Happy New Year and O

Welcoming 2025, and wrapping up 2024. Another year gone by at the speed of light. At least, that's how it was for me. One question that always lingers on my mind is that if time doesn't exit, why do we divide it into years, months, days, and etc.? If time doesn't exist, why do we have such an awareness of its existence? And finally, if time doesn't exist, why do we run around saying that we're late or we have no time?

This year, instead of going to the ballet or a play, my friend and I opted for "O" by Cirque du Soleil. Not the live show, but something different. Since we live in Los Angeles, and the actual show is in Las Vegas, we had no idea what to expect. We found the description on their website a bit vague. They call it "shared reality," but it's not shared. A shared reality would be like Dreamscape where attendees would participate, and depend on each other. It's not "immersive," as they put it. Immersive would be something like the immersive Van Gogh. And it's really not "blending physical space with digital world." That would be like the Mori Digital museum in Japan. And so, since we had no idea what to expect, we bought the cheapest ticket just to see if we would like it.

All they had to say was that it's virtual reality, and you don't need special gadgets to experience it. And because they didn't do a good job of describing it, there were plenty of empty seats. By the way, you will think that the performers are going into water and that the water is splashing out towards you, but there is no water anywhere on the stage. It's all virtual. 

We barely made it on time because my friend was stuck in traffic. There are several new buildings in the area. This show was playing at a building called Cosm. The last time I was here, I was at the YouTube building for a Persian Concert. After you enter the building, and pass through the security check, you take the elevators up. The theater is right in front of you, next to a lounge bar.

Arrive early if you want to order an appetizer (the mushroom flat bread is pretty good), because once the lights go down, it's hard to see the menu, and your bill. The couple in front of us took forever to pay. They couldn't see, which meant that the server stood near them, completely blocking our view.

Basically, "O" is taped in Vegas in front of a live audience, clapping, oohing, and ahhing. With the sound effects, it feels real, and at times, you too want to stand up and cheer. A few people did, forgetting that the performance was not live. Yes, that's how real it feels.

The closer you are to the stage, the more you feel the effects. I think that the best seats are front row balcony. Any closer, it's too much in your face, and any farther, you don't get the best experience.

As soon as the show is over, get up and walk around to have a look at the front of the stage. At this point, the experience is pleasant. You'll be standing, watching a waterfall or snow-laden mountains. If you get there too late, the ushers will ask you to leave so that they can get the theater ready for the next show.

You get a four-hour parking validation with your ticket. The show ends in February. Too bad that they didn't do a good job of describing the venue. It's a good show, and we would have gotten better tickets had we had an idea of what it was all about. 

Christmas at the Mission Inn

The Mission Inn, built about 150 years ago, takes over an entire block. One or two of the streets that surround it are closed to traffic during this time of the year to make way for pedestrians. Street parking may be scarce, but there are public lots that charge $15-$20. We got there around thirty past three, drove around, and found one spot left on Fifth Street.

This place started as a cottage, and expanded throughout the years by Frank Augustus Miller, and Henry E. Huntington. More history here.

I've been meaning to visit the Mission Inn ever since I found out about their Christmas decorations a few years back. I just never got around to it, until this year when my friend and I were trying to do something festive. The above is a photo of the side entrance. There are security guards at all the entrances asking if you're staying at the Inn or are dining there. They don't check, but they just want to deter too many people from entering the building.

We went around to use the front entrance. The decorations reminded me of going into someone's house where every inch of space is Christmas. During other months, the Mission has a traditional look from back in the day, and is less crowded.

There is a lot of time spent on details in every nook inside and outside. If you decide to go, pay careful attention so you don't miss it.

 

The above video reminds me of Disneyland with angels and gnomes rotating their heads. There were quite a bit of statues that moved their heads, both inside and outside of the building.

Two more shots before we head out to dinner. I have no idea how many hours they put in to decorate this Inn. It's well worth your time to visit it at least once, specially if you live in the L.A area, or if you have someone from out of town visiting. And although crowded during Christmas time, there is space where you can escape. The lights, ornaments, statues, and all the extra details help to shift away focus from how busy it can get. Plan to spend a few hours here, less if you're not a people person.

Apparently, they have different types of rooms. These are on the forth floor, and I think they're called the Mission Rooms. Some of the rooms on other floors have French windows.

We had dinner here. Pleasant atmosphere, and staff. Great service. Food and Margarita were meh.

They have a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and other games for families with kids.

The Riverside vibe is different than the L.A vibe. People have a kickback small town attitude. They are more courteous, friendlier, and kinder than the L.A residents. 

The hunt for MH370

According to Reuters, Malaysia is to resume the hunt for flight MH370. A 495 page report said that the controls were deliberately manipulated to go off course. Have a look at this 21st Century Wire before it disappears. The link indicates that the government was able to take control of airplanes after the disappearance of MH370. However, when I was doing my research in 2014, this technology already existed. (image by Anestiev)

I don't think the truth will ever come out regarding this flight. There may be foul play, and it will be denied or distorted in the interest of covering up the truth. They will give some washed explanation to quiet the families involved. And anyone who will say otherwise, they will label as "conspiracy theorists." I wrote about this when it first happened in 2014, but since then, videos have been removed (I was able to find new links. Again, have a look before they disappear too). There were many theories which were closer to the truth than the junk people were fed by some of the reporters who were controlled by their editors who are controlled by the government who are controlled by corporations, and finally, who are controlled by those who control the world. (image by OrnaW) 

With that said, let's add to the theories that they promote as "conspiracy." For example, did you know that there are those, lets call them "the black ops," who have weapons that have the capability to incinerate airplanes as well as advance ships from other planets visiting us? They hardly leave a trace, making it difficult, if not impossible, to track down. I learned this at the CE-5 conference with Dr. Steven Greer. The person who revealed this information had worked in an underground facility at a specific site. He said that he worked in a no-fly zone, and was ordered to evaporated anything that wasn't supposed to be there, including airplanes that flew over the no-fly zone, be it by accident or otherwise. 

And no, Dr. Greer and those who are part of his network are not wackos that they are now trying to make them out to be in order to prevent his new documentary from being released. At his conference, there were people involved in the government and the military, some were snooping around, and others were whistleblowers. We even saw a security detail. Don't believe me? Look him up online, and attend one of his many conferences. He is the real deal. He has a conference coming up on a cruise ship. I hope that he will have a safe journey. (image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images) I did several posts about attending his conference, part 3, part 2, and part 1.

 

Holidays and Nostalgia

This time of year can be hard for many, especially for those who don't have family and friends, and for the ones who have a lot of responsibilities, or are going through tough situations. I know this only too well. I've been there, and it's not fun. 

However, I have always been fortunate enough to have people in my life who encouraged me to hang in there, and be strong. This will pass too, and life will get better. Even so, no one can do it for you. You're the one who has to face your challenges, and come out of it in one piece.

The holidays always remind me of the people I love. The ones who are around, and those who have passed on. And it's not that I don't think about the people I care about on other days, but somehow this time of year brings about a feeling of nostalgia for me.

I used to put up a real tree, not every year, because you know, life sometimes gets in the way. But the years that I did, I somehow felt better, more relaxed. This year, I was debating if I should put up something and send out some cards even though I rarely get a card from anyone. The card in the above photo is from an old friend, and it's the only one I have received so far. I think our parents knew each other before we were born. She loves Christmas, and I call her Santa Clause because her house looks like Santa's house, and as soon as the New Year begins, she starts counting the days until the next Christmas.

I decided last minute to do a little decoration and turn on my fireplace. No, it's not a traditional décor, but it's easy to put up. I don't have to go shopping for it, and it takes very little space when I put it away. I like things that are minimalist. I know that my nieces, and my Santa Clause friend would prefer a real tree. As for me, I want to keep it simple 😉

As you see, my cards have not been mailed yet. I'm not looking forward to the post office line. In L.A, lines can get a bit crazy, particularly around the holidays. Nevertheless, it's got to get done, because some of them are going to a few friends who live outside the country. I want to make sure that I put the right amount of postage. Also one year, the post office behaved like scrooge, and sent all my cards back because the size didn't meet their standard requirement (I think the envelopes were square instead of rectangle), and I needed to add more stamps to compensate for their irregular size.

This year, I made a few plans with my friends and family, one or perhaps two of which I will share here when it happens. I think if I didn't have any friends or family, I wouldn't let it stop me from having fun. I would watch my favorite Christmas movies, hang out in places that were festive, and strike up conversations with strangers. 

Life is what we make of it. There are times when we feel sad, because of stressful things going on in our lives. But we need to create moments of happiness, even if they are tiny moments. So, make time to create your mini moment and find some enjoyment, as small as it may be 💙

 

   

A walking tour in Dublin

The British ruled over Ireland for 800 years. When you go through most tours in Dublin, the consensus is how the British abused the Irish. And my walking tour was no different. Our tour guide in the blue shirt had a ton of energy, and spoke with excitement. He asked where everybody was from, and my British friend said that she was from Poland, which in a way was true because that's where she was born. I joked with her, and said I dare you to say that you are British.

The above photo is of Michael Joseph O'Rahilly who died at age 41 during the 1916 Easter rising as the Irish fought for their independence against the British rule. He could have been saved after he got wounded, but the British would not allow the paramedics save him until it was too late.

As Michael O'Rahilly laid on the ground, dying, he writes a letter to his wife, Nannie, which later becomes a part of the Irish history. The photo above is a plaque of his letter installed on a brick wall at the corner of Moore street in Dublin. This is what he wrote:

 

Written after I was shot. Darling Nancy I was shot leading a rush up Moore Street, and took refuge in a doorway. While I was there, I heard the men pointing out where I was, and made a bolt for the laneway I'm in now. I got more than one bullet, I think. Tons and tons of love dearie to you and the boys and to Nell and Anna. It was a good fight anyhow. Please deliver this to Nannie O'Rahilly, 40 Herbert Park, Dublin. 

Goodbye Darling

His house at 40 Herbert Park, Dublin, was demolished in 2020 to make way for a 66 million Euro apartment project. Historians and the city council were against the demolition, but ultimately, the big money developers won. The irony is that the reason these developers are enjoying a comfortable lifestyle free from the British rule is that Michael O'Rahilly was among the many who risked their lives to clear a path for independence. No good deed goes unpunished.

Famine memorial on the custom quay. The statues were sculpted by a Dubliner named Rowan Gillespie. It represents the Irish people walking toward the ship to escape hunger. During the British rule, there was plenty unrest. Farmers had to send their food to Britain, leaving them not much to eat except potatoes. And so, many country's poor depended on the potato to feed their families. In 1845, a mold infestation hit the potato crops, and as food became scarce, more than a million people died during the Potato Famine. On a different tour, a guide told us that it is believed the infestation was done on purpose. There are other sets of these statues presenting the arrival of the Irish refugees in cities, such as Toronto, where the Irish migrated.

During the Irish War of Independence, the men involved in the rebellion were excommunicated by the Catholic church, and were being chased and killed by the British forces. Sympathetic priests would travel from an underground tunnel in Dublin to the Maid of Erin pub, known today as the Confession Box, to do communion, and hear confessions.

After the tour, Dominika and I walked around to find a place for dinner. We ended up in the Temple Bar area, and had pizza. What was interesting was as the evening approached, and seats became scarce, people grabbed their food and drinks, and sat on the ground to eat. 

Unexpected things in life 

So, after spending Thanksgiving with my family, I was in a good mood until the day after when someone smashed into my car. I was pretty shaken because I haven't been a car accident in more than 10 years. I'm okay. It's just that I wasn't expecting someone to run their car into mine. 

Long story about what happened and all that. But I have been mentally blocked lately, not feeling like doing anything. Not even updating my blog or my social media. I had to keep reminding myself to be grateful that no one was injured.

I feel better today. Maybe because today was one of those days that everybody decided to call me. I've been on the phone all day past 1 a.m. Maybe that's what I needed to get out of my funk.

Anyway, since I didn't have much to write about, I decided to just post a video of one of my favorite musicians, Lady Gaga. I went to her concert once long ago with a friend of mine who asked me why I didn't film her and post it on my blog. I told her that I just wanted to enjoy listening to her songs instead of looking through a camera. And so, since I don't own any recordings of her, the below video from YouTube will have to do. I have another post coming up after this one. I guess things are starting to look up.