Batman: Dark Knight Rising - Sneak Preview

Not only does my business take me on travels around the world, but occasionally we take flights of fancy with our clients. Thanks to Citrix, Microsoft, HP, and Allied Networks we were able to see the newest in the Batman series 10 hours before the midnight shows launch.

The newest in the Batman series picks up some time after The Dark Knight's conclusion. It stays true to the events of the previous movie and includes the elements Batman fans look forward to. There are the tried-and-true Batman motorcycle as well as a host of new technology created by the brilliant Lucius Fox. The new villain, Bain, is truly larger than life. He brings an evil to Gotham City that threatens to destroy it. The Cat Woman is back, in clingy black leatherette and silver stilettos. Ever so much like a real cat, we are never sure of her motives until the surprise ending.

Just as the Joker forces him to "confront everything he believes" in the previous movie, this movie shows Bruce Wayne's inner struggle to rebuild himself in a crime-free city that blames Batman for the death of a beloved character from the previous movie. The love affair between Bruce Wayne and Rachel Dawes drives the character and leads to tremendous torment and struggle. Yet somehow, Bruce Wayne and Batman triumph over the evil villain and their own inner struggles to save the day.

Did I mention the twist ending? No spoilers here, but it was very satisfying.

Consider the lilies in Modoc

There is a beautiful place to hike, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Soup Springs Campground in the Modoc National Forest is peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. The hike and campground begins with a beautiful field of corn lilies. They look like a loose cabbage with a tall stalk in the center.  I don't know if we were early or late, but we missed the flowers in bloom. Despite that, the field was quite green and beautiful. It was a real eye-catcher out in the wilderness. There were so many.

Plaza Satelite - HIgh Brow Mall Art

I was warned against wandering around Mexico City alone by my translators. However, they both agreed it would be safe for la Americana to take a solo taxi cab trip to the Plaza Satelite (Plah' -sa Sa'-teh-lee'-tuh) shopping mall. However, strict instructions were given on where to go from the mall to find a safe taxi back to my hotel.

Once at the mall, I was charmed by the beautiful artwork on display. This graceful metal sculpture and the bright, airy arching roof give a feeling of unlimited possibilities.

Transformers 2 Mexico City

During my visit to the Plaza Satelite (Plah' -sa Sa'-teh-lee'-tuh) shopping mall in Mexico City I came across what at first struck me as a very creative piece of Mall Art. But I was puzzled by the unending stream of parents with cameras and small children. When the crowd finally cleared, I realized the Transformers had made a visit to Mexico City.

Blog Carnivals

Part of our responsibility as a member of the blogosphere is to share useful Blog Carnivals with our readers. Following is a list of some travel blog carnivals.