audrey Raines (Kim Raver, who is free now that ABC has yanked "The Nine" from its lineup), Gordon says nothing's been set yet, but "she's in our imagination."
The second Palmer administration ushers in a roster of new characters and inspired additions to the show's ever expanding repertoire of players (see sidebar below).
In keeping with "24's" tradition of balancing the testosterone-fueled mayhem with a healthy dose of female energy, Regina King is this season's woman on a mission. Best known for her work as Cuba Gooding Jr.'s wife in "Jerry Maguire" and most recently as Jamie's Foxx's doomed girlfriend in "Ray," King plays Angela Palmer, the president's sister, a strong-willed advocacy lawyer who is defending Muslim Americans accused of terrorism.
"We talked to her about a couple of parts," says Gordon. "Joel (Surnow) and I sat down with her and retrofitted this one for her. We didn't want to make her a shrill, knee-jerk liberal. She brings some real heart to the role."
King admits she hadn't seen an episode until she began talking about joining the show. "I just knew it was a hit," explains the actress. Of her move back to television (she got her start in the mid-eighties on the sitcom "227") she says: "With a show as prestigious as '24' no one blinks an eye about making the switch from film to television - and TV reaches a much wider audience."
With the "24" world on the brink once again, the Emmy winning series' legion of fans can look forward to another season of enthralling - and wickedly tortuous - television. "I know we say this every year," says Gordon. "But we're really pushing it. Jack is in a very dark place."
Let the day begin.
24
Sunday, January 14, 8 p.m., FOX
Monday, January 15, 8 p.m.
MINUTE BY MINUTE: THIS SEASON'S GUEST STARS
From Peter Weller to Shohreh Aghdashloo, '24' has distinguished itself with the caliber of its guest stars, actors who are clearly delighted to run amok in the intensely dangerous world of Jack Bauer. If you can't book a Hollywood action movie, '24' is the next best thing.-D.C.
POWERS BOOTHE
Best known for his work in the HBO western "Deadwood," Boothe plays a Noah Daniels who relocates from a brothel to the White House, where he serves as Vice President.
JAMES CROMWELL
After his inspired turn as Prince Phillip in "The Queen," Cromwell plays another prickly patriarch, Phillip Bauer. Introduced in episode six, Jack's father is "a titan in the military industrial complex," says Gordon: "He sheds a lot of light on how Jack became Jack."
CHAD LOWE
Last seen on the small screen as an annoying "ER" doc, Hillary Swank's ex plays Reed Pollack, a "savvy politico" presidential aide starting in episode six.
PETER MacNICOL
Peter MacNicol (Tom Lennox) The former "Ally McBeal" funny man takes a serious turn as Tom Lennox, the President's hawkish Chief of Staff. Introduced in the season premiere, Lennox bears more than a passing resemblance to Karl Rove.
RICK SCHROEDER
Beginning in episode 13, the "NYPD Blue" star joins CTU as a field agent Mike Doyle who "unlike Jack, hasn't deluded himself into thinking he could have a personal life," says Gordon.
So with that I leave you to a wonderful evening anticipating the return of 24!
What does Heller want Charles? You can't tell me that you called you this late at night to exchange coffee recipes?
Then Mom had the brilliant idea of going to The Living Seas since we missed that last time and she wanted to talk to Crush hehe as well as see the Finding Nemo ride. We got to see all sorts of underwater wildlife and the cutest, round manatee who kept turning over on his back for us. The most adorable thing ever. Talking Crush was amusing as he interacted with the little kids and made jokes. Also quite amusing. After that we headed to Living With The Land because Mom wanted to try Soaring since it's the newest attraction and takes you on a journey all over California while smelling the sweet pine scented air, orange scented breezes or nice salty taste of the sea :) The wait wasn't long and she really enjoyed it alot as did we. Next up was the Imagination attraction with a ride with Figment (THAT was kind of strange and not worth talking about) where we were fortunate to be given free Fast Passes for six popular rides at the park. These Passes allow you to cut in line and usually cost a lot of money but these guys were handing them out for free and we got some. We immediately used it for the next attraction: Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. I should have felt guilty passing all those people on our way in but I didn't...I've waited for rides before hehe.
Well, from there it was on to the French restaurant where I ordered some pate, a lobster bisque and the best creme bruele I've ever tasted. Must come back here for dessert next year. We then decided to take in the rest of the world showcase. There are too many shows to name so I'll list my favorites. The Voices of Liberty singing in harmony and acappella some old American Favorites, a lady from China playing a harp/piano type instrument with skill and grace, Chinese acrobats performing feats of flexibility and daring that make you go wow, and a mariachi band in Mexico singing old romantic ballads that make your heart flutter. As for food, we had strawberry shortcake, strawberry waffles, Italian pastries, and countless other things I can't remember but know were delicious.
Mom and Dad went back to the room for some jackets while my brother and I used up the rest of our Fast Passes. Let me tell you right now...I hate high speeds. I went on Test Track and felt like I was going to hurl. I always thought it was the drops on roller coasters that I hated...nope, it's the high speed. Long live nice, slow and easy rides! We finished off the evening with a fantastic fireworks display with an animated globe that opened up at the end to spew more light and color for the grand finale. I spent way too much again by purchasing a Chinese fan, a passport of the World Showcase, Disney postcards with the princesses in their respective countries, some Stitch pens, a Stitch keychain, and a Mickey/Minnie Mouse pair dressed in the latest Celebration outfits. However, my favorite souvenir of the day was a green hummingbird made of candy that a lady in Japan made on request. It has the most delicate wings spread out on each side with a pink breast like the hummingbird in Pocahontas. Very beautiful to behold!
We got back too late to watch another two hours of 24 so nothing to report on that front but I will leave you with another news story :D
DAY BREAK
By DIANE CLEHANE
January 7, 2007 -- Just when it looked as if Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) was finally going to get a much-needed break after finally exposing President Logan (Gregory Itzin) as the mastermind behind the latest terrorist attacks, his day from hell took a turn for the worse at the end of Day 5.
He was kidnapped and bound for China where, we assume, his ticked-off captors exacted a pound or two of flesh as retribution for his role in the accidental killing of a Chinese official.
In the season six opener, almost two years have passed since the tireless super agent was on American soil - and he's been sorely missed. The country has devolved into a nihilistic state, says executive producer Howard Gordon.
"It's like Tel Aviv - think weekly terrorist attacks." The show's producers' dark vision of the "24" world sets the stage for a season that's "as raw as it's ever been," Gordon promises. "We doing things we couldn't do two or three years ago."
It's hard to imagine what other Job-like trials await Jack now that he's back home. Plague? Famine? It's not the simple, explains Gordon. "We see the cumulative toll of tragedy on Jack. He feels he might be better off dead and he wears that nobly."
While Jack might believe he has nothing left to live for, it's a fair bet the recently elected commander in chief, President Wayne Palmer (DB Woodside) - brother of the beloved assassinated President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) - hopes his friend sticks around.
"There's a specific reason Jack has been brought back," teases Gordon.
Thankfully, he's not the only one who is returning. President Charles Logan and First Lady Martha (Itzin and Jean Smart) are back ("The question is, has he really changed?" says Gordon) as is steely Karen Hayes (Jayne Atkinson) who has been promoted to National Security Advisor.
As for Jack's long-suffering lady love Audrey Raines (Kim Raver, who is free now that ABC has yanked "The Nine" from its lineup), Gordon says nothing's been set yet, but "she's in our imagination."
The second Palmer administration ushers in a roster of new characters and inspired additions to the show's ever expanding repertoire of players (see sidebar below).
In keeping with "24's" tradition of balancing the testosterone-fueled mayhem with a healthy dose of female energy, Regina King is this season's woman on a mission. Best known for her work as Cuba Gooding Jr.'s wife in "Jerry Maguire" and most recently as Jamie's Foxx's doomed girlfriend in "Ray," King plays Angela Palmer, the president's sister, a strong-willed advocacy lawyer who is defending Muslim Americans accused of terrorism.
"We talked to her about a couple of parts," says Gordon. "Joel (Surnow) and I sat down with her and retrofitted this one for her. We didn't want to make her a shrill, knee-jerk liberal. She brings some real heart to the role."
King admits she hadn't seen an episode until she began talking about joining the show. "I just knew it was a hit," explains the actress. Of her move back to television (she got her start in the mid-eighties on the sitcom "227") she says: "With a show as prestigious as '24' no one blinks an eye about making the switch from film to television - and TV reaches a much wider audience."
With the "24" world on the brink once again, the Emmy winning series' legion of fans can look forward to another season of enthralling - and wickedly tortuous - television. "I know we say this every year," says Gordon. "But we're really pushing it. Jack is in a very dark place."
Let the day begin.
24
Sunday, January 14, 8 p.m., FOX
Monday, January 15, 8 p.m.
MINUTE BY MINUTE: THIS SEASON'S GUEST STARS
From Peter Weller to Shohreh Aghdashloo, '24' has distinguished itself with the caliber of its guest stars, actors who are clearly delighted to run amok in the intensely dangerous world of Jack Bauer. If you can't book a Hollywood action movie, '24' is the next best thing.-D.C.
POWERS BOOTHE
Best known for his work in the HBO western "Deadwood," Boothe plays a Noah Daniels who relocates from a brothel to the White House, where he serves as Vice President.
JAMES CROMWELL
After his inspired turn as Prince Phillip in "The Queen," Cromwell plays another prickly patriarch, Phillip Bauer. Introduced in episode six, Jack's father is "a titan in the military industrial complex," says Gordon: "He sheds a lot of light on how Jack became Jack."
CHAD LOWE
Last seen on the small screen as an annoying "ER" doc, Hillary Swank's ex plays Reed Pollack, a "savvy politico" presidential aide starting in episode six.
PETER MacNICOL
Peter MacNicol (Tom Lennox) The former "Ally McBeal" funny man takes a serious turn as Tom Lennox, the President's hawkish Chief of Staff. Introduced in the season premiere, Lennox bears more than a passing resemblance to Karl Rove.
RICK SCHROEDER
Beginning in episode 13, the "NYPD Blue" star joins CTU as a field agent Mike Doyle who "unlike Jack, hasn't deluded himself into thinking he could have a personal life," says Gordon.
So with that I leave you to a wonderful evening anticipating the return of 24!
What does Heller want Charles? You can't tell me that you called you this late at night to exchange coffee recipes?