tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10612381512274797842024-03-18T21:50:24.841-06:00Insights and SoundsMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.comBlogger4107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-51718678948389729832024-03-18T21:49:00.000-06:002024-03-18T21:49:53.463-06:00This Photograph Inspires <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUE_qVB7QzStDRwaBnO-zJqhBpeV35SB7CYUnWdg3LpFH_wHgX4MY8PLzPI48XfTEuWAbrJawpJUhI0VGI2aVf5v7l8IceP-2GMpvsR-rPnJQz3o2FCTP-PAbhTf9nlNw098CZ2Wp0lNhsRcTVOKUMAdP0f2bp9Mff53xaxI10CpXhxVboYJaoEVDdiT8/s2602/Screenshot%202024-03-15%20at%2011.04.48%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="2602" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUE_qVB7QzStDRwaBnO-zJqhBpeV35SB7CYUnWdg3LpFH_wHgX4MY8PLzPI48XfTEuWAbrJawpJUhI0VGI2aVf5v7l8IceP-2GMpvsR-rPnJQz3o2FCTP-PAbhTf9nlNw098CZ2Wp0lNhsRcTVOKUMAdP0f2bp9Mff53xaxI10CpXhxVboYJaoEVDdiT8/w400-h185/Screenshot%202024-03-15%20at%2011.04.48%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">A good friend of mine took this amazing photo. (I took a screenshot of it because I did not want to share his full sized version.) Isn't it beautiful? When I saw it, the words of this famously great song came to mind:</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">O beautiful for spacious skies,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For amber waves of grain,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For purple mountain majesties</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Above the fruited plain!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">America! America!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">God shed His grace on thee</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And crown thy good with brotherhood</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">From sea to shining sea!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">O beautiful for pilgrim feet,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Whose stern, impassioned stress</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A thoroughfare for freedom beat</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Across the wilderness!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">America! America!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">God mend thine every flaw,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Confirm thy soul in self-control,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Thy liberty in law!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">O beautiful for heroes proved</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In liberating strife,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Who more than self their country loved</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And mercy more than life!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">America! America!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">May God thy gold refine,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Till all success be nobleness,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And every gain divine!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">O beautiful for patriot dream</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">That sees beyond the years</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Thine alabaster cities gleam</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Undimmed by human tears!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">America! America!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">God shed His grace on thee</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And crown thy good with brotherhood</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">From sea to shining sea!</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Words by Katherine Lee Bates.)</div></div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-84300988489829844972024-03-17T22:08:00.004-06:002024-03-18T08:13:13.901-06:00Celebrating St. Paddy's at Raglan Road <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijhr6U9EpBk2GEeOxfWgEWoOU3socAndVo5GEvroUt7mC9KX7R1AI4UNgHvSjmNK5bKOymvkalCi8fXbaD28cmj9iEgD29KW1VEcy1w6mwmzAXch0PPpC5k1Eriyqryns7nn81sf6rFyosq0ZUORgH9bwiTlQGjpiwOnD7vqE1Jt5NZkjEKmxMcRQjUA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijhr6U9EpBk2GEeOxfWgEWoOU3socAndVo5GEvroUt7mC9KX7R1AI4UNgHvSjmNK5bKOymvkalCi8fXbaD28cmj9iEgD29KW1VEcy1w6mwmzAXch0PPpC5k1Eriyqryns7nn81sf6rFyosq0ZUORgH9bwiTlQGjpiwOnD7vqE1Jt5NZkjEKmxMcRQjUA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Eating and drinking at <i>Disney Springs</i>' lively <i>Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant</i> is certainly a memorable experience and if you're in Florida, you should certainly consider it for your party. But is it worth it? Are there better places to spend your hard earned money? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it or will I dine there again? Read on for the latest <i>Dine or Ditch</i>.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4vWDJg4W7XsLlEcBTwU01ksE5EPFU18bTlSKfBY0qk7hoapmax4nkGTX53p_2lFR_pWv7EzwOzThOVwrJtahNe8QsZpOZ7-eO88qoOgV-kb6p4nrK2sTZj4MEaD42ZjTbqXVBLJOQrY99GGzb9W__-4Mlr2tgwnGoUWKqSkRnSt5BfEoqbieFLiMVwg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4vWDJg4W7XsLlEcBTwU01ksE5EPFU18bTlSKfBY0qk7hoapmax4nkGTX53p_2lFR_pWv7EzwOzThOVwrJtahNe8QsZpOZ7-eO88qoOgV-kb6p4nrK2sTZj4MEaD42ZjTbqXVBLJOQrY99GGzb9W__-4Mlr2tgwnGoUWKqSkRnSt5BfEoqbieFLiMVwg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The live entertainment is good-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but you may end up seated in an out of the way location.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although his ethnicity is very mixed, our youngest son identifies the most closely with the Irish piece of his heritage, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our trip and let the vacation kick off in high gear. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't tell you what mid-week looks like in the restaurant, but on the weekend, my bet is <i>Raglan </i>is one of the most popular choices. It was the first place we booked on line when reservations became open, and it was the most difficult of all to get the time we wanted. Due to really awful service at the end of Magical Express, we ended up at <i>Disney Springs</i> almost 1.5 hours later than our initial reservation- and on a Saturday night no less. The entertainment district was mobbed, but thankfully, I had called the pub and advised them of our delay. They graciously found a place for us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our wait was about 15 minutes from the time we finally checked in. We were seated in the back left side of the restaurant in a dark, moody, corner as far away from the stage as could be, but it was a perfect setting to have a long and relaxed meal and a drink.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAhxu7MXOKCFGbh3OBe9ESFFbAIyvMesngWiHLIcoF1CDPusfJUSZnenBHc4NaNtMj9lTINkJ0ywBEUlCsvg3Xp4zRz9parVReYRB9rqKVJ4WiNdM1TNR3RlIHAUht44aNHTtgDVBGXYcAzc37qzF_TVKuYCTXlAnV7BLPjfP6kL03TCNwkGWjxvVpkg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAhxu7MXOKCFGbh3OBe9ESFFbAIyvMesngWiHLIcoF1CDPusfJUSZnenBHc4NaNtMj9lTINkJ0ywBEUlCsvg3Xp4zRz9parVReYRB9rqKVJ4WiNdM1TNR3RlIHAUht44aNHTtgDVBGXYcAzc37qzF_TVKuYCTXlAnV7BLPjfP6kL03TCNwkGWjxvVpkg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Whiskey Flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUxJtT2vXGMoHJ0u17L7A1L_qmicf4mQxuu9Gb7tfv-wLvkmAn1QdeXvUmWGMd_bS6hQNbWJV0-cX1fzjpLt_xRWP_czl5hsSiIvtg94o84r1oDSLz8yle00q41uaV7Oe3NnUMMaw8YzYjDCLimMJvuHszYAzLf3TSQOgeq5wBowzW37VNeaaepF8ISw=s3218" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2545" data-original-width="3218" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUxJtT2vXGMoHJ0u17L7A1L_qmicf4mQxuu9Gb7tfv-wLvkmAn1QdeXvUmWGMd_bS6hQNbWJV0-cX1fzjpLt_xRWP_czl5hsSiIvtg94o84r1oDSLz8yle00q41uaV7Oe3NnUMMaw8YzYjDCLimMJvuHszYAzLf3TSQOgeq5wBowzW37VNeaaepF8ISw=w400-h315" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Irish Rage" is one happy guy tonight!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I began with a gin based drink and my wife chose something lighter. Not our son! He's a hard liquor guy and was very pleased to sample the menu's Whiskey Flight- even if it did cost $27. Our drinks were actually pretty good, and they did help sooth my frazzled nerves after a very frustrating arrival on the property. But out was time to finally begin our vacation- so I put it behind me. I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhywW6KNwskwON6ouPWMSaC49HnXTZE7SHEbdmX64Q327e6fz4YdFpzDG85ZSlL5qKzqPeg5TeDdNGisFCitCBiWp_feH8IVQwisJFCVfNIBw5aJFV_fvkemOpu-SFJCmG4CPIdsPGuiJxfD_BD63G5IRzmkaxKIl8c-GdmZbzFW0vgp-yIv57N-KUWog=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhywW6KNwskwON6ouPWMSaC49HnXTZE7SHEbdmX64Q327e6fz4YdFpzDG85ZSlL5qKzqPeg5TeDdNGisFCitCBiWp_feH8IVQwisJFCVfNIBw5aJFV_fvkemOpu-SFJCmG4CPIdsPGuiJxfD_BD63G5IRzmkaxKIl8c-GdmZbzFW0vgp-yIv57N-KUWog=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the tastiest appetizers we had the entire trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We began with complimentary bread and </span><span style="font-size: large;">butter that was a meal in itself. Our waiter was prompt, relaxed, and knowledgable. Never pushy and an excellent listener- which is not always the case when you're shoving through hundreds of guests a night. He let us sit, drink, and relax, bringing in a second basket of bread. There was no rush to take an order or push us out once our meal was complete. This was the kind of service offered by professionals and something so needed on a vacation that can be overwhelming with tight schedules and big crowds. He was rewarded well for his approach as is also our custom. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pull the Boxty </i>is not the name of a kid's prank. Instead, it is a potato and hamhock creation that is every bit worth the $17 price tag. The list of appetizers may have been shortened due to COVID-19, but when we ordered this one, our server commented it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the tastiest dishes we ordered the entire trip. And it was no small plate! Hearty and heaping, everyone had their fill. I would have been happy to order this as my main meal, and I will probably do so if we ever go back.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The slow braised short ribs were a quick and easy choice for my beef-loving son. My wife picked the pot pie and was very pleased with her choice. Flaky crust, rich, hearty, and generous filling, all well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. Other than the fact that my beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, it was undeniably excellent and flavorful, much milder than I expected. The chips were standard fare, which was rather surprising. The short ribs were easily the best of our lot with a mouth watering reduced red wine jus, but the accompanying roasted veggies almost stole the show. Almost.</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtyw9MuMik04QM16At06Vn4WyFVl5zxHEbIzwXPGWTE3EWM6ajP8QbXFB957l9prvjblkKscC2mMlNEiWfhfnRLnUYPsxUwlI2lWXa1PLfTzIFBBPZw97BS9dHLSsDHXg60dH84dE3LbtSz7gto4Fz5PnnNQvOz1MYp4ztyU1zzOcF2POuIGYtLV-0Gg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtyw9MuMik04QM16At06Vn4WyFVl5zxHEbIzwXPGWTE3EWM6ajP8QbXFB957l9prvjblkKscC2mMlNEiWfhfnRLnUYPsxUwlI2lWXa1PLfTzIFBBPZw97BS9dHLSsDHXg60dH84dE3LbtSz7gto4Fz5PnnNQvOz1MYp4ztyU1zzOcF2POuIGYtLV-0Gg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious and different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The desserts were tempting, but were passed as by the time we left, if was very late, and we were stuffed. The music was bright and upbeat. We were actually close enough to enjoy it but also could hear each other speak. In short, the room that seemed farthest away was actually the one that struck the perfect balance for the kind of "first night of vacation" that we wanted it to be.</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then came the bill. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Including our very generous tip for excellent service, our night out at <i>Raglan Road</i> was actually the most expensive meal of this vacation, hitting the $175 price tag for a pub trip. That's almost $60 a head. Now, before you scoff, keep in mind that this is cheaper than the in-park hard to book meals. And it included live entertainment that had nothing to do with Disney rubberheads. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We found Raglan Road worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. <br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Considerations: </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Book early and try to get something after dark for the best authentic atmosphere. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Nighttime is not kid friendly, so try brunch if there are children in your group.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Decide ahead of time what type of experience you want. Seating places a big role in this restaurant. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">The live entertainment is excellent- but it is a very loud restaurant.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Go hungry or don't go. If you've filled up on a big lunch, choose this for another day.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let me end with this traditional Irish blessing:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>May the soft winds freshen your spirit.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>May the sunshine brighten your heart</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.</i>"</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Want more <i>Dine or Ditch</i>?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Check out these other reviews:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/05/dine-or-ditch-sci-fi-dine-in.html">Sci-Fi Dine In</a> at Disney's Hollywood Studios</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/06/dine-or-ditch-be-our-guest.html">Be Our Guest</a> at Magic Kingdom</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/07/dine-or-ditch-land-grille-room.html">Garden Grill</a> at Epcot</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2022/11/dine-or-ditch-disneylands-cafe-orleans.html">Cafe Orleans</a> at Disneyland</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2022/06/dine-or-ditch-toothsome-chocolate.html">Toothsome Chocolate Emporium</a> at Universal Orlando Resort<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2022/01/dine-or-ditch-epcots-san-angel-inn.html">San Angel Inn Restaurante</a> at Epcot</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2022/11/dine-or-ditch-disneylands-cafe-orleans.html">Cafe Orleans</a> at Disneyland</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2023/07/dine-or-ditch-islands-of-adventures.html">Mythos</a> at Islands of Adventure</span></div><div><br /></div><div>(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)</div></div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-83855684227266042982024-03-15T23:15:00.000-06:002024-03-15T23:30:57.278-06:00Tropical and Exotic Adventureland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHw_ZzYUYqdAE69tZUpS0t7puTFD51bolduxmzt6q_Y1BUB3iT8ccDN-INFjWQ04rh8lQxOTa2BHcoFnyekMHcHBwf3IQxIvqokT4xt4hcvnE5A9GXqKprJ8HIXbO5CPRJV9HYIxnaDfWlpv3fOsp-m0NQWfd5YwVewVKT-wMIt5z8u42aJm1Zw3AQG3o/s1273/wdwgreatceremonialhouse.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1273" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHw_ZzYUYqdAE69tZUpS0t7puTFD51bolduxmzt6q_Y1BUB3iT8ccDN-INFjWQ04rh8lQxOTa2BHcoFnyekMHcHBwf3IQxIvqokT4xt4hcvnE5A9GXqKprJ8HIXbO5CPRJV9HYIxnaDfWlpv3fOsp-m0NQWfd5YwVewVKT-wMIt5z8u42aJm1Zw3AQG3o/w400-h214/wdwgreatceremonialhouse.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">For fans of <i>Disneyland</i>, it can seem that <i>Walt Disney World</i>'s <i>Magic Kingdom</i> is a second class version of "Walt's park", but the truth is, the Florida wonderland is full of incredible Imagineering work! Take a look at the concept art for the <i>Great Ceremonial House</i>, home to the <i>Enchanted Tiki Birds </i>at opening, but now known as the <i>Enchanted Tiki Room</i>. Just beautiful! Even without its water feature- look closely- it is a stunning building.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">Great thought was put in when it came to designing all of the Magic Kingdom. It was on a grand scale, and initial plans were meant to continue on in that vein. For proof, just take a look at the never built <i>Thunder Mesa</i> complex for <i>Frontierland</i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I will admit that once <i>Aladdin's Magic Carpets</i> came on the site that something was lost. The addition was not only a thematic mismatch, it was a downgrade to the elegance of the area. Used to be a view from the top of the <i>Swiss Family Tree House </i>yielded the fantasy to take hold: YOU were out in the jungles of the world, and across the horizon were exotic locales waiting to be explored. Asia, Polynesia, Africa, and beyond. Adventure awaits!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)</div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-32757235972256500272024-03-11T21:56:00.000-06:002024-03-11T21:57:05.755-06:00Stunning and Sleek Tomorrowland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWlyipP4x4Q/YaFKBgV0UGI/AAAAAAAAczE/5WrTXJPJFY0L9dq4u19ByxJ3hiogJ6AbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/aspacemountainconcept.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="2048" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWlyipP4x4Q/YaFKBgV0UGI/AAAAAAAAczE/5WrTXJPJFY0L9dq4u19ByxJ3hiogJ6AbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h228/aspacemountainconcept.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">When Disney Imagineers are at the top of their game, they can be pretty tough to beat. In the early days of <i>Disneyland</i>, Imagineering pulled out all the stops, and their pieces of concept art for the new park certainly pleased <i>Walt Disney</i>. They were forward thinking when it came to the land of the future. In 1955, <i>Tomorrowland</i> was full of corporate exhibits and not much else. That changed when a 1967 version was revealed. The <i>Carousel of Progress</i>, right from the 1964 World's Fair, an amazing <i>Adventure Thru Inner Space</i> attraction, and of course, the fan favorite <i>Peoplemover</i> made their debut. The thrills were still to come. <i>Space Mountain</i> took a bit longer, but it was well worth the wait. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyhyDG-9eAXwAVOsIoqIOspWhiF0nEnT63M9n6JaFPHVHIFwUe2IxEVat7Jjlplx9abg2N37ogutn89iqJY7r-VjZTHLMXB6L-6oWCsr8ZRlrHB9hPL9C_xMGyBcYMpmxAswZcRYtqp8RVZG22ZuCuq3pxIlRNS7JJnWsD0g5ZHCluGQ8varZYCIyoMCl/s1236/spcewdwrare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1236" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyhyDG-9eAXwAVOsIoqIOspWhiF0nEnT63M9n6JaFPHVHIFwUe2IxEVat7Jjlplx9abg2N37ogutn89iqJY7r-VjZTHLMXB6L-6oWCsr8ZRlrHB9hPL9C_xMGyBcYMpmxAswZcRYtqp8RVZG22ZuCuq3pxIlRNS7JJnWsD0g5ZHCluGQ8varZYCIyoMCl/w400-h294/spcewdwrare.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Just for fun, here's a pretty rare piece of art for <i>Walt Disney World's Space Mountain, </i>before Tron's Lightcycles came in.<br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">I might have more concept art on the world wide Tomorrowlands than any other parts of the parks. Explore on! You've only scratched the surface with this post, but this <a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2019/05/space-mountain-history-and-art-for-all.html">article</a> might be the best place to start...</span></div><div><br /></div><div>(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)</div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-12051325005637085162024-03-08T23:58:00.000-07:002024-03-10T13:32:59.205-06:00New Fantasy Springs Ad for Tokyo Disneysea Expansion<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz4IHOEoW2ZrIUpHdRkEEQ4QlkF7GgzEEm_OnZujnjvXqhWeqNONUcI4f7nwoc2RBhmTfR1_E24Dl9lBOJH3M8birylFn8D46yKMqe7XXxY5cEHIIx5izqj1K03euRGvyGd0TpkAE5zUTWaHIkHmiai20i710rTZremnnKcNa7e5nrRX28C1kr-1kdy3M/s2880/fantasyspringsjapanad.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="2880" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz4IHOEoW2ZrIUpHdRkEEQ4QlkF7GgzEEm_OnZujnjvXqhWeqNONUcI4f7nwoc2RBhmTfR1_E24Dl9lBOJH3M8birylFn8D46yKMqe7XXxY5cEHIIx5izqj1K03euRGvyGd0TpkAE5zUTWaHIkHmiai20i710rTZremnnKcNa7e5nrRX28C1kr-1kdy3M/w400-h223/fantasyspringsjapanad.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just take a look at this! It's been appearing in multiple places all over Tokyo- a brand new ad for the <i>Fantasy Springs</i> expansion at the already beautiful <i>Tokyo Disneysea</i>. Areas devoted to Peter Pan, the Frozen gang, and Rapunzel and friends will make for a very popular addition. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking at the art, you can see the hotel in the background as well as <i>Rapunzel's Forest</i>, <i>Peter Pan's Never Land</i>, and <i>Frozen Kingdom</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Will you even be able to get in? I don't know as it seems to be a tough thing to do unless you pay mega-yen to stay at the brand new <i>Fantasy Springs Hotel</i> or have some insider connection. If you want more news on the expansion from a great guy who lives in Japan, go no further than the You Tube channel of <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@8bitthemepark">8-Bit Theme Park Japan</a></i>. They broke the news on this ad, and they will be a surefire source of all the latest information.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Art copyright Walt Disney Company and Oriental Land Company.)</div><p></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-79904660298885351332024-03-05T23:53:00.000-07:002024-03-06T06:08:43.373-07:00Making Records with the World's Biggest Stars<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianuzXTkULcE3ZdRaGBEFbGMlwpHteAfzmHhNbuRibz5wNqEPXTBrNLQ434AorCx7YMdOPsGlH1Gsk4o-vAOQ_hHd3Gl19s9_1b4fM-oIdCXO0mKcqT1WwbpDCvS0W8X4GIQO8gB9BzlNfC2TMyXF9vxVl4NjEf41wzwMyWdIe2fxWl9mFlD1Ysdqdmk_4/s600/MakingRecords.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianuzXTkULcE3ZdRaGBEFbGMlwpHteAfzmHhNbuRibz5wNqEPXTBrNLQ434AorCx7YMdOPsGlH1Gsk4o-vAOQ_hHd3Gl19s9_1b4fM-oIdCXO0mKcqT1WwbpDCvS0W8X4GIQO8gB9BzlNfC2TMyXF9vxVl4NjEf41wzwMyWdIe2fxWl9mFlD1Ysdqdmk_4/s320/MakingRecords.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">What do the following legendary musical artists all have in common? <i>Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Sting, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, </i><i>Gloria Estefan, Karen Carpenter, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Quincy Jones, Art Garfunkel </i>and dozens more. They are have worked with producer <i>Phil Ramone</i>. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The now deceased genius producer and artist goes behind the scenes of American Popular Music and reveals stories about the creation of one iconic song after another. How he did it and how he worked with some of the most gifted writers, musicians and singers to walk the planet. He'll mention the exciting work behind something like <i>Still Crazy After All These Years</i>, and the reader needs to turn on the record to hear what was put into it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who is the artist Phil said was most open to feedback? Who was terrified to meet Ray Charles and why? What song took over a decade to complete and which were written in a matter of minutes? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Making Records: The Scenes Behind the Music</i> is a fan's dream book! Phil and co-author <i>Charles L. Granata</i> make this one a must-read... and a must listen to.</span></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-46557334627620002722024-03-01T22:52:00.001-07:002024-03-02T10:46:43.945-07:00Disney's Tree of Life Points to Something Truly Incredible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqY-JMlXAtWf8NEwzZEOesA3mvOUqFh219HI4uwOX2QoivUlyqectJrVTmq51Jf4KkOfcnrO3pIuXh_Ir_xoOFth8oYa4_ou0dMTnpPa8tcMJAyE1NpYKio7yjPfTkK0OAB1wmLLZSgLfJlOVJdoLccKmGeqSCqnB_zksT_MOA_cNWmVQsrg-S22oQDPC/s1252/tol.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="830" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqY-JMlXAtWf8NEwzZEOesA3mvOUqFh219HI4uwOX2QoivUlyqectJrVTmq51Jf4KkOfcnrO3pIuXh_Ir_xoOFth8oYa4_ou0dMTnpPa8tcMJAyE1NpYKio7yjPfTkK0OAB1wmLLZSgLfJlOVJdoLccKmGeqSCqnB_zksT_MOA_cNWmVQsrg-S22oQDPC/s320/tol.png" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Definitely the most beautiful Disney park in Florida, <i> Animal Kingdom</i> continues to capture my attention in so many ways. <i>Imagineer Joe Rohde</i>'s design of it all intrigues me. Particularly the eye-popping <i>Tree of Life</i>. I could stand there and just stare at it! And we do every trip. It's just a stunningly beautiful piece of art that makes me think the whole world should look like this.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Walking around, I'm always reminded of the original Garden of Eden whenever I take a stroll through the <i>Oasis Gardens</i>. Beautiful! Lately, I've been reminded of something totally different...and I don't like it one bit.</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Are you just like me? Do you seem to get caught in the same old things over and over again? You know, those snares that seem to take you down. The traps that cause you to think you'll never conquer some bad habit, some old fear. Get in line. This queue is as long as humanity itself.</span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>It's been years and years since I first begun reading the Bible. Since it's the greatest story ever told, I am always uncovering new truths each time I read. Such a gift! Just recently I saw for the very first time something I had never realized in one of the most famous passages in the Bible. It is so powerful in its simplicity that I am surprised I do not apply this truth more often.</span></span></span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>In the first two chapters of
Genesis, we see what God intended the world to be: </span></span><span><span>beautiful, peaceful, purposeful, and relational – God with his creation! I</span></span><span>t was good- very very good! This is where He creates our world and blesses it.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span><span>Chapter 3 is where things fall
apart big time- in the Garden of Eden- and the world becomes what we now experience. Let's look at it.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now the serpent was more crafty (<i>note: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">some translations say “cunning”</span></i>) - than
any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God
really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NB7Bwdam9SY/S8z0Fety0II/AAAAAAAAD9s/qij_r78YIBM/s1600/tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462008823075229826" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NB7Bwdam9SY/S8z0Fety0II/AAAAAAAAD9s/qij_r78YIBM/w400-h300/tree.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span>The woman said to the serpent, “We
may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You
must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you
must not touch it, or you will die.’”</span></span><span> </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span>“You will not certainly die,” the
serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from
it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” </span></span><span><span>When the woman saw that the fruit of
the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye,</span><span> </span></span><span><span><span>and also
de</span>sirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to
her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."</span></span></span></span></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Let me paint the picture here:</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beautiful garden, a beautiful day, a beautiful life. Adam is happy and lazily looking around- probably admiring his wife’s natural beauty. In fact,
he’s probably so absorbed by her naked body to think about what is happening…
probably doesn’t even initially notice the serpent.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98_3uzjQc58/Vm8F4OnXbJI/AAAAAAAAOHk/kSkd_0aaPpk/s1600/treeoflife.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98_3uzjQc58/Vm8F4OnXbJI/AAAAAAAAOHk/kSkd_0aaPpk/w400-h133/treeoflife.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Eve’s already next to the tree of
the Knowledge of Good and Evil, probably admiring it and thinking about it- and
totally oblivious to what was to come. She may even be a little bewildered by a
creature that speaks. She's never seen that before! </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A conversation takes place. </span><span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Eve ponders what was just said and makes a decision to eat from the forbidden
fruit. </span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span>She hands the fruit to </span>Adam, and he eats too.</span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span>How did things go south for them?</span><br />
<span>The enemy had a strategy that still works well today. Sadly, all too well- on me, on you, and on just about everyone I know.</span><br />
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<span>Satan’s successful plan is a progression. One step at a time, he lures us in. It begins with </span><span>questioning God’s word. Look at </span><span>verse 1- “Did God really say?”</span></span><br />
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<span>He questioned whether it was a sin to eat, wearing Eve down bit by bit, </span><span>planting seeds of doubt regarding God’s goodness- "Why would a good God deny you anything you want?" you can almost hear him saying. Boy, I get this- and buy into it myself sometimes.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span>But then in verse 4 – “You certainly won’t die” / when you eat, your eyes will be open like God’s" . Here the serpent </span><span>denied the inevitable consequences and danger of sin, wearing her down again. He's </span><span>selling the advantage of sin very slyly by offering a falsehood: the </span><span>half lie and half truth always equals total deception. </span></span><br />
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<span><span>Then, he boldly suggests it's to her advantage to sin. </span></span><span>Let's be honest: This is exactly where I fall most often and maybe you as well. This proposed advantage helps us justify our own sin nature and the lies we tell ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwobU95-HHU/VnMr_v1-4TI/AAAAAAAAOIU/o5PFNE9bnU4/s1600/fruit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwobU95-HHU/VnMr_v1-4TI/AAAAAAAAOIU/o5PFNE9bnU4/w400-h271/fruit.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The offer is made, and Eve considers taking the bait.</span><br />
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<span>But here is where Eve blows it. She has a chance but never runs from the serpent. S</span><span>he doesn’t go back to God for clarification. She blindly takes the serpent’s word as truth. </span><span>Eve makes the decision alone without consulting Adam, who God gave her for truth and support. Her eyes</span><span> fixates on the benefits of eating (good for food, pleasing to the eye, gaining wisdom). Instead she indulges and passes on the "blessing" to her husband. </span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span>Here's the challenging application:</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span><i>Truth Number 1:</i> If we don’t run away from temptation, </span><span>we must face a battle that is even bigger and harder to deal with!</span></span><br />
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<span><i>Truth Number 2:</i> With everything we are told/read/watch, we must go back to God for the truth. </span><span>This includes:</span></span><br />
<span>1- What we tell ourselves - "I won’t get stuck in it"</span><br />
<span>2- What we hear from our wives, friends, and others</span><br />
<span>3- What the media reinforces all around us- the benefits of sin</span><br />
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<span><i>Truth Number 3:</i></span></span><br />
<span>We need to know what the word of God says, and we need the support of the people around us when we are tempted.</span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span>Choosing to do rightly will be a constant battle- </span><span>especially if we know what we want to do is wrong! I</span><span>t’s a control issue! We love to be masters of our own destiny. I</span><span>t’s not just about sin- its about obedience and allowing god to direct our lives. S</span><span>ometimes it is just ego! W</span><span>e don’t want anyone telling us what to do </span><span>or we are impatient and will not choose to wait for God's best. W</span><span>e do not want to wait for god to take action- so we do it ourselves, what we think is best- even if its against his wishes. </span><span>“Human wisdom” versus trusting God.</span></span><br />
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<span><i>Truth Number 4:</i></span><br />
<span>Most importantly of all- let me say this again- most importantly of all: Besides displeasing God, the saddest part about taking things into our own hands is the truth that it limits us from ever seeing God take care of our lives. Read that last line again. He wants to be that personal with us, but our own refusal to submit to his ways or his commands lead us to a life much less satisfying... and then we wonder where God is when we need Him!</span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span>We constantly battle giving over control, and we </span><span>rationalize our sin while we pursue knowledge of God. H</span><span>ow can we expect God’s blessing if we knowingly indulge in sin?</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwAUBMoCtWw/VnMsw02YtBI/AAAAAAAAOIc/w4j-C4uBooY/s1600/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwAUBMoCtWw/VnMsw02YtBI/AAAAAAAAOIc/w4j-C4uBooY/w400-h166/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From <i>Lord of the Rings</i>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So Satan wears us down with his schemes, but we also can help him win! How is that possible? <br />
<span><span><br /></span><span><i>Truth Number 5:</i></span></span><br />
<span><span>We flirt with sin, thinking we are in control, and we end up giving the enemy a foothold.</span></span><br />
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<span>Our biggest mistake is revealed in how Eve handled herself. Notice the opening of this passage reveals the serpent didn't lead Eve to the Tree. <i>She was already there!</i></span><br />
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<span><span>Instead of going about the garden enjoying all that God had given, being thankful and satisfied with God's goodness, she fixates on the tree itself and the forbidden fruit she cannot have. S</span><span>he flirts with it, obsesses over it, perhaps even thinks about how close she can get to it without falling! We do the same thing! </span></span><br />
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<span><i>Truth Number 6:</i></span><br />
<span>Knowledge without relationship and obedience is not Christianity!</span><span><br /></span>
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<span><span>The focus of real faith remains on relationship with him not what He does for us. A</span><span>dam and Eve traded a pure relationship with God for knowledge like God!</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span>The Pharisees, those religious leaders of the ancient Jews, had all the knowledge anyone could want about God. And Jesus told them they were phonies and frauds! They looked good on the outside but inside, they were dead. And they were leading people in ways of death instead of life. </span></span><br />
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<span><span>For some of them, this was hard to hear as they truly </span><span>desired to please God and </span><span>desired others would please him. B</span><span>ut they flaunted their knowledge, </span><span>desiring the respect and fear or men. S</span><span>tatus was so important to them.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INJLYvA8Czg/VnMvdPwCpeI/AAAAAAAAOIo/NIeinyvtyIA/s1600/jesus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INJLYvA8Czg/VnMvdPwCpeI/AAAAAAAAOIo/NIeinyvtyIA/w400-h147/jesus.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That sweet baby grew to be a man with a mission!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Here they were, the spiritual leaders of the day, and they could not recognize God in the flesh - Jesus- when they saw him.</span><br />
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<span><span>Back to Chapter 3 of Genesis: </span><span>"...then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. T</span><span>hen the man and his wife heard the sound of the lord god as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” </span></span><br />
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<span>Thankfully, God looks for Adam and Eve, and later we read the episode in the Garden ends with hope and a sacrifice by God on our behalf. A foretaste of what God would provide by sending Jesus to die for our sin while on the cross. God in the flesh dies on our behalf so we can live... and later rises from the dead to prove his conquest over death and sin.</span><br />
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<span><span>All this is a reminder that God pursues us- even after we are in sin! S</span><span>atan desires to use guilt and anger to push us away from God, but our </span><span>loving</span><span> G</span><span>od draws us near, wanting us to change direction.</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Let's put this to application- W</span><span>e’ve got the Ten Commandments as our guide to living a life that pleases God. We seriously add to our troubles and displease Him when we break them. It's always good to take a look at these and evaluate where we are and how we are doing.</span></span><br />
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<span>Ask yourself:</span></span><br />
<span>· What are my idols?</span><br />
<span>· Where am I involved in sexual sin?</span><br />
<span>· Do I covet what other people have? etc.</span><br />
<span><span><br /></span><span>Or is it just an issue of control- Wanting to do what you want?</span></span><br />
<span><span>Is it pride? "No one will tell me what to do!" </span><span>Or is it just flat out disobedience. Has God told you to do something and you have refused?</span></span><br />
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<span><span>If you are a follower of Jesus, admit where you are, and give it all back to the only God who loves you and gave His life for you. If you're not, </span><span>consider</span><span> who He is by what He has done on your behalf. </span></span><br />
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<span>Peace with God. It's available only through the gift of Jesus. It's offered to you. Do you believe Jesus died in your place for your sins? Do you believe He is the Son of God, God made man, and that He died and rose again? Will you turn away from the things that displease Him and give your life back to the One who created you? What will you do with all of it?</span></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Most photos copyright The Walt Disney Company.)</span><br />
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Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-70923194017982014912024-02-27T23:59:00.000-07:002024-02-28T07:14:25.883-07:00Tiana and the Salt Mine Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU5ZkuWA0pTznvcYswWTmaJq6Q6ELWuz0cA11zH6di4Xs6hmeb3zBeHiIRVbmd8ujRpaQYDswhlNJ5tOwqXWEZf_qFcAfbofhDRl5-bAQLJsDt8wJ5TAh9oHSYTG9cURBEaRFWY_mKN2tlSdg_YfNmXxlciNLVQU4_bIEHkgrIkn1IO6CinKUzZoNeF6Y/s1701/saltmine.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1701" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU5ZkuWA0pTznvcYswWTmaJq6Q6ELWuz0cA11zH6di4Xs6hmeb3zBeHiIRVbmd8ujRpaQYDswhlNJ5tOwqXWEZf_qFcAfbofhDRl5-bAQLJsDt8wJ5TAh9oHSYTG9cURBEaRFWY_mKN2tlSdg_YfNmXxlciNLVQU4_bIEHkgrIkn1IO6CinKUzZoNeF6Y/w400-h306/saltmine.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Is this a real photograph inside of the soon to come <i>Tiana's Bayou Adventure</i>? Every time I look at construction updates of the conversion of<i> Splash Mountain</i> into the <i>Princess and the Frog</i> themed attraction, I do not picture a real Louisiana salt dome to look covered in flowers. Instead I see this image from <i>Pinocchio's Daring Journey </i>in my mind.</span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_2809oRgLozStPb119VgWDhud7f_zI0TVuH3Buh1QEhdxtNVQPEcH24pacdAI2xGYiJ_r7soaS3vLqARi_VX4Rm5ey4gWD9LlFKg5931ndgz-0x7ureaJdqvKppgkzkYAOr98oxvouZwarSG2_v_jpywJtX6EQIVPGWKXTLFxsoiO7gmuldNpvEAFEUs/s915/tianaAA.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="915" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_2809oRgLozStPb119VgWDhud7f_zI0TVuH3Buh1QEhdxtNVQPEcH24pacdAI2xGYiJ_r7soaS3vLqARi_VX4Rm5ey4gWD9LlFKg5931ndgz-0x7ureaJdqvKppgkzkYAOr98oxvouZwarSG2_v_jpywJtX6EQIVPGWKXTLFxsoiO7gmuldNpvEAFEUs/w400-h269/tianaAA.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a hard working company owner of <i>Tiana's Foods</i>, she's traded in her princess frocks for something totally different- and she's chopped off those once beautiful flowing locks into a more manageable do. I'm sure little girls around the world will be queuing for hours to be able to buy the newest addition to Tiana's wardrobe!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Sarcastic) Kudos to whoever turned the beloved Disney Princess Tiana into Businesswoman Tiana. So magical!</span></div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-7037650986950419332024-02-23T15:40:00.001-07:002024-03-04T12:08:34.011-07:00Professor of Rock Changes His Mind on the Carpenters<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKL75joXR83bYa8KZ_haMiKBFGOw83pkqgy1Kbq4EMiaGO5pToaryJoZlauOxvnDqPB5e-SppN9QGir9Xa5GteJuUvHS70V0ZtLA1EAiC7E7kaWjP7jWQC04PZZkWc2zO_ZYRcOY-OS2cX3ZsWSdiptYPwjniaEO9YKg7jG5Z4_de0Ass5XpHeP68Ytd_/s1774/por.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1774" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKL75joXR83bYa8KZ_haMiKBFGOw83pkqgy1Kbq4EMiaGO5pToaryJoZlauOxvnDqPB5e-SppN9QGir9Xa5GteJuUvHS70V0ZtLA1EAiC7E7kaWjP7jWQC04PZZkWc2zO_ZYRcOY-OS2cX3ZsWSdiptYPwjniaEO9YKg7jG5Z4_de0Ass5XpHeP68Ytd_/w400-h235/por.png" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">People grow up. How else can you explain hating one band than then all of a sudden finding you actually love them? This is what happened to the Professor of Rock, a popular music fan and critic. Carpenters, <i>Karen and Richard Carpenter </i>that is, were once detested and now appreciated. He owes it all to the beautiful ballad <i>Rainy Days and Mondays </i>coming on the radio at just the right (wrong) time in his life. His insights are spot on. Watch it below.</span><p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OLdWuRTEEo8?si=KK5C7U0fSWc9c1Ao" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-41394713124633514382024-02-21T23:57:00.000-07:002024-02-22T07:52:37.634-07:00For the First Time in Trip Planning, Universal Orlando Beats Disney World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmtNyz8HAOmz2aEl5jcFOSOWIIFXl8sa-jqsUDPzSXeI5SfRsMnYT847zvg5NSwX2j5IUJt8NUtG_zDiFCoCaK7WIa4HPGDPVJFYU2LdK4OQVramdus4DCGQoC2Gh1mApg28yMHRh5RXQi6dC_s7__XB20_xjF_pzv1V-D-SIulxsD97BfdbPy7b_6gOY/s3024/IMG_1831.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmtNyz8HAOmz2aEl5jcFOSOWIIFXl8sa-jqsUDPzSXeI5SfRsMnYT847zvg5NSwX2j5IUJt8NUtG_zDiFCoCaK7WIa4HPGDPVJFYU2LdK4OQVramdus4DCGQoC2Gh1mApg28yMHRh5RXQi6dC_s7__XB20_xjF_pzv1V-D-SIulxsD97BfdbPy7b_6gOY/w300-h400/IMG_1831.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This is the first time and probably not the last. For our next Florida vacation, we are staying the entire time at a hotel at <i>Universal Orlando Resort</i>- not <i>Walt Disney World</i>, not DVC, not just off property. Butterbeer beats Blue Milk. <i>Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure</i>, <i>Diagon Alley</i>, and <i>Velocicoaster</i> are calling us- and we cannot dent its pull. Sure, I'm gonna have to ride <i>Tron</i> over at the <i>Magic Kingdom</i> and <i>Ratatouille </i>and <i>Guardians</i> at <i>Epcot</i>, but everything else is up for grabs. Flights are booked, tickets purchased, and hotel is chosen. Let the trip planning begin!</span><p></p><div>(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)</div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-81870886768895166762024-02-19T22:32:00.000-07:002024-02-19T22:32:23.837-07:00Monday Morning at Disneyland, 1959.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_SYxWSlH4g/XytSBFWdMxI/AAAAAAAAads/smoAedF27L8NDWAZwr_-28_S6s--TY3SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/TomorrowlandMap1955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="590" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_SYxWSlH4g/XytSBFWdMxI/AAAAAAAAads/smoAedF27L8NDWAZwr_-28_S6s--TY3SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/TomorrowlandMap1955.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Walt Disney's newest experiment, <i>Disneyland</i>, was a beloved success! Since its opening in 1955 millions of guests entered the gates, drawn in by television and the honest to goodness fact that Walt Disney's company produced high quality work regardless of the media they used. (Note to <i>Robert Iger </i>and company: Quality work results in long term profits.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The land of tomorrow might have been shortchanged at opening with attractions that were mostly corporate exhibits, but by 1959, that was changed for good. The impact of adding the <i>Matterhorn Bobsleds</i>, the <i>Submarine Voyage</i>, and the <i>Monorail </i>cannot be understated. Guest numbers were at one million for 1955, but by this expansion, the park was now running at 5 million. Not too shabby for something critics thought would fail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tomorrowland </i>was now a destination unto itself- and a much more beautiful one with a shimmering lagoon and a snow covered mountain.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beginning a day at <i>Disneyland</i> with a leisurely stroll down <i>Main Street U.S.A.</i>, guests now had to decide whether to head straight to the beloved <i>Jungle Cruise </i>on one side of the park or head to the other and experience the newest and most compelling to date attractions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the best plan was to go to <i>Frontierland </i>and explore the Old West before the crowds hit. The East vs. West debate continues to this day. Maybe the best plan is straight through the castle to ride <i>Peter Pan's Flight </i>or the equally beloved <i>Mr. Toad's Wild Ride</i>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQBf7wNjt0oVghtrstJDbqURoZM0oReiRfXGIiy9vFNlT9P3OlKgw8zogsX3ArDo9tA8tQDhuRovGrMSAbxDpnQZJNG78iyuKiioYClMyLR8wyzcjYx8ufveqyAB2JpUahAAMkUMhA_U5maeam1Uiq7qxcuXD1ES7rzbDT96JIWiXRI7Ny91i45DOZC3I/s900/davelandmatterhorn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="900" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQBf7wNjt0oVghtrstJDbqURoZM0oReiRfXGIiy9vFNlT9P3OlKgw8zogsX3ArDo9tA8tQDhuRovGrMSAbxDpnQZJNG78iyuKiioYClMyLR8wyzcjYx8ufveqyAB2JpUahAAMkUMhA_U5maeam1Uiq7qxcuXD1ES7rzbDT96JIWiXRI7Ny91i45DOZC3I/w400-h272/davelandmatterhorn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>From Daveland.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see in the rendering above, <i>Tomorrowland</i> now had a wide variety of choices with attractions to suit just about anyone. Thrill ride? Check. Outer space adventure? Yes. Liquid space journey? A long time favorite. You could drive a car even if you were underage. Visit the House of the Future. Ride in a Rocket Jet. And hop aboard the transportation of the future. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What a beautiful world Tomorrowland was! At least for another 15 or so years. Until it wasn't. But for now, just imagine a glorious day in the Land of the Future in 1959. It's all there waiting for you!</span></div>
Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-26671553944373661242024-02-18T07:14:00.001-07:002024-02-18T07:16:36.843-07:00To My Oldest Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YpQm5uOPFp2kmZDajsosM5udraZWJacFeRrpqZb8Tho4qOOBZtkE50OBoqEpoJ4lmXJKufgPslFXAVyAEoq15YcI9-h3Dz3E8wEwgiBYAGlvg8smZ9ZIV8TCDI8bVy_mGaBbZvcnzY8q2wOJk1GGP3R-Z3RVI0dI8VKhEYJGzZwEAT6FmL_NosjGMhya/s638/Screenshot%202024-02-14%20at%203.44.17%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="638" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YpQm5uOPFp2kmZDajsosM5udraZWJacFeRrpqZb8Tho4qOOBZtkE50OBoqEpoJ4lmXJKufgPslFXAVyAEoq15YcI9-h3Dz3E8wEwgiBYAGlvg8smZ9ZIV8TCDI8bVy_mGaBbZvcnzY8q2wOJk1GGP3R-Z3RVI0dI8VKhEYJGzZwEAT6FmL_NosjGMhya/w400-h381/Screenshot%202024-02-14%20at%203.44.17%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter, As I often create multiple posts at once, I was looking for some photos to use for an article celebrating 35 Years of <i>Disney's Hollywood Studios </i>scheduled for its anniversary on May 1. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I found this. Here is my oldest daughter at <i>Disney-MGM Studios</i> back in 1989. She's still a sweet one all these years later- now with a growing family of her own. And I'm so proud of her!</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My eldest son and my wife are behind her. Our youngest daughter is behind me as I take the photo. No second son yet. Time flies quickly. If you have young kids, they are a gift from God. I know they are work, but enjoy them. It is a very wonderful time of life!</span><p></p></div><div>(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)</div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-75323921367505842802024-02-16T16:05:00.000-07:002024-02-16T16:05:08.496-07:00Come Sail Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FeA-1sUOLu_Nni-8ikSO2GGn1Pxm0MzsywrrLDN1biDsfwmSBWLaWhbmiS-J1KGPDXbWe_CT80T5ioIs4GIjipiv_uv3hEHl8i545ExLHHbehrF7jlFIBALTsZnNS-Xu8vVQ7sDQfl58A-VPKjrVy-6vNiTn3TvuDE9PyAKADSozVgV2OsdhSSe_60F8/s2040/sail.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="2040" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FeA-1sUOLu_Nni-8ikSO2GGn1Pxm0MzsywrrLDN1biDsfwmSBWLaWhbmiS-J1KGPDXbWe_CT80T5ioIs4GIjipiv_uv3hEHl8i545ExLHHbehrF7jlFIBALTsZnNS-Xu8vVQ7sDQfl58A-VPKjrVy-6vNiTn3TvuDE9PyAKADSozVgV2OsdhSSe_60F8/w400-h235/sail.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The warmth of the sun. The smell of the sea air, and the softness of the sand. Can there be anything better to daydream about on a cold and snowy winter day? No.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">I saw this photo (photographer unknown) and thought of the classic song by <i>Styx, Come Sail Away</i>. Then, it was the <i>Beach Boys </i>and <i>The Warmth of the Sun</i>. Then, it was my favorite <i>Carpenters</i> song, <i>Boat to Sail</i>. (You've got to hear <i>Karen Carpenter</i> sing this and the great piano by brother Richard.) And then it was...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The list goes on and on and on.</span></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-58746362555441462692024-02-15T21:40:00.000-07:002024-02-15T21:40:49.132-07:00Design Detail: Shanghai Disneyland's Treasure Cove <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Cl52-Fi48kmkVjtsyeM1CyePdFXgrMOvogqOHnzSlyZUopamI5cPiqzpf9TfNs3dr5fcRLWV9P7f5_eFkej2JaWI56_9o996JcEQGVQd1cYeZKrdDbFbeH3b3s-ZgspgNy9m7mtlP45MhZeRoRVAQW1nmDl8OyYLO5nLGQOzHCOSiBpZCCRd6o42ZxP/s2875/waterskeleton.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="2875" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Cl52-Fi48kmkVjtsyeM1CyePdFXgrMOvogqOHnzSlyZUopamI5cPiqzpf9TfNs3dr5fcRLWV9P7f5_eFkej2JaWI56_9o996JcEQGVQd1cYeZKrdDbFbeH3b3s-ZgspgNy9m7mtlP45MhZeRoRVAQW1nmDl8OyYLO5nLGQOzHCOSiBpZCCRd6o42ZxP/w400-h220/waterskeleton.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Design detail is what used to make the Disney parks unique. It's not exclusive to them anymore as <i>Universal Creative </i>has made huge strides to transform old spaces into highly detailed ones as well as create modern day theme park masterpieces. Their <i>Diagon Alley</i> at <i>Islands of Adventure</i> is the best single Intellectual Property themed land ever. (Proof is <a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2021/11/why-every-disney-park-fan-must-visit.html">here</a>.) But that is not to say Disney Imagineering has given up on delivering lands rich in artistry and hidden design gems to discover.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">In spite of how large the park is and how this creates a lack of charm, <i>Shanghai Disneyland </i>holds a fair amount of design detail. When the lands feel sterile (surprisingly, <i>Fantasyland</i> for example), it's really bad. But when it's good, it's really good.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vmAc1KUoFZc4PzEywR49mvF-zkhLUmbzC6QTwpkhvvLP1ndih5hks4BZ-Fu_VHE_TAWQtsexiSRG2OL02jLAJ6TZ388dJSHu7KgFKIWav-uCoWbzWLTOePJ0kwxS_w3WldNTFn8S1hoKr5o2aogQfLkA6vM71jisQHIhyBnQwoB65oyAOqgPEl2Wml74/s1673/zootopiamap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1673" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vmAc1KUoFZc4PzEywR49mvF-zkhLUmbzC6QTwpkhvvLP1ndih5hks4BZ-Fu_VHE_TAWQtsexiSRG2OL02jLAJ6TZ388dJSHu7KgFKIWav-uCoWbzWLTOePJ0kwxS_w3WldNTFn8S1hoKr5o2aogQfLkA6vM71jisQHIhyBnQwoB65oyAOqgPEl2Wml74/w400-h270/zootopiamap.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to Mainland China's Disney park - let's be clear here, it is <i>not </i>the other way around- it seems everyone is focusing on <i>Zootopia</i> right now. That's expected as it is brand new, but I'd like to look at a different area instead. The pirate themed <i>Treasure Cove</i> is also an example of great design. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, <i>Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure </i>excels in this area. From entrance to queue to the incredible attraction itself, <i>Imagineering </i>hit a grand slam! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">But on the smaller side of the scale, take a look at the top photo of the almost hidden prison cel just above the waterline of the bay that straddles both <i>Treasure Cove </i>and <i>Adventure Isle</i>. There's a skeleton of the last prisoner peering out from behind the bars. You can only see if from the canoes, but it is something that they did not have to add. These thoughtful touches bring something to the park that most guests probably can't put their finger on, but when found all over, they add a depth and richness to the entire park. Storytelling at its finest.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Here's <a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2019/01/design-detail-shanghai-disneylands.html">one more</a> to be found in Treasure Cove...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">There's more design detail posts on the blog as these are part of what make great theme parks compelling. At least to me. And probably to you as well if you've read this far!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>(Photographer unknown.)</div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-39425818262359456592024-02-14T04:27:00.031-07:002024-02-14T04:27:00.129-07:00Happy Valentine's Day to My One True Love<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFySroGH2qxR33vkA5pUKYO34SYPZA07HZMB8yAAYRgrhIKL7FTB66f2luH6d4uL4RIuzDbS6EZAwc6YLDNaAOYc8RYfreZD6WZ6W6HsfTu6rKTg_mSqaq91rb_Q3fwnMCTsDpkjeqjwtFvIOgy_PtwArtv66jYBCI792XCQAGkjUd7JJA65uSgHxoz_Zv/s750/2IMG_1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="750" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFySroGH2qxR33vkA5pUKYO34SYPZA07HZMB8yAAYRgrhIKL7FTB66f2luH6d4uL4RIuzDbS6EZAwc6YLDNaAOYc8RYfreZD6WZ6W6HsfTu6rKTg_mSqaq91rb_Q3fwnMCTsDpkjeqjwtFvIOgy_PtwArtv66jYBCI792XCQAGkjUd7JJA65uSgHxoz_Zv/w400-h313/2IMG_1325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When in Rome, do as the Romans do. In this case, it's Sorrento, but you get the idea. Happy Valentine's Day to my one true love! I'm so thankful you chose me. Life and the Lord have taken us on some great adventures. And there's more to come. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This home high in the hills overlooks Mount Vesuvius and a sparkling bay. These steps leading into the home were a bit treacherous late at night, but during the day, it felt like walking into a secret garden. We'd soon discover the most beautiful restaurant on earth. More Italy trip report to come!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)</div><p></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-85661625972519694042024-02-13T17:02:00.000-07:002024-02-13T17:02:36.626-07:00Notable and Quotable: Kansas City Chief's Patrick Mahomes<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIMZGI91O11Vm7033OfCdLsWRjGK2Wconbhjn8RptFxXI5nhlsyEMC4jBTxZaSJJQcJ9yM1fLwRxwqRnZH0mFm77GJW3sCktdiHm0tq75oX69Zo0mtOPR6B75n8vhAKFxtZzKOwF6DrYq1t5qtdf7sLq-faIRp3i1YDRkr5ay9OFsWxn8ADUikz3JdcKY/s300/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIMZGI91O11Vm7033OfCdLsWRjGK2Wconbhjn8RptFxXI5nhlsyEMC4jBTxZaSJJQcJ9yM1fLwRxwqRnZH0mFm77GJW3sCktdiHm0tq75oX69Zo0mtOPR6B75n8vhAKFxtZzKOwF6DrYq1t5qtdf7sLq-faIRp3i1YDRkr5ay9OFsWxn8ADUikz3JdcKY/w400-h224/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Doing what I do every single day, and then knowing that as long I'm doing everything the right way, the way that He'd want me to do it, then I can walk off the field with my head held high and be able to be the man that I'm supposed to be. It's given me a lot of blessing in my life and I'm trying to maximize and glorify Him in everything I do"</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Super Bowl Winning Quarterback Patrick Mahomes</span></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-20782386904527588832024-02-12T12:36:00.000-07:002024-02-12T12:36:19.571-07:00California Adventure Had a Birthday?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjahAAUU4qFtu3N1KD_iIski-hL3Q_DMW_UnKzk7lsIVbZKuq5CFDKxVrZrPoaXGU2hjX1-D4H10c-iy63TWs2a8Mg9sHI7djdk4LhKCrYmvDo_OBBis30UeRuAERMJhJXmPgioPGjkeX0AV9Vh6GX9KEpSVrBGLWWJTF6GFO2OHutCaQhzNgUw_itfKVh/s3388/0300107348957619904701104417040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3388" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjahAAUU4qFtu3N1KD_iIski-hL3Q_DMW_UnKzk7lsIVbZKuq5CFDKxVrZrPoaXGU2hjX1-D4H10c-iy63TWs2a8Mg9sHI7djdk4LhKCrYmvDo_OBBis30UeRuAERMJhJXmPgioPGjkeX0AV9Vh6GX9KEpSVrBGLWWJTF6GFO2OHutCaQhzNgUw_itfKVh/w400-h268/0300107348957619904701104417040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I guess February 8 was the 23 year anniversary of the opening of <i>Disney's California Adventure</i>. A theme park disaster only "bested" by the <i>Walt Disney Studios Park</i> in Paris. The same year, Tokyo Disney Resort got the magnificent<i> Tokyo Disneysea</i>. That says a lot about the company's priorities, doesn't it? </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The public outcry for building a cheap and cheap looking park next to Walt Disney's personal masterpiece next door was heard- and mostly ignored for years. <i>Twilight Zone Tower of Terror </i>and <i>Bugs Land</i> made minimal impact. Finally, CEO <i>Robert Iger</i> admitted it was a "Brand withdrawl", and new plans were put into place to give it Disney quality.</span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When the new DCA opened, things looked promising. A sparkling new <i>Buena Vista Street</i> and an incredible <i>Cars Land </i>made things look as it the Imagineers were given the go ahead to dream big. The results brought in the crowds.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Then, things turned around, and the park became a dumping ground of mismatched changes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Nowadays, does anyone notice or care that Robert Iger no longer talks about "Brand withdrawal"? He should. It's happening every day at the company we all love.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">----</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The history of DCA is fascinating! Explore it all through the concept art created for the park. Start here at <i><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-bargain-basement-imagineering-of.html?m=0">Bargain Basement Imagineering</a></i>. Then go onto <a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/05/imagineering-new-dream-disneys.html">Imagineering a New Dream</a>- this is when things get a lot better! It's all part of a multi-part exploration of the park through the years. </span></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-66317100083512122642024-02-09T21:21:00.000-07:002024-02-09T21:21:46.168-07:00Unexpected Light<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDbrmekfw8yA_vyBrXPVDQFByZ5FC2AmUnVHl_Vp5mT19cRXREfomohh0fy__ytW6DBd4dJP1egItM2bjcev1CTIy9HUTERtBJbdyKOQmcACPWFIxjYilkDUIDZOYDhQzeqBmE46pIowhg4qn4GfQLsS2PBbUNOgaU3uSDU-6g6bUElUEv1Wwci_PUwfS/s880/lh.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="880" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDbrmekfw8yA_vyBrXPVDQFByZ5FC2AmUnVHl_Vp5mT19cRXREfomohh0fy__ytW6DBd4dJP1egItM2bjcev1CTIy9HUTERtBJbdyKOQmcACPWFIxjYilkDUIDZOYDhQzeqBmE46pIowhg4qn4GfQLsS2PBbUNOgaU3uSDU-6g6bUElUEv1Wwci_PUwfS/w400-h263/lh.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Insight can come from the rarest of places. In what is a bit of a surprise for me, I actually dreamt two scriptures from the Bible last night. Normally, I read the Bible and I pray and I ask God to make me more of a man that He would want me to be. Of course, this is in addition to thanking Him for all He has done and confessing my sin to Him. But to dream scripture? That doesn't happen often. Which ones, you might ask? The two below and in this exact order:</span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 2:10- <i>"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">John 15:2- <i>"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know without a doubt that this ties back to this new season in my life. (<a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-new-beginning.html">You can read abo</a><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-new-beginning.html">ut it in this post</a>.) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are these verses a source of direction for me? No, but they are a source of encouragement- and right now, that is a good thing! Praise God!</span></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-71321398501401757212024-02-07T22:46:00.000-07:002024-02-07T22:45:30.974-07:00Universal Orlando's Attraction Posters: Jurassic World River Adventure<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh8Qez2RbAgYaTf4onIDI4d8bgrqCSc_sSenJoZnrU_j1dDi-maVvfzZbHpDFxCLSeSQTaUUuzATnwz-4iDd1bFHEqZ73Z-IX-5whbfXvr_kZzoFpEnnE34volgz39ZEwX-Dnm7mAhVwmbHDz_RjUesYpPUUNRFrJVSPfoEg-1xJSogNVCV2KGwuObu6v/s1554/riveradventureposter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh8Qez2RbAgYaTf4onIDI4d8bgrqCSc_sSenJoZnrU_j1dDi-maVvfzZbHpDFxCLSeSQTaUUuzATnwz-4iDd1bFHEqZ73Z-IX-5whbfXvr_kZzoFpEnnE34volgz39ZEwX-Dnm7mAhVwmbHDz_RjUesYpPUUNRFrJVSPfoEg-1xJSogNVCV2KGwuObu6v/w258-h400/riveradventureposter.png" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone loves theme park attraction posters! For a rather Disney-centric blog, when I share those for <i>Universal Orlando Resort's </i>great <i>Jurassic Park </i>attractions, they are among the most highly viewed of all blog articles. And why not! <i>Islands of Adventure</i> is now one of the world's most popular theme parks, eclipsing some of those found at <i>Walt Disney World</i>. And let's be honest: When<i> Epic Universe</i> opens, it will take another place in the Top Ten. Disney's off their game (as everyone knows) and Universal Creative is on a winning streak. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the <i>Insights and Sounds</i> blog, I've got one of the largest collection of beautiful attraction posters for all the other <i>Jurassic Park / Jurassic World</i> attractions as well as for the Disney Parks both domestic and international. If you love theme park concept art as much as I do, well, that's the backbone of the blog. There's are hundreds of pieces to be found here. Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Art copyright Universal Orlando Resort)</div><p></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-69594860311768060362024-02-05T22:50:00.000-07:002024-02-05T22:52:16.138-07:00Epcot's Kingdom of Morocco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltFXPHWdaYGUW7p7_ssAsy4ac4lJBDhpaVDwFkV5nRefzkQwH6F9tyMTmC1M5ojasrM6wrsOxOHfkd5N1r1XX2ZDry17eKxz2mR2yBZp1U0LhyphenhyphenPKcTZm-Vcipusx0tpRHdxigX6kn4nOqdopu9yPsUKIPoBsVZbNZ7SVby2Ur56rQKjEZ_YB9uRjilvdW/s3536/morocco.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="3536" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltFXPHWdaYGUW7p7_ssAsy4ac4lJBDhpaVDwFkV5nRefzkQwH6F9tyMTmC1M5ojasrM6wrsOxOHfkd5N1r1XX2ZDry17eKxz2mR2yBZp1U0LhyphenhyphenPKcTZm-Vcipusx0tpRHdxigX6kn4nOqdopu9yPsUKIPoBsVZbNZ7SVby2Ur56rQKjEZ_YB9uRjilvdW/w400-h255/morocco.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The theme park wizards at<i> Disney Imagineering</i> are experts at creating environments that both charm with fantasy elements and entice with real world delights. For my dollar, this unique blend is no more evident than in <i>Epcot's World Showcase</i>. </span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">Of all the countries represented in this part of the park, the <i>Kingdom of Morocco </i>stands among the most fully realized. There is not a single traditional attraction or even a beautiful travelogue film, but the shops and restaurants- and even the <i>Aladdin </i>meet and greet- are set in an environment so compelling, guests miss out on something so unique if they just pass by.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What will Disney do with this part of the park? Hard to say. Sadly, most likely in this season, Morocco is toward the bottom of their must-do list. Perhaps something great is in the works. Then this gem of <i>World Showcase </i>will rise to the guest respect level of France, Mexico, Norway, and Canada. Until then, the crowds will pass by and miss one of the park's hidden treasures.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div>(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)</div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-7782401886421045882024-02-04T23:59:00.004-07:002024-03-13T16:23:12.085-06:00Karen Carpenter Canta en Español / Karen Carpenter Sings in Spanish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRHIh5c8AMhvAq7GLDzYak-oUuFm2rsUt1VjraMGCQMy4Pd1iQvEAhoAA2amHKBAi7MEO0ekvJoY3Rxv8F5_VNMfqfm9xv1L6xU7-H-JNFzmA_fmCQ39mfVRvjkN85CLo9ddJtmLvbEEnvV0AwLWX5KHbQfepal2bL1mEY4lw3h994NIGG699zhh94zfp/s1600/canta%20single%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRHIh5c8AMhvAq7GLDzYak-oUuFm2rsUt1VjraMGCQMy4Pd1iQvEAhoAA2amHKBAi7MEO0ekvJoY3Rxv8F5_VNMfqfm9xv1L6xU7-H-JNFzmA_fmCQ39mfVRvjkN85CLo9ddJtmLvbEEnvV0AwLWX5KHbQfepal2bL1mEY4lw3h994NIGG699zhh94zfp/w400-h396/canta%20single%20cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Los fanáticos de Richard y Karen Carpenter sabían que la mujer podía cantar una canción en japonés (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpfZZ2FyB_0">mira esto</a>), pero pocos de nosotros sabíamos que también podía cantar en español. Cuando se lanzó el álbum de 1973 Now & Then, fue otro éxito mundial. ¿Cómo no podría serlo con la hermosa Yesterday Once More de Richard Carpenter, el impresionante nuevo clásico de Leon Russell This Masquerade y una gran cantidad de canciones antiguas? ¡Los carpinteros estaban calientes!</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">(Fans of Richard and<i> Karen Carpenter</i> knew the woman could sing a song in Japanese- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpfZZ2FyB_0">check this out</a>- but few of us knew she could also sing in Spanish. When the 1973 album <i>Now & Then </i>was released, it was another worldwide smash. How could it not be with Richard Carpenter's beautiful <i>Yesterday Once More</i>, <i>Leon Russell</i>'s stunning new classic <i>This Masquerade</i>, and a whole slew of oldies. The Carpenters were hot!) </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EgkVklgoc0bt7lOf2wyh8t87SV6zhiyHNPyi-0ko6E9QOoPUJl7gznIFd9mnOJn9PoGm2yaDDPIo0uv2Jr_p9LEQwB5gX4Yn185Hy3Nh3VyZvykhPohs4wGA-Qy8Rat3O6Y5CJEHv0mt96YDsweHdq5i1mnr8y-YhPUGG1DbRuzKDAzEkWqL_u9shimb/s602/canta.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EgkVklgoc0bt7lOf2wyh8t87SV6zhiyHNPyi-0ko6E9QOoPUJl7gznIFd9mnOJn9PoGm2yaDDPIo0uv2Jr_p9LEQwB5gX4Yn185Hy3Nh3VyZvykhPohs4wGA-Qy8Rat3O6Y5CJEHv0mt96YDsweHdq5i1mnr8y-YhPUGG1DbRuzKDAzEkWqL_u9shimb/w398-h400/canta.png" width="398" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div>Para el mundo de habla hispana, el dúo grabó una versión de su éxito Sing. ¡Y es tan pegadizo en español como en inglés!</div><div>Puedes escucharlo <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGi99CM8R4o">aquí</a>.</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">(For the Spanish speaking world, the duo recorded a version of their hit <i>Sing</i>. And it's just as catchy in Spanish as it is in English!</span><div><span style="font-size: large;">You can hear it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGi99CM8R4o">here</a>.)</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDMjzEmw-SPio1Dzc8J1m2pPwOyr9-4E1CbBew2MvAXBLuctTJetvSN37QYyLoE7ViQGFSniAInlc3zkak0gbeFedGFi2HWjO6pTHbd1RlOEmTFCcjx6uhj7LFb2QLHkkPs9M8WcyRnYzjW1tZG1h6KFcmQQJp9ogUXNRT7s4jVKg8t42Zgj_kATJh4NH/s1324/canta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1324" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDMjzEmw-SPio1Dzc8J1m2pPwOyr9-4E1CbBew2MvAXBLuctTJetvSN37QYyLoE7ViQGFSniAInlc3zkak0gbeFedGFi2HWjO6pTHbd1RlOEmTFCcjx6uhj7LFb2QLHkkPs9M8WcyRnYzjW1tZG1h6KFcmQQJp9ogUXNRT7s4jVKg8t42Zgj_kATJh4NH/w400-h395/canta.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">----</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div>Sí, hoy se cumplen 41 años del fallecimiento de Karen.</div><div>Richard emitió la siguiente declaración:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Es difícil creer que han pasado 41 años desde que Karen nos dejó. Por diversas razones, no en cada uno de esos años vimos un nuevo álbum, hecho que lamento cada día más, ya que el mundo se vio privado de escucharla cantar innumerables Más canciones, cantadas con una voz que no podía ni puede igualarse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Siento su pérdida de muchas maneras diferentes, y no sólo en su canto. Estaba dotada de una contagiosa personalidad optimista que era un plus al pasar tantas horas en el estudio.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cada año la extraño más que el anterior y espero que donde quiera que viva sea consciente de ello. - Ricardo"</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">(Yes, today marks 41 years since Karen's passing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Richard issued the following statement: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">"</span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s hard to believe that 41 years have passed since Karen left us. Due to various reasons, not every one of those years saw a new album, a fact I regret more each passing day, as the world was deprived of hearing her sing countless more songs, sung in a voice that could not and can not be matched.</span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I feel her loss in many different ways, and not just her singing. She was endowed with a contagious upbeat personality which was a plus when spending so many hours in the studio.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Every year, I miss her more than the preceding one, and hope that where ever she resides, she is aware of this. - Richard")</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrHaLnI3mIqopQDXLUbZ7mLR3Uj-11_APiV-BWN6dBuECZF4fBMLRS-jLQWYb6tu919Qsd_6ghWwK-jZnogAOnCLHPzu5wKr6netowrE6aKy2jtK8hyphenhyphenuYHNTrUopXtl-bTVQbDo_qfaJrkei6_AGMtFfFhK5dSaG__ivAb_Ba9Fd_yan5GeJa6pU1QKoh/s1190/kc.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="952" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrHaLnI3mIqopQDXLUbZ7mLR3Uj-11_APiV-BWN6dBuECZF4fBMLRS-jLQWYb6tu919Qsd_6ghWwK-jZnogAOnCLHPzu5wKr6netowrE6aKy2jtK8hyphenhyphenuYHNTrUopXtl-bTVQbDo_qfaJrkei6_AGMtFfFhK5dSaG__ivAb_Ba9Fd_yan5GeJa6pU1QKoh/w320-h400/kc.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">¿Quieres más carpinteros? El blog está lleno de rarezas, incluidas mis reseñas detalladas de cada álbum. En cada uno se incluye material promocional, tomas descartadas de sesiones de fotos y más.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">(Want more Carpenters? The blog is full of rarities- including my in detail reviews of each album. Promotional material, photo session outtakes and more are included in each one.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mi mirada revisada/nueva a los álbumes:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>(My <i>Revisited / Fresh Look</i> at the albums:)</span><br />
</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span><span><span><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2016/01/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Offering / Ticket to Ride</a></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2017/02/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at.html">Close to You</a></span><br /><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2018/02/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at.html">Carpenters </a></span></span></span><br /><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2019/02/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at-song.html">A Song for You </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/04/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at-now.html">Now & Then</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/08/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at.html">The Singles 1969 - 1973</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2022/02/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at-live.html">Live in Japan</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/06/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at.html">Horizon</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/11/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at-kind.html">A Kind of Hush</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/06/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at-live.html">Live at the Palladium</a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2020/10/carpenters-revisited-fresh-look-at.html">Passage</a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span>Mis reseñas iniciales de los álbumes:</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">(My Initial Reviews of the albums:)</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/05/first-offering-along-for-ride.html">Offering/Ticket to Ride</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/06/second-times-charm.html">Close to You</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/07/easy-listening-defined.html">Carpenters</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/08/song-for-all-of-us.html">A Song for You</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/09/looking-forward-and-backward.html">Now & Then</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/10/milestone-not-tombstone.html">The Singles 1969-1973</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2008/11/leaders-of-pack.html">Live In Japan</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/02/horizon-review-carpenters-masterpiece.html">Horizon</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/04/soft-sell.html">A Kind of Hush</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/07/show-must-go-on-live-at-palladium.html">Live at the Palladium</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/10/rite-of-passage.html">Passage</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2010/03/carpenters-standing-still-singles-1974.html">The Singles 1974-1978</a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/12/frosted-window-panes-carpenters.html">Christmas Portrait</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2010/08/carpenters-made-in-america-cant-go-on.html">Made in America</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2010/10/carpenters-voice-of-heart-end-of-song.html">Voice of the Heart</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2010/12/carpenters-old-fashioned-christmas.html">An Old Fashioned Christmas</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2011/07/richard-carpenter-solo-time-to-move-on.html">Time (Richard Solo)</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2012/06/lovelines-bittersweet-release.html">Lovelines</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2013/02/thirty-years-without-karen-carpenter.html">Karen Carpenter (Solo)</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><a href="http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2014/11/carpenters-as-time-goes-by-leads-to.html">As Time Goes By</a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
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</div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-58565990497600901312024-02-03T16:36:00.000-07:002024-02-03T16:36:19.355-07:00A Quiet Corner in Italy<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl4di9VBpBaCxeQXoXXwyyK3VGB2Y_U__O311xqihRiL_HQpPWTnTXgVKQHaP1Tmpi7NLjLhrQQThtfj6DbVXE2Hj1zNrSe7MD8UTs_b7L2p5k4V3o0gi_EtLqzxpUU8nWzONKCuzeUV5xMbVNt8hgQMmVXKX4xG4LXtgjft6IjPqT1Ahf4_UHN0QHui4/s1000/IMG_1373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl4di9VBpBaCxeQXoXXwyyK3VGB2Y_U__O311xqihRiL_HQpPWTnTXgVKQHaP1Tmpi7NLjLhrQQThtfj6DbVXE2Hj1zNrSe7MD8UTs_b7L2p5k4V3o0gi_EtLqzxpUU8nWzONKCuzeUV5xMbVNt8hgQMmVXKX4xG4LXtgjft6IjPqT1Ahf4_UHN0QHui4/w400-h300/IMG_1373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of our favorite travel pleasures is to arrive someplace new and take a walk. Not just any walk, but one where we get lost and discover hidden alleyways and nooks and crannies. Sure, we see all the must-do sights we can, but there's something so real and charming about being off the beaten path. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's one such example in Sorrento. It seems everywhere you go in Italy, you're stepping into a photographer's paradise. Sun washed walls and the rich hues of clay rooftops up against magnificent art in various forms of glass, bronze, and paint. Brightly painted flowers of rainbow colors spill across windows and onto cobblestone streets barely wider than a compact car. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you like this photo, check out the first two days of our recent trip to Italy and then Paris. More to come.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2023/11/italy-before-france-rome-before-paris.html">Day One- Italy Before France, Rome Before Paris</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-best-of-rome-and-coolest-thing-ive.html">Day Two- The Best of Rome and The Coolest Thing I've Ever Done</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)</div><p></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-44741261251461219452024-02-01T23:59:00.000-07:002024-02-02T07:23:49.092-07:00A New Beginning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsLsmMqA3MnQCoYNBwNwWcHLSuSWt0pfSaMMYcawLPYpOCJGZxpxEUrP_ogcttNvDC1fCoixyjvZbdSalx1hO79hgW6BZa-Z-oaLPmT0oQeu6MvBcLHlWtK2OwTjMQA3TzK9loEjL_pcFTfPIHbUPokR59sTjnmxKpkTpiNaOo8UZ3wdm_HjjdClNQnIl/s2158/grapeswine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="2158" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsLsmMqA3MnQCoYNBwNwWcHLSuSWt0pfSaMMYcawLPYpOCJGZxpxEUrP_ogcttNvDC1fCoixyjvZbdSalx1hO79hgW6BZa-Z-oaLPmT0oQeu6MvBcLHlWtK2OwTjMQA3TzK9loEjL_pcFTfPIHbUPokR59sTjnmxKpkTpiNaOo8UZ3wdm_HjjdClNQnIl/w400-h269/grapeswine.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Today begins a new season in our lives. About a year or so ago, I began to feel restless, thinking that God might have something else for me. I desired to finish well and not coast into retirement. From a very practical standpoint, this meant quitting my job and starting from scratch. We began to read our Bible and pray as we wanted to hear clearly what this might mean.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">God kept bringing me back again and again to Matthew, chapter 9, verses 14-17: <i>"Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now I know from my studies that these verses primarily refer to the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant (conforming to the Law and looking forward to the Savior to come to achieve eternal life vs. Placing trust in Jesus Christ alone as the payment for your sin, turning from the old ways and surrendering your life fully to Him). But there was something else going on. It was to be a new season. A dear friend called me in the midst and said, "As I pray for you, I feel like God is clearing your plate and preparing a new season."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We spoke to our pastor who solidly affirmed what we were reading and hearing in our prayers. With some additional wisdom from godly and trusted friends, we took the steps to alter our lives once more as God directed. It's SO scary! Yet, time and time again, Jesus has been faithful. And we go to bed at night resting in the fact we are being obedient to Him. Needless to say, the job search has begun. If you are a follower of Jesus, please pray for us.</span></p>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-69458019831377913982024-01-31T17:53:00.000-07:002024-01-31T17:54:01.169-07:00Epic Universe Will ROCK the Theme Park World!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHzfgPcP-rlrZ7d1mSiWo5tzMyOjuL5LjW_r8qyt9AVuNXjkrjo8AhyS9EM_2Ojmj-lUT7PLSl66MKbFWS6tHxSNvDeNKggjsSNE664WImHDaZzyx4rnrQo0-OvguzknAMjv5l0ebSw9s5llvbyZi9SEbC1D34ewJJZTrSqMKc9NUwnYigZaos4IuVek_/s1024/epic-universe-theme-park-universal-orlando-florida-013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHzfgPcP-rlrZ7d1mSiWo5tzMyOjuL5LjW_r8qyt9AVuNXjkrjo8AhyS9EM_2Ojmj-lUT7PLSl66MKbFWS6tHxSNvDeNKggjsSNE664WImHDaZzyx4rnrQo0-OvguzknAMjv5l0ebSw9s5llvbyZi9SEbC1D34ewJJZTrSqMKc9NUwnYigZaos4IuVek_/w400-h225/epic-universe-theme-park-universal-orlando-florida-013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Why go to Disney World?" That will be the question theme park fans will be asking after <i>Universal Orlando</i>'s new <i>Epic Universe </i>park opens in Summer of 2025. Making Universal Orlando Resort home to three full theme parks and one water park, visitors to Florida will have even tougher decisions to make about how to spend their time. Think I'm kidding? Take a look at some epic artwork! (The piece above shows the portal to the <i>Dark Universe</i>, Epic's land devoted to monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and more.)</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2GgLeaQPXK65Z4LnYdUnqHSAnl6EgaaMYRUTvpZHgjVUf-mRNByuRFYXUJyTJ3oOfPTpMc4o012aEGW7qXHCl3EQA7M1sOgTst8qv1HxnKhkOEPO4IYJ_OlolRzA2csVffI_7_Q2GcUM5ShMxHJ_FYJqM7OXHk6uTd9qk1wF2N2P56emrzb2mny3XlUk/s2875/epicuniverseentrance.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="2875" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2GgLeaQPXK65Z4LnYdUnqHSAnl6EgaaMYRUTvpZHgjVUf-mRNByuRFYXUJyTJ3oOfPTpMc4o012aEGW7qXHCl3EQA7M1sOgTst8qv1HxnKhkOEPO4IYJ_OlolRzA2csVffI_7_Q2GcUM5ShMxHJ_FYJqM7OXHk6uTd9qk1wF2N2P56emrzb2mny3XlUk/w400-h223/epicuniverseentrance.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It all starts at the entrance (seen above). Imagine adventures based on <i>Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic</i>, <i>How to Train Your Dragon</i>, <i>Super Nintendo World</i>, and those beloved classic Universal monsters in their own <i>Dark Universe</i>. Just imagine. Take a look at this great new video (below).</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U4u83ncMjuE?si=3rPn_yJqvTMGd3Mn" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are already planning a trip! The only question will be- How many days to we cut out of Disney so that we can see all <i>Universal Orlando Resort </i>has to offer? There's not a Disney princess that can hold a candle to this! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sHv2GciQiA4H639ygksTKFl6HZ6AHswYarDm_XPFJZz74BvhoFOub9GXtcee6oS0rnt3dygZFc3NvOP_nr7iy4Kaw1210FJgjkX_SW9c2rqgTak21uatKXEa3-cKPOz9KDoHZKeSMBCQ70AbFi-5J-GH0yR6AHplXr-k4dkINctj1Nx9hXVPTgT9hefT/s2580/map.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="2580" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sHv2GciQiA4H639ygksTKFl6HZ6AHswYarDm_XPFJZz74BvhoFOub9GXtcee6oS0rnt3dygZFc3NvOP_nr7iy4Kaw1210FJgjkX_SW9c2rqgTak21uatKXEa3-cKPOz9KDoHZKeSMBCQ70AbFi-5J-GH0yR6AHplXr-k4dkINctj1Nx9hXVPTgT9hefT/w400-h225/map.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check out the map. The concept art is just stunning, isn't it? <i>Universal Creative </i>has knocked it out of the park. Everything from the shops to the restaurants to the attractions screams first class excitement.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8m2yjiELb_DBwU1kIAx4dSKwzRVppSFO9JTM2R7gazFXOkSrmCQ9IrwGWDpc4DFYGIDgMaDI9Ceyntcog9cO1z2_mHqxMlKQOz1B6kA0WEsd0RyT23aAIlSo61KaqE1OIPGnD29OucRDdWGwSW6IVR0y1QRzR9mFQQerS4u7EMQOqXktSmX9ugCILCvd/s2582/celestrial%20park.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2582" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8m2yjiELb_DBwU1kIAx4dSKwzRVppSFO9JTM2R7gazFXOkSrmCQ9IrwGWDpc4DFYGIDgMaDI9Ceyntcog9cO1z2_mHqxMlKQOz1B6kA0WEsd0RyT23aAIlSo61KaqE1OIPGnD29OucRDdWGwSW6IVR0y1QRzR9mFQQerS4u7EMQOqXktSmX9ugCILCvd/w400-h224/celestrial%20park.png" width="400" /></a></div>Will this coaster beat the heart racing thrills of Velocicoaster?<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevFLpyxjSvjKvQYN7RYcpUA0rTsuyIzrO4dC2uprS7zxAIuvwg9II5gjywm-5_MUVq9qEP6qmOmOIBIWmi3b_QkOpbK6txDwiXJWZYrWsJH1QrlxJpZmjvnRL4I6xTW6eTAY591aoxi9iyQWzzeHhHZoj3uXdcMcozH6BLc2eh3brucJt7c1GRl9iLtI7/s1024/epic-universe-theme-park-universal-orlando-florida-009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevFLpyxjSvjKvQYN7RYcpUA0rTsuyIzrO4dC2uprS7zxAIuvwg9II5gjywm-5_MUVq9qEP6qmOmOIBIWmi3b_QkOpbK6txDwiXJWZYrWsJH1QrlxJpZmjvnRL4I6xTW6eTAY591aoxi9iyQWzzeHhHZoj3uXdcMcozH6BLc2eh3brucJt7c1GRl9iLtI7/w400-h226/epic-universe-theme-park-universal-orlando-florida-009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is a carousel??? Wow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beyond the expected coaster thrills and creepier dark rides, there will be attractions for younger guests as well. The <i>Constellation Carousel </i>may be one of the most beautiful structures ever built for an attraction of this type.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2rgnk-voySsHOYbxE2hiM5zb09PlttnW-R-eFd9LTubGOny0nNGBG5nj8vpPaOMR0o2uAgEhiOpnLXOrKOWICMrdzkYGNfZ8P_0V2jyZQ_HU37thyqzr1Qg0qxB9wqDR-w80lpMdDxnmtasl7-oC6oU4oLm9uyQPsCuwPUdiSkROxxSw031a28c9YS6F/s2800/blue%20dragon.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="2800" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2rgnk-voySsHOYbxE2hiM5zb09PlttnW-R-eFd9LTubGOny0nNGBG5nj8vpPaOMR0o2uAgEhiOpnLXOrKOWICMrdzkYGNfZ8P_0V2jyZQ_HU37thyqzr1Qg0qxB9wqDR-w80lpMdDxnmtasl7-oC6oU4oLm9uyQPsCuwPUdiSkROxxSw031a28c9YS6F/w400-h168/blue%20dragon.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blue Dragon will definitely be one of my picks for a meal!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dining is becoming more of an attraction in itself at theme parks. Epic Universe is wisely giving folks more of what they want- perhaps even taking the best of Disney theme park restaurants and improving on them for a modern, younger audience.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFxWDsx0dlQb_ooVrXJmvBxYSkQXNz-31PtnVno8zV8QagCVW4g5xzb2JcRoKzbKyNTevioHljB75l-ox0G4JsuHa50LZTjVkNSmj0uFCsG18a2xSV8DgxTvcc6MdMoQjJi1TOyrEHscOT0ya4t-vlAdtM0hs8SYHKQqSZ0oxR4Sxg-vDQgPvNTFsJkK/s2558/bluedragoninterior.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="2558" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFxWDsx0dlQb_ooVrXJmvBxYSkQXNz-31PtnVno8zV8QagCVW4g5xzb2JcRoKzbKyNTevioHljB75l-ox0G4JsuHa50LZTjVkNSmj0uFCsG18a2xSV8DgxTvcc6MdMoQjJi1TOyrEHscOT0ya4t-vlAdtM0hs8SYHKQqSZ0oxR4Sxg-vDQgPvNTFsJkK/w400-h170/bluedragoninterior.png" width="400" /></a></div>Shades of the Blue Bayou and San Angel Restaurante.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Pan-Asian restaurant (two images above) looks great from the outside, but the inside is even better. Imagine dining in elegance in the Asian countryside at night. Lanterns illuminate the sky as dragons float by and enchanting music plays. Sounds like a great afternoon break- and something very creative and very EPCOT circa 1982. I love it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beyond the new park, there's a multitude of <i>City Walk</i> experiences we still want to do, a resort or two to stay at, and a brand new theme park that will take at least two days. I mean, a guy only has so much vacation time. </span></div>
</div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061238151227479784.post-64854352355728062632024-01-28T22:37:00.000-07:002024-01-28T22:37:41.863-07:00Imagineering the Design Details at the Tokyo Disney Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYQPdT3h7uxrRmOh2bytdpr18CZmq98odjPoU1du684QTWFoPk-soPiuMD4mRpbgq1511DjxTDMO5MFB6ev1SdYdMQBcylP4umFAX6mZwxjeXU_s75Dk5cSran1xTnkqC7gg6zO9R8jJXm4iwODRd6eSSU_-MNWsMgKOBQ-AGM3ODjGVUKCmJJ8NIDUSZ/s2394/8-bit.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="2394" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYQPdT3h7uxrRmOh2bytdpr18CZmq98odjPoU1du684QTWFoPk-soPiuMD4mRpbgq1511DjxTDMO5MFB6ev1SdYdMQBcylP4umFAX6mZwxjeXU_s75Dk5cSran1xTnkqC7gg6zO9R8jJXm4iwODRd6eSSU_-MNWsMgKOBQ-AGM3ODjGVUKCmJJ8NIDUSZ/w400-h268/8-bit.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Lots and lots of Disney park fan sites (including this one) can get very serious at times. While I sincerely love all the insightful journalism, sometimes you just want to have fun. And let me tell you, if you are a fan of the <i>Tokyo Disney Resort</i>, one of the most enjoyable sites on the web is <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWqDcAKruRU">8-Bit Theme Park Japan</a></i>. </span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDqrAnw_p9-NFJIOxyshIU5_eWwc2BxYg7QAo-iO1FJTsH_wTzA26eL_LwBzjhyMk1GFNQG3sTkWQ5nKQNqVb4rSK8BFWl6qn90Ysf92WpAdCmzMLY4oHbvZruor2tID8eKMIw9h3URlmDgjUj2UzZjtyG4uuzy6EsKT5DMZFuiniYAQxw8JoTvF8Wb_R/s2880/pan%20galatic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2880" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDqrAnw_p9-NFJIOxyshIU5_eWwc2BxYg7QAo-iO1FJTsH_wTzA26eL_LwBzjhyMk1GFNQG3sTkWQ5nKQNqVb4rSK8BFWl6qn90Ysf92WpAdCmzMLY4oHbvZruor2tID8eKMIw9h3URlmDgjUj2UzZjtyG4uuzy6EsKT5DMZFuiniYAQxw8JoTvF8Wb_R/w400-h217/pan%20galatic.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The site's host is clearly a lover of <i>Imagineering</i>, focusing on both old school craft and newer attractions. With a warm presentation full of childlike innocence, you can almost hear shades of the wonder like those found in descriptions of Disneyland in its early years. A very nice change of pace from what's popular these days.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the spectacular fan favorite <i>Pooh's Hunny Hunt</i> to the lesser known <i>Pan Galactic Pizza Port</i>, <i>The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast</i> to <i>Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin</i>, the video linked above touches on the best of the park's illusions. It's all in the details. Big or small, nothing is overlooked. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Watch a few videos. You just might get hooked on these. I know I can't wait to see what comes next.</span></div></div>Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165624045029517606noreply@blogger.com0