Captivating Coraline

Valentine's Day

Everything we did during Valentine's Day this year was different. It wasn't that we did anything extraordinary. Just non-traditional. So was the choice of movie that we decided to see. The little child in me, who enjoys animation like no other, kept bugging Alan to see Coraline. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have given in. But since it was "Love Day," he relented. (Hooray!)

Coraline, based on the award-winning children's classic by British author Neil Gaiman, is a story about a young girl's adventure. Having moved to a new home, she discovers a secret world where things were seemingly perfect. When this alternate world turns perilous, Coraline uses her determination, wit, and bravery to battle her way back home.

The 3-D movie was a product of a team of animators led by director Henry Selick, who likes "unusual and scary animation." Through their clever use of stop motion and puppetry, their hand-crafted miniature puppets, props, and sets vividly brought to life the words and the storytelling of author Neil Gaiman.

Right from the beginning of the movie, I was transfixed. Everything looked so real…like you can almost touch and feel everything you see. It’s as though you were physically there with Coraline. Unlike Wallace and Grommit films, the characters’ movements in this movie are much smoother and more true-to-life.

There were parts of this fantasy/adventure that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. It was surreal and at times absurd…but always enchanting. Also typical of Henry Selick’s animated films (think “A Nightmare Before Christmas”), the presentation of this fairytale nightmare was spellbinding even if at times dark and creepy.

Completing the overall effect was the music. They had children's choirs from Budapest and Nice providing vocals that enthralled you and transported you to this incredible and magical world.

Reading about the making of this film helped me to appreciate it even more. Would you believe it took 3 years of hand-making? Everything...the set, the costumes, the puppets...everything was handmade! Check out this video. Please excuse the 15 seconds of commercials. Click here to "meet the cast."

The official website's introduction describes it best:
“You’re about to enter a world where everything you’ll see has been created by hand…like a forest of cherry blossoms made from painted popcorn.”

Vino at The View

February 7, 2009

Today's showers and chilly 45 degree temperature made it the ultimate "I-just-wanna-snuggle-in-bed-all-day" weather. While I didn't make it to my friend's birthday party for her 2 year old twins in Pahrump, (sorry again, Amy), I somehow made it to an evening of Wine Tasting at View 215. My friend Cameron invited me earlier this week and I gladly obliged. I knew it was going to be a fun event.

I've driven past the View 215 building before but I thought it was just a restaurant. Dubbing themselves "A Special Place for Your Special Occasion," it is a new event venue and banquet facility.

After registering at the reception desk...and getting suckered into signing up for a raffle (still don't know what the prize is), I was directed to take the elevator to the 3rd floor. My final destination was a gorgeous banquet hall large enough to seat 50 guests when set up theater-style for a wedding. But for tonight's event, it was set up cocktail style with an estimated 150-200 guests buzzing about, hopping from one wine tasting table to the next. Providing a dramatic backdrop was a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip's colorful neons. At the far right end, couples on the dance floor were swaying to slow jazz tunes rendered by a live band.

Being a VIP guest (ahem), I was led to a private room called the "Bride Room." During weddings, this room is used as the bride's dressing room. It's about the same size as a standard bedroom with its own bathroom. Elegantly furnished, this corner room led to a patio that overlooked the same breath-taking view that I saw in the main hall. (Must be great to be in this very spot on New Year's Eve to watch the city's fireworks display!) You can view more pictures with this link: http://www.view215.com/gallery.php. Sitting below the picture window was a black leather sectional sofa where a few friendly guests gathered (like Raquel and Monica shown in photo). They were sipping wine while watching a UNLV Rebel game on the flat screen TV.

Not long after, I finally found Cameron (and also met David) and we began our wine tasting tour. We sampled different vinos such as J. Lohr "Old Vine" Zinfandel, Willakenzie Pinot Noir, Michele Chiarlo "Nivole" Moscato, Rosenblum "Desiree" Port, and Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc. In between tastings, we visited the food station where they had chicken and beef satays, sushi rolls, and cocktail shrimp. Another table offered fresh fruit, cheese and crackers. By the time I reached Wine Tasting Table 4, they were out of the Little Black Dress Pinot Noir. What? Darn, I just missed it! But I wasn't too disappointed because they replenished the dessert station -- a chocolate fountain with plenty of goodies for dipping: fresh strawberries, brownies, cream puffs, marshmallows, and pretzel sticks. I believe we spent most of our time here.

What caught my eye was the table where they had 7 unopened bottles of "Seven." I did not see anyone manning this table and while there were little plastic cups next to the bottles, no one was serving and no one was drinking. The only other thing on the table was a laptop playing an informational video about this beverage. So leave it to me, the curious adventurer, to find out more about it. I approached the gentleman from the nearest Wine Tasting Table. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he was just as curious as I was. He gladly opened one of the bottles and let me have a taste. (As did he.)

It turns out that this special drink is a fusion of seven powerful exotic ingredients that help promote vibrant health:
1. Gac fruit - known to help promote smooth skin and bright eyes
2. Acai berry - believed to have phenomenal healing powers
3. Goji berry - helps to promote health and longevity
4. Noni fruit - also has mythical healing properties
5. Fucoidan - a nutrient found in a South Pacific seaweed.
Its nutrition closely resembles human breast milk.
6. Mangosteen fruit - known for its amazing restorative and medicinal properties
7. Seabuckthorn - legendary in its potent nutrition and source of vitality

And how are these 7 ingredients blended together? With structure water -- which is, according to the website, "similar to the fluid found in healthy cells. With a higher pH, structured water can be more easily absorbed by your body." This explains my reaction when I took a sip. I thought it tasted like crushed berries and water. The promotional literature encourages people to take a 7-day challenge towards a healthier lifestyle. eXfuze Seven+ is a liquid supplement rich with nutrients that fight against lack of energy, poor sleep, aches and pains, unhealthy weight, and poor nutrition. Ha! I learned something new again tonight!