Check out a brand-new featurette that dives into the legacy of Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow since her introduction on the big screen 10 years ago in “Iron Man 2.” In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow,” Natasha confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.
The film opens in U.S. theaters on May 1, 2020.
In April of 1944, the tiny town of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, was mistaken as German territory and accidentally bombed by Allied planes. The town, which is the only sizeable chunk of Swiss territory on the north bank of the Rhine, survived – just as it has since medieval times.
I visited Schaffhausen last spring, at the start of a tour around the Swiss section of beautiful Lake Constance, Europe’s third-largest lake.
My journey began in Zurich, with the purchase of an invaluable Swiss Pass, which allows visitors to travel on all trains, trolleys, buses and numerous boats. The pass even gets you into hundreds of museums and a myriad of other Swiss activities. In an efficient mass transit country like Switzerland, the pass is gold.
After overnighting in Zurich, I took a train 45 minutes north to Schaffhausen, where I checked into the Sorell Hotel Rüden (www.rueden.ch), set in a guild house from the 14th and 15th centuries. The 30-room hotel, which has been had been faithfully restored to reflect the building’s long history, features modern furnishings, newly renovated bathrooms, and elegant accommodations.
The property is in the middle of the pedestrian zone of picturesque Schaffhausen Old Town. It is three walking minutes from the Main Train Station and a short jaunt from historic Old Town Schaffhausen, where there are plenty of shops, cinemas, restaurants, and bars to experience. The Rhine River can also be reached easily on foot from the hotel.
Highlights of Schaffhausen include the 16th-century Munot fortress, a casino, Schaffhausen Theater, numerous Gothic and Renaissance buildings, wineries and the spectacular Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Though only 75 ft. high, the falls manage to push an incredible 25,000 cu.-ft. of water per second through massive river boulders, creating a thunderous roar heard throughout the countryside.
From Schaffhausen, I boarded a small ferry for a trip down the Rhine to Stein am Rhein, one of the most intact medieval villages around. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century, the village is highlighted by ancient framed houses, painted with flamboyant frescoes. The paintings were not only a sign of wealth, but many were also meant as stories and warnings for townspeople who couldn’t read.
After touring Stein am Rhein, I caught another boat down the Rhine to the town of Kreuzlingen, where I got my first glimpse of Lake Constance. As the multi-level boat drifted down the historic river, I relaxed on the deck with a plate of stroganoff, a cold beer, and a front-row seat to a classic Swiss countryside speckled with rolling hills, marshlands, charming hamlets, farms, chalets, colorful harbors, and the distant white peaks of the Alps.
After stops in both Swiss and German towns, the ferry arrived in Kreuzlingen. Here I flashed my coveted Swiss Pass and boarded a train to the tiny town of Arbon, where I checked into The Restaurant – Hotel de Charme Römerhof (www.roemerhof-arbon.ch/en/), a charming little hotel with 11 guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant, two historic halls, and a cigar Lounge.
Located in a building built in the 16th century, the hotel is in the center of the old town of Arbon, steps from Lake Constance. All rooms are comfortably furnished and feature a private bathroom, writing desk, telephone, hairdryer, safe, Nespresso coffee machine, internet, and TV. Besides elegant accommodations, the hotel is known for its restaurant that serves classical French cuisine with a mix of world flavors and local touches.
Beyond the hotel is the historic town of Arbon, located on the southern shores of Lake Constance, near Bregenz, Austria. The medieval city is highlighted by a big, beautiful castle, lots of green spaces and a 1.8-mile-long lakeside path that is a haven for walkers and cyclists. A variety of markets, concerts, and festivals take place throughout the year in Fischmarktplatz (Fish Market Square).
The best feature of The Restaurant – Hotel de Charme Römerhof is its proximity to Lake Constance. The lake, Europe’s third-largest, shares 162 miles of shoreline with Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Because of language and close proximity, the peoples of the lake region share a proud historical and cultural bond.
For more info on visiting the Lake Constance region of Switzerland, visit www.Myswitzerland.com. For flight info, visit Swiss International Airlines at www.swiss.com.
Blue Man Group at Segerstrom Center for the Arts was a hilarious and energetic adventure into the bizarre.
This show is chock full of mind-blowing tricks, innovative musical instruments, comedy, and audience participation. Lead by Blue Man Captain Meridian, there are three additional Blue Men on tour; Mike Brown, Steven Wendt, and Adam Zurich. The Blue Men do not need to talk to tell a really amazing story. Their voiceless antics are reminiscent of silent film era comedy, relying on silly gags and body language to get the audience roaring.
The music is enchanting, done almost entirely live. The core focus is on percussion, with the Blue Men playing imaginative instruments made from PVC pipes and other various items, accompanied by a drummer (Corky Gainsford) and an instrumentalist (Jerry Kops). The level of talent in this group is just awe-inspiring.
If you have already seen the Blue Man Group, or are not sure of whether or not you will enjoy this, go see it. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and that’s it’s a charm. It’s a party where you came in knowing no one and left with lots of new friends, and maybe… some confetti in your hair.
BLUE MAN GROUP Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA January 7 – 12, 2020
Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Kids Night: Tuesday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets – Start at $26
In 2020, Disney+ subscribers can look forward to a diverse line-up of new content including the highly anticipated return of Hilary Duff in “Lizzie McGuire,” Marvel Studios’ first original series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “WandaVision,” the final season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” the Muppets unscripted series “Muppets Now,” original movies “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made,” “Stargirl,” “The Phineas & Ferb Movie: Candace Against the Universe,” and “Secret Society of Second Born Royals,” docuseries “Rogue Trip” and “Becoming,” and season two of hit series “The Mandalorian” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.”
Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the biggest blockbuster films from Walt Disney Studios including “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” and “The Lion King.”
As fans head to theaters for the epic conclusion to the Star Wars Skywalker saga, guests at Disney Parks around the world will be boarding Starspeeders and heading to exciting destinations inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
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Over the years, C-3PO and R2-D2 have taken Star Tours passengers to some pretty amazing destinations and the adventure on the surface of the ocean moon Kef Bir is one of the wildest that’s been added to the attraction.
The updated adventures will include an urgent transmission from none other than Lando Calrissian to join in the battle to end all battles!
It’s been an incredible Star Tours journey since then, Disney has been adding new sequences to keep Star Tours – The Adventures Continue relevant with the evolving film saga, and even more exciting for guests to experience!
With the new Rise of Skywalker updates, Star Tours now offers you more than 100 storytelling combinations, but for the next few months, it will feature the destinations inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Also released is the new attraction poster for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. As you’ll see, the Starspeeder is in for some epic adventures this time around, and wait until to experience them yourself!
Bundle up in your beanies and scarves, then grab a friend, family member, or significant other and trek to LA Zoo Lights! Come discover holiday magic of lights, music, and joy as thousands of twinkling lights brighten up the evening in beautiful displays. It’s a different type of jungle from the daytime zoo experience.
Even moments before entering the main gates, guests are greeted with dazzling snowflakes each with a special animal motif. A brilliant tree spirals in the middle of the entry plaza surrounded by animal images. To the side are a laser and light garden walk through passing flowers and crocodiles. Illuminated garlands hang high above the International Marketplace. Beyond that, the Jungle Garden roars to life with tigers, gorillas, flamingos, and prairie dogs.
Santa Claus himself has set up shop at his L.A. Outpost surrounded by hot coco, churros, radiating rose garden, and flickering Christmas tree.
We recommend proceeding to the right of the path towards the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel. A gorgeous photo backdrop awaits your arrival. Rainforest Ribbits is home to a pond surrounded by water lilies, frogs, and dragonflies. The Blue Forest guides you to the Twinkle Tunnel for illuminated selfies. Then exit this area past the Electric L.A.phants and Starry Lights with their video projection images of holiday cheer.
Backtrack to “Deck the Halls With Disco Balls” and keep straight into Wonderland Walkabout. Stain-glass images of favorite animal silhouettes are found beside the pathway along with glowing butterflies. The dead-end gives way to the Holiday Light Wall with its programmed multi-colored wall of light synched to holiday music.
The best way to end the evening is walking through The Luminous LAIR as it concludes with a water and laser show. It’s hard to miss the LAIR now adorned with a giant multi-colored glowing serpent on top of the building. After visiting the live snakes, exit outside to a giant spider-web light display alongside the oversized arachnid.
Now for the best water, light, and laser show in the zoo comes “Splashes of Light” to end the evening on a high note. The show is approximately 5 minutes long with 5-minute intervals. So guests would not have to wait very long for each show. The best view is anywhere against the fence viewing into the show. The show packs quite a punch with the limited space and effects it uses. But they are all used to the best advantage. The multi-colored laser animation and scrolling words really do have crystal clarity.
The LA Zoo Lights is an excellent alternative to the hustle and bustle of theme parks with their holiday offerings. The atmosphere is charming and the vibe is serene. The Christmas music was also not so overbearing and hitting you over the head. There are quiet moments between the designated light displays. It makes you joyfully anticipate what’s next to see around the corner. Each decoration feels like a selfie and Instagram worthy moment. There was no pushing, shoving, or rushing to go from point A to B. Take in the moment with leisure and tranquillity. It’s a good place to come and clear your mind and breathe in the fresh chill air.
LA Zoo Nights runs every evening until January 5, 2020. Closed December 24 and 25, 2019. Opens 6pm-10pm. Admission at $15 per person is a reasonable value to spend a couple of hours with loved ones for a bright and shiny holiday outing.
Come sail away with the Queen Mary in Long Beach for an evening of holiday fun. The crew invites one and all for a leisure event along and inside the Queen Mary. Ideal for both families and couples looking for a tranquil outing.
The North Pole Village is a fairground for additional cost activities to immerse yourself in the joyful spirit. Go ice skating around a Christmas tree centerpiece, reserve a cabana for a private gathering place, sip on adult beverages around a campfire, special sweets and savory treats, and festive face painting.
But since it is the spirit of giving, there are activities that are already included with your admission ticket. These include the QM Express Train Ride through the fairground and enchanted forest, North Pole Rock Climbing, Giant Rocking Horse, carousel rides, and screening of The Polar Express experience in the 4D Theater at the stern of the Queen Mary ship. Don’t forget to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in the Captain’s Quarters located on the Promenade. The North Pole Village also showcases a stage for live performances and photo opportunities inside an inflatable snowglobe and Christmas light tunnel.
More holiday fun can be found aboard the ship. Here in the Winter Wharf, visitors will find an activity center, Nutcracker Sweets sells delicate delights, a second entertainment stage, and photo backdrops of gift wraps and whimsy cutouts. It is also here where apparently guests enter for the 4D Theatre. The guide map seems to indicate that but no one seemed to have a definite answer. For an additional cost, you can build your own gingerbread house and decorate your own stocking.
Although there is much to do and see, the Queen Mary challenges you to complete all the major activities with stamps from each location on your guide map and sharing on social media to be entered into a grand prize drawing.
If you ever wanted to just walk around and explore the Queen Mary at your own pace, this is the perfect chance to do so. It’s so much encouraged that even the onboard dining options are listed on the guide map including Sir Winston’s, Chelsea Chowder House, and the Observation Bar. If that wasn’t enough, could you believe you can have Breakfast with Santa or experience a three-course dinner and show on select dates (for an additional cost)?!
Queen Mary Christmas presents itself as a relaxing, at your leisure, and cool mini-getaway with a chill atmosphere. The admission price is fair when you compare to what additional cost activity or food you may elect to partake. Being able to roam around the ship may definitely pique the interest of anyone who has been wanting to board the Queen Mary. The Polar Express in 4D shows clips of the 2004 animated film with in-theater effects such as snow, vibrating seats, and sprays of water. The express train ride is the type that can be seen in many malls and fairgrounds. Navigating the path to the 4D Theatre and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Claus may prove difficult with the lack of knowledge and signages.
So come and set sail with Queen Mary Christmas this holiday season through January 1st.
The whimsical spirit of the holidays transforms Universal Studios Hollywood into a winter wonderland bringing merriment and cheer to families and friends this festive season as the theme park ushers in seasonal favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” beginning Thursday, November 28 and running daily through Sunday, December 29, 2019.
An annual family tradition, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” adds holiday warmth and cheer to this beloved land as the quaint town of Hogsmeade village is enchanted with seasonal décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts and a dazzling light projection spectacular brings the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” illuminates Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.
Musical performances from the a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, entertain guests with their harmonized holiday-themed songs and fill the land with holiday cheer.
In time for the holiday season, a wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be available. Collectibles include a decorative Hogwarts castle snow globe, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the four houses, wizard card ornaments, unique tree topper, and house pennant garland.
Holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer further complement the overall experience.
An all-new state-of-the-art, topsy-turvy “Grinchmas” tree, twisting and turning over 55 feet in height and adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of white and multi-colored LED lights choreographed to music, brightens the merry “Grinchmas” Who-lebration. Dazzling “Grinchmas” tree lighting ceremonies that take place every evening, accompanied by a snowfall flurry, bring this annual favorite to life, creating a festival of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.
Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy will also permeate throughout the theme park, bringing a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions to “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” to gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.
Universal CityWalk’s spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will once again glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season as the magic of the holidays comes to life in the “5 Towers” outdoor plaza along with a slate of free concert performances and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers.
CityWalk’s iconic, dancing water fountain with over 230 individual power jets will continue to mesmerize guests when it projects streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.
The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission.
The California Neighbor Pass makes the perfect holiday gift, providing you with the opportunity to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow in Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow” the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz as Melina. Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, “Black Widow” hits U.S. theaters on May 1, 2020.
New Poster was also released.
The 1930s was a great time for Hollywood westerns and for the city of Lone Pine, California. Film crews came looking for adventure in the nearby Alabama Hills, where giant granite boulders provided the perfect backdrop for hideouts, ambushes, stagecoach rides, and gunfights. These movies brought big names like John Wayne, Gene Autry, Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Roy Rogers, Robert Mitchum, and Clayton Moore to name a few.
When daily film shoots ended, many stars and crew members headed back down to Lone Pine and stayed at the new Dow Hotel, which was built by local resident Walter Dow to accommodate the Hollywood influx. The hotel originally had 55 rooms and a large porch with incredible views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains and Mt. Whitney. In the 1950s the hotel expanded with the addition of The Dow Villa Motel.
I discovered Lone Pine and The Dow Villa (www.dowvillamotel.com) on the way home from a recent trip to June Lake, near Mammoth. I heard a lot of good things about the area, but I didn’t expect to find such a quaint small-town feel and old American West charm.
My getaway began when my friends and I checked into room number 105 at the Dow Villa Hotel. Also known as the Roy Rogers suite, the accommodation is a classic 1920s country. It features two rooms connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom. The bedroom has a comfy queen bed, large TV, office desk, closet, window overlooking the hotel patio and water fountain, and a private entrance. The living room boasts a sleeper sofa, big windows looking to the courtyard, large TV, closet, coffee table and chairs, and a hat/coat rack.
The suite also comes with a full-size kitchen with table and chairs, sink, refrigerator, stove and clock with a lasso wrapped around it. The bathroom has a shower/tub combination. The suite is accentuated by lots of fun, old pictures of Roy Rogers and some of the movies shot in the area.
Once checked in, we explored the town. With a population of about 2,000, Lone Pine is located along U.S. Highway 395 in the heart of the Owens Valley. When the 395 gets to Lone Pine it narrows and becomes Main Street. The thoroughfare is lined with western-style buildings, sporting goods stores, an old fashioned local market, an old wooden saloon, a store selling rocks and gems, and a few restaurants.
The restaurants are hearty and popular with hikers, outdoor people, and fishermen who pass through town on their way to nature areas such as Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra, including the Golden Trout Wilderness and 14,505-ft Mt Whitney. The latter, the highest point in the contiguous United States, is about 13 miles west of town and is accessed via Whitney Portal Rd.
Whitney Portal Rd climbs nearly 5,000 feet from Lone Pine as it zigzags its way up the face of the Eastern Sierra before reaching 8,300 ft Whitney Portal, the gateway for hikers bound for the summit.
We weren’t up to summiting Mt Whitney, so we explored the Alabama Hills, where hundreds of western, science fiction, thriller, and other movies have been filmed. Located about two miles up Whitney Portal Rd, the hills are full of massive rounded boulders, resembling something from the surface of Mars. The rocks are great for climbing on, biking and horseback riding around, and exploring by car. There are also countless spots in the hills to park and set up camp for the day.
One of the most famous spots in the 30,000-acre protected area is the Mobius Arch, a huge arch that majestically frames Mt. Whitney, making it a perfect photo spot. It is easy to see why so many movies were filmed here.
From the Alabama Hills, we visited the Museum of Western Film History (www.museumofwesternfilmhistory.org). Here, at the base of the hills, we browsed hundreds of incredible movie artifacts and exhibits from the earliest days of silent movies to some of the latest releases. Exhibits include displays on John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Randolph Scott, Gene Autry, and The Lone Ranger. Other showcased movies include “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Iron Man,” “Django,” and “High Sierra,” all of which were filmed in the Alabama Hills.
For more information on visiting Lone Pine and staying at the Dow Villa Hotel, call (800) 824-9317 or visit: www.dowvillamotel.com
The Queen Mary invites one and all to experience the spirit of the holiday season at Queen Mary Christmas, sailing into Long Beach on November 29, 2019, through January 1, 2020, on select dates. Queen Mary Christmas will offer 25 days of holiday cheer with on-and-off ship activations, pairing an outdoor wonderland of fun with hints of maritime magic with strolling entertainment, libations, treats, gingerbread and stocking decorating, Santa meet and greets ice skating on the True North Ice Rink, and much more.
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Take in the vintage yuletide atmosphere by strolling down the sparkling tree-lined Promenade Deck, to find Ol’ Saint Nick. When Santa is away from his North Pole workshop, his Captain’s Quarters in the Shipyard are his home away from home. Join Santa here for a meet and greet, help him chart the course to the North Pole, and pose for a souvenir photo with the jolly fellow. Head to the Main Hall to hear the tales of Christmas like never before during Storytime with Mrs. C and sip on hot chocolate topped off with fixings at the hot chocolate bar.
The Christmas Village, located inside the Exhibition Hall, boasts a festive workshop where all elves in attendance can decorate stockings, trim gingerbread houses, enjoy live entertainment and create jolly arts and crafts. From the Christmas Village, wander through a winter pathway of ‘Instagrammable’ backdrops and photo moments to the 4D Theatre for an intimate screening of The Polar Express, that will take viewers on a 4D sensory adventure complete with snow flurries and the smell of hot cocoa.
As the sound of strolling carolers fills the air, head to the outdoor wonderland of the North Pole Village to take a ride on the trackless train and experience festive entertainment fit for the entire family. Children can enjoy rides on the light-up Grand Carousel and World’s Largest Giant Rocking Horse while parents relax with craft beers and specialty cocktails, complete with performances by Tappin’ Toy Soldiers, the Beefeater Brigade, Dancing Bellhops and more on the outdoor Main Stage.
Create a lasting tradition and carve out holiday memories on the all-new 6,000 square foot True North Ice Rink featuring a glittering 26-ft star topped Christmas tree in front of the Queen Mary’s famous smokestacks. Cozy up off the ice at rink-side concessions offering an array of seasonal treats, refreshments, and entertainment that will have holiday revelers never wanting to leave.
Queen Mary Christmas takes place on November 29, 2019, through January 1, 2020. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $22 for children and includes Queen Mary Christmas event entry and ship access, meet and greets with Santa Claus, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, special screening of The Polar Express in the 4D Theater, and rides on the Grand Carousel, QM Express Train, and giant rocking horse. VIP tickets start at $65 for adults and $59 for children and includes skate rentals and ice skating session at the True North Ice Rink plus participation in all Queen Mary Christmas activities: gingerbread house making in the Gingerbread Village, stocking decorating with Santa’s helpers, screening of The Polar Express in the 4D Theater, meet and greets with Santa, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and rides on the Grand Carousel, QM Express Train, and giant rocking horse. Cabanas are available for purchase. For a full entertainment schedule of tours, activations, experiences, hours of operation and to purchase tickets, visit queenmary.com.
Experience the joy of the Holidays at Knott’s Merry Farm happening now until January 5, 2020. This year, the park will debut a brand-new holiday-themed production at the Calico Mine Stage, Home for the Holidays will mesmerize guests with traditional Christmas tunes, world-class performers, festive lights, magical dancing toys, and dazzling snow all set on the most ambitious stage ever created at Knott’s. Knott’s Merry Farm brings the spirits of the holidays to life by transforming the park into a classic winter wonderland with thousands of dazzling lights and festive décor. With lively shows, beautiful holiday décor, and delicious holiday treats, Knott’s Merry Farm is sure to create lasting holiday memories for the whole family.
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with new festive holiday favorites and timeless classics that can only be found during Knott’s Merry Farm:
The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale. A new 2020 Season Pass includes one free visit to enjoy Merry Farm in 2019, unlimited visits in 2020 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2020 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2020 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the lowest price of the year, Regular Season Passes start at just $99 or nine easy payments of $9.50 after the initial payment and Gold Season Passes are $120 or nine payments of just $11.50 after the initial payment. These offers end on January 5, 2020. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
