Is the Past in Tomorrowland's Future?

Here's something I really miss from Disneyland and thoroughly enjoy while visiting the Magic Kingdom in Florida: the Peoplemover. Florida's Transit Authority has returned to mixed reviews on its audio tour, but just having this great attraction up and running is a tribute to good old common sense. The future belongs in Tomorrowland, and nothing aside from Space Mountain has represented the land as well.

This great old piece of concept art comes from back in the day when the executives at the company and Imagineering were really interested in keeping Tomorrowland about tomorrow. I still have alot of faith in the Disney Imagineers, especially those working on Walt's original park under Tony Baxter's lead. Can't wait to see what is up next!

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company)

Wedding Belles and a Beau

Nice photo of some of our family. Taken at a wedding where our daughter was a bridesmaid. Isn't she beautiful? (And my wife, too!)

Shanghai Disneyland Whets the Appetite

All this talk of Shanghai Disneyland whets my appetite to visit Disney's second park in Asia. Tokyo Disney Sea may always hold title to the most elaborately themed park on the face of the earth. And rightfully so. We have been told for almost ten years now that photos do not do it justice. The stunning views, the premier attractions, and the gorgeous shops and restaurants only prove its status in the eyes and minds of Disney fans worldwide.

But I am concerned. Will the addition of Toy Story Mania do the park any justice? The continued infusion of Disney characters can certainly contribute to the watering down of the theme. (Sorry, pun intended!) First Crush invades with Turtle Talk, now this. When will they stop and how will this growing epidemic impact the first Mainland China park? Stay tuned...
(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

Sunday Night Addiction

Wow- what has gone on tonight? My brain is running in a million different directions. Maybe it is just knowing I am only working two days next week. Maybe it is a lack of Disney news of significance and not much to blog on. Certainly the upcoming and current music releases have warranted my attention. And yes, there are about five service projects and ideas running through my mind. Maybe its just too much sugar after weeks of "being good" on my diet. Whatever it is, stay tuned in the next few days for much more Disney related postings...

Dreaming Her Dream

Susan Boyle 's modern day success story will only get better! Her long desired album I Dreamed a Dream hits stores tomorrow much to the delight of fans worldwide. For those of us older than we might care to admit, Susan's success is an encouraging one and a faith story to behold- a nice reminder that regardless of our circumstances, age, and status, God can put us in places we could never imagine. Yes, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9) I think this album is only the beginning of the dream.

Bond, James Bond

The recent running debate in our house is "Who is the Best James Bond?" Of course, 007 has been played by many men. Purists would say Sean Connery, newbies reply Daniel Craig- of which I echo the sentiment. Mr. Craig brings style, dry wit, and a toughness required for the role- and his new movie in 2011 cannot happen fast enough. Your choice for best Bond?

American Idol Men Make Their Mark

With Kris Allen's album out now and Adam Lambert's due in a couple of days, it's going to be another American Idol Christmas. Can't speak about Adam's yet, but let me tell you Kris' first one is a solid effort. It's one of the best debut collections from an Idol winner yet. Kris rocks convincingly yet with heart and soul. His trademark high notes are there, his songwriting impressive, and his passion for the art is evident. Go pick up the disc. You'll be glad you did.

Burning Heart

My heart is longing for God today! I want to see Him work in me and through me. I want to be changed even moreso into the image and likeness of Jesus. So many options available to me to be used by you in service. Help me know where to invest my time and not waste it. And I want to see those friends I hold near and dear even though they are far away. Seeing them would be like a visit to Disneyland for my heart and soul! Lord, please hear my prayer and give me direction.

Give It A Rest

Overexposed celebrities range from the truly talented to those who have nothing more to offer than outrageous personal lives or incredibly beautiful looks. Without further ado, here is my list overexposed folks who need a rest from the media.

Remember, we made this situation what it is by our fascination with them, and I am guilty as charged...

Tom Cruise- Whether it is pimping his latest movie or waxing on about Scientology, I'd love to see him get some rest. Us, too.

Oprah- She's so big that we don't even use her last name anymore. The big "O" is everywhere. She's an industry unto herself and a generous one at that. However, the American public, and perhaps even Oprah herself, takes her way too seriously. How can they not when we cannot get away from her long enough to think for ourselves. 2011 cannot come soon enough.

Madonna- The music industry's queen of self-promotion. Go back to making the great music that made you shine. Haven't seen it for about a decade now. Will we again?

Rush Limbaugh- I already turn him off. Off the radio and the television. I am all for free speech be it MSNBC to Fox News, Time Magazine to Rolling Stone, National Public Radio to Conservative Talk. But enough is enough.

Lindsay Lohan- Once talented and focused on acting. Whether stoned, drunk, or showing off her body all over Hollywood, it's a disgrace. I miss the young talent she used to be and may never be again. That said, she is everywhere- but for all the wrong reasons.

Kim Kardashian- An example of the new generation media bringing us celebrities with no purpose. Just another overexposed (in more ways than one) pretty face.

Kate and Jon Gosselin- See above description. They played the game, made the money, and now it's time to set us free from the drama.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie- OK, they do the humanitarian thing. I'm truly glad they do. The media seems to think we cannot live without hearing about them. Guess that's the norm for overexposed celebs who find themselves on the covers of magazines or in the headlines each week.

I'd like to add to this list the following: overpaid sports stars; egotistical politicians of both parties; charlatan, money-grubbing television preachers who distort God and His Word; and businessmen with no scruples that steal millions from the people they are supposed to serve.

Who do you think is overexposed and needs a rest?

Design Detail: Disneyland's Frontierland

Following up my first expedition to Disneyland's newer Pirates Lair, I exited the dock and stopped to glance at the area's "River Notices". The amount of wonderful detail here (click the photo to see it larger) reinforces a long held personal observation: Walt's original park is the gold standard for theme parks. Everywhere a guest looks, there are new things to see- even if this is your hundredth visit. It really is amazing! From Frontierland to New Orleans Square to Main Street U.S.A. and onward through each land, the icing on the cake itself is full of wonderous layers charming detail upon detail. Thanks, Imagineering! Well done, once more.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

President or Palin?

It certainly is a new era, isn't it? In decades past, a president or any other politician wouldn't be caught showing off the body like these two photos do. For now, I think both of them can handle the complaints about their respective portrayals. Although they both look pretty good, if they don't like the insinuations, they should just cover up. I guess that same thing could be said for all of us, too!

(Photos copyright Bauer Griffin and Newsweek.)

Love, Serve and Support

Have you ever read a book by a favorite author and you find everytime you read it, the same sentence can have a whole new impact on you? This has been happening to me recently. Listen to this: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Anyone who reads this blog knows that I am all for helping those around you and those less fortunate. I have been trying to live like this for years now, sometimes with more success than others. Hate seeing others abused and taken advantage of, especially children, who are the most defenseless and powerless in our world.

Social justice is very important to the heart of God. Caring for the needs of others has always been a hallmark of a true Christ-follower. Serve, love, and support. Do what is right. The foundational core of social justice begins by defending the right of the unborn, the most defenseless humans of all. They have no voice, but we do. So do something; whatever you're lead to do. Use your voice to comfort, use your time to serve, use your prayers, use your vote- make a difference- but leave the violence and ugly words behind.