God is Good All the Time

Today, I lost one of my two jobs. A job I really loved and worked hard at. God is moving, and something new is coming. What it is, I do not know. I'm nervous, angry, scared, but I do know that He is good all the time. ALL the time. (Really just marking this day for my records.)

Japanese Invention Worth a Laugh

Could there be a funnier way to start a long weekend with no work? Take a look at one of the latest inventions coming from Japan. It's sure to impress that girl you're longing after- or make her run away!:

Disneyland Paris Influences the Original Magic Kingdom

At Disney Imagineering, no concept ever seems to truly go to waste. The piece of art above is an interesting one indeed. In many ways, it is clearly a look at the Autopia at Disneyland Paris. Nestled within the beautiful, Jules Verne styled Discoveryland, the neon rings glow clearly on the often grey and cloudy skies of Paris.

On the other hand, there are certainly elements of this piece that strongly remind me of Tony Baxter's redesign for Tomorrowland '98 at Disneyland. That redo, the first one done to Tomorrowland since the epic 1967 version, included the infamous and short-lived Rocket Rods. The California Autopia remained a perennial favorite and was also scheduled for a revamping in look. The Chevron oil sponsored attraction there includes a building that has very similar flourishes in style to what was found on opening day in the Paris park in 1992.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Nice Change of Pace

Colorado Rockies Faith Day 2014 featured my favorite Christian music recording artist, Jeremy Camp. I was not disappointed! As he led a very large crowd in several worship songs, including three of my favorites (Beautiful One, Give Me Jesus, and Everlasting God), I was overwhelmed. It's not too often you get to have live worship music from the guy who made the actual songs famous. 

One powerful piece was when Jeremy shared about how God brought Him comfort after his wife's death. It was incredibly to hear how God was so personal for him during such a crushing time. 

In the middle of this season that's so painful at best, it was water to my thirsty soul. A very nice change of pace. Thank you Jesus!

Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2, 3, or 4

 Is it just me or has anyone else noticed there are a wide variety of Pirates of the Caribbean attraction posters- just for Disneyland Paris alone?

 To be specific, I've got a case of the blues. Really just trying to figure out exactly which is the correct color scheme. 

 Thinking here that the very top image is the one closest to the original. (I do like the second one as well!) But my eyes have deceived me before.

The official attraction poster book gives some clue. Yet we all know the printing affects the colors. So, I'll ask you- is Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2, 3 or 4 your favorite? And what would Johnny Depp say? Especially since he's been left out of the European version of this classic Marc Davis attraction.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Sexy Snow White

Here's a little bit of Disney sex news for you. According to this article in the U.K.'s daily Mirror, this version of Snow White was deemed too hot for general audiences by none other than Walt Disney.  Of course, the other version of her debuted with the 1937 opening of the film that made her even more famous. If you want the cel, it is up for auction.

Never heard of this one before. But as for that old rumor that Tinkerbell was based on Marilyn Monroe... I get that. Wanna be songstresses and actresses have been copying her look for decades.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Walt's Kick in the Teeth

All over the world, much has obviously been written about Walt Disney and his creative genius. From Mickey Mouse to Snow White to Disneyland to Mary Poppins and beyond, there has never been a man like him. Look at this quote from old Walt himself. Not only creative but wisely reflective, I'd say.

Today is a good day to run across this. I've been kicked down once again. So many sucker punches, kicks in the teeth- or way lower. I'm strong, but I am also weak. And I'll be the first to admit I need Jesus to help me make it. I saw this billboard today: "People disappoint. God never does." Well, maybe not eventually. I will say I do not understand everything God allows, but I do trust Him, even if I never understand why. I guess that's what they call faith.

Time to keep going, I guess. There's always a fresh day tomorrow.

(Image from FindYourHero.com)

Following You Home for 45 Years

Let's be honest: Celebrating 45 years of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is mainly a cash grab. Why not wait for the 50th? That said, this poster is something worth looking at as it captures many ideas and images of the famed New Orleans Square attraction. Even with the infamous wallpaper as a background, it's still not very elegant. Kind of like the recent remodeling of Club 33 and what they have done to the exteriors of the buildings that were involved.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Switzerland on the Way

There's more coming to my 2014 Switzerland and France travel report. Really- just as soon as I can get caught up with work. But isn't this poster a beauty?

Hundred-Foot Journey to Pleasure

Romance, food, travel. This film has everything going for it, including subtle, heartfelt performances by the four lead actors. 

Helen Mirren, the new Meryl Streep, is utterly convincing as stuffy French restaurant owner Madame Mallory. Her one Michelin starred restaurant is the only game in town, destroying the competition. That is, until the Kadam family enters the village- along with equally feisty Papa (Om Puri) and opens a restaurant right across the street. 

In an expected plot turn, young chef Hassan discovers that the lovely and single lady helping his family in distress is none other than the competition's sous chef Marguerite.  Love enraptures, success brings separation, and love eventually succeeds. Yes, you understand all this even before the opening lines of dialogue, but the actors are so pleasant to watch, you don't mind it a bit. Manish Dayal is perfectly cast, as is his love Charlotte Le Bon. 

Surprisingly, the star of the film is not the food. The exotic locales are smartly played to draw you in and make you forget it's really a foodie film. (And make you run to IMDB to discover exactly where in France this charming village is located.) Much like Tortilla Soup, it's a story driven, character rich film, and it is worth spending a very pleasant afternoon to watch it.

Even More Shanghai Disneyland Art

Fireworks in the daytime? Thank the smog!

How the world has changed! If you would have asked the visionary  Walt Disney where he would place an international Magic Kingdom, my bet is China would be the last place on his mind... if an international park was on his mind at all. Yet, 60 years after the opening of Disneyland, the first Mainland China park will open within the anniversary of the first. Michael Eisner and team were visionary in a way suited to their era of leadership.

Every nighttime view of a Disney park makes it look fabulous.

If you keep your eyes open and think a bit creatively, it's becoming easier and easier to find leaked pieces of Imagineering art for this park. Whereas the Los Angeles Times was the source for the one below, unexpected places yielded their treasures. Much like when I first found the art for Dubai Disneyland a couple of months ago. (Yes, I really did remove it at the request of the firm who created it. But, shhh- it's still easy to find. Every single piece. Again, think creatively.)

Soon enough from pencil sketch to reality

After the relatively thump of low attendance upon the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, it seems the Chinese officials wised up to the games of Robert Iger and company, and they started to demand more a better. It's a lesson guests to Walt Disney World should understand. After all, look what much publicity, fan complaints, and low attendance - with a push from the City of Anaheim- did in turning around California Adventure.

With Hong Kong Disneyland in their rear view mirror, more had to be promised, added, and especially unique to the Shanghai Disneyland park. Old favorites such as Space Mountain were discarded in favor of a Tron themed coaster. Johnny Depp's version of Pirates of the Caribbean and a land ironically once pitched to the suits of Hong Kong Disneyland, becomes the focus of one of two lands of Adventure. It's A Small World hasn't shown up yet and could be aded later. (Fear not for Hong Kong. With the overwhelming success of Mystic Manor and the coming Iron Man Experience with more on the way, the beautiful seaside land will be able to hold its own next to its larger and younger sister.)

What's a castle park with a beautiful castle?

Haunted Mansion is no where to be found, neither is Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Instead, suitable replacements will fill in the gap: Roaring Rapids, Soaring Over The Horizon, and the Enchanted Storybook Castle grotto attraction- which would be a surprise if it didn't have a villain or two along the way. An announced further investment into the park could bring an even more complete assortment of delights.

Stay tuned for the next round of Shanghai Disneyland Imagineering art. I was thrilled to find the Tomorrowland piece. I've posted it once. It's around here somewhere...along with those Dubai pieces all over the web.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Magic Kingdom Opening Day Map

Disney park maps, especially "Castle Park" maps, have always been a favorite souvenir item. There have been many, many great and detailed maps for Disneyland but not really too many for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Here's the opening day souvenir map.

How different the park was then compared to now. Long gone are opening day attractions such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White's Adventures and the Mickey Mouse Revue. 

It's also hard to believe what wasn't there on opening day. Not a single mountain existed: no Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or Splash Mountain. The legendary Pirates of the Caribbean was not even built. Nor was it on the drawing boards because the Imagineering legend Marc Davis was busy cooking up a Cowboy and Indian musical journey in the grand Pirates tradition: the unbuilt Western River Expedition. 

Regardless of the smaller number of attractions compared to Disneyland in California, guests couldn't wait to experience Walt Disney's Florida Kingdom. It was then and remains now, the heart of Walt Disney World.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Things We Said Today

Disney. Star Wars. Marvel. Theme Parks. Universal and Harry Potter. Dying Faith. Jesus in the Storm. Perseverance. Prayer. Israel, Iraq, Hamas, Gaza. The entire Middle East. Ukraine, Russia and Putin. Obama. Healthcare. A World in Crisis. Friends. Family. Marriage. Grandchildren. Travel. Escape. Work Pressure.

The things I think about. Not in that order, but the list goes on and on and on. Many things I will never say, but here's some I will.

Since this is mainly a Disney related blog- although in reality it had also become a journal, a travelogue, and a family history book- I'll begin with my Disney related ramblings.

Even without any new announcements, the Tokyo Disney Resort is the place I want to see in the Disney universe. It's been five plus years since I've been to Florida, almost two since I've been in Paris, and the same since I've wandered into a California theme park. Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland? Awesome no doubt, but not enough to make me yet get on a plane. Shanghai Disneyland? Looking hot- and I'd love to tour the country that created the Great Wall. Yet, there's Tokyo. Bright, clean, and full of the spirit that Walt Disney himself had when Disneyland was built. Give the customer more than they expect. Always a lure and closer to one day becoming a reality.

Frozen at Epcot leaves me cold. It's a quick and easy overlay that doesn't involve much heart, soul, or creativity while it removes some of each from a park that needs an infusion. Where is the love for the once upon a time most incredible theme park ever? New pavilions for World Showcase are a thing of the past. One based on Israel? We might need it. The Middle East is hotter than ever and not in a good way. And don't be foolish enough to be on the other side of Israel. The Almighty God of the Bible has always and will always preserve the people He chose. The entire Old Testament tells this story of God's love for them (and man at large). They were only brought into captivity when they spent time focusing on idols instead of the Great I Am. And God hates idolatry. 

Star Wars at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's about time. I'm not even a fan, but it's clear to me this park needs something. Since Marvel can't come to Florida- and we all love our superheroes, Star Wars may be the next best thing. It will come to California too. That is Star Wars to Tomorrowland Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland, and Marvel will go somewhere. Ah, the elusive third park. Making California Adventure Pixarland in disguise wasn't a bad business move- and Radiator Springs Racers and the gorgeous Cars Land was the smartest thing they could have done. That Incredibles ride? Do reconsider it.

My family wants to take a trip to the World all together one day. They continue to be a huge blessing to me. My son-in-law just got baptized, and he is now headed in the right direction. Putting his newfound faith into action and following Jesus. It's pretty easy to see many will use his name as a mask but in reality live as functional humanists. My this journey for him be the real deal. 

The truth is, embracing Jesus as savior and as director of your life absolutely changes your focus. It gives you hope for this life and the eternal one to come. The older I get, the more I appreciate the reality that without Jesus, I can do nothing good. When left to my own thoughts and actions, I will choose the selfish choice, the one that most benefits me, the one that makes me look good. But as I see Jesus changing me, I have a chance at reflecting His love.

Each morning during the Summer and Fall, I sit in my garden and read, reflect, pray- and drink lots of coffee. When we moved here, our backyard was nothing but grass. Now I see fully grown trees, a stone patio, and lots of shrubs and flowers. The passing of time is seen right in my backyard. This life on earth goes so quickly. I am older now than I ever imagined I would be when I was in my 20s and 30s. I still see myself as young, but the reality is, I am not. I've been through many careers and phases, but what I am doing now as I write is the most fulfilling ever. Two worlds. Two places to serve others. All with people I love. What could be better? Instead of a "bucket list", I want to leave behind a strong family that will endure the future and make a difference. A family that knows and loves and serves Jesus Christ. Everything else is really temporary.

Taking a look at my musical choices,  I realize my tastes evolve as I encounter different places and people. Do I still love the voice of Karen Carpenter and the music she made with brother Richard? If you have to ask, you haven't read this blog long enough. Too many musical idols have passed away, but as sad as it is, I'm learning a lot with that. Sometimes, it is just a pleasure to listen to nothing and enjoy the quiet that our world seems to steal from us all too easily. Some of my favorite musical times happen to be on Sunday mornings when the guy that leads the music enters into that place of intimacy with God and takes us along on his musical journey. Give Me Jesus, indeed.

Some point in the years ahead, I imagine that my wife and family will be reading these posts after I'm gone. Hopefully, laughing at how eccentric I was and how much I loved them and loved life. Just in case you're reading this now- Thanks for being an amazing wife and for being children and grandchildren I am proud of. You've all made my life richer than money ever could. See you on the other side.

The Magic of the Movies

All too often, we as adults forget the simplest of pleasures and take them for granted. Like going to the movies, and the magic of film.

Recently, my son-in-law invited me to go to my three year old  grandson's first visit to the cineplex. Planes: Fire and Rescue was on tap. (And it was better than I expected, by the way. Great animated sequences.)

Getting him a kid's special treat box (popcorn, root beer, and a snack pack of gummies), we settled into the theater chairs. I wasn't sure what to expect, as my grandson is high energy.

It was amazing. As soon as the Disney castle appeared on the screen, I could see my little grandson was instantly mesmerized. He sat in basically one place the entire film. At a pivotal plot point, I heard him say to his Daddy, "Will Dusty be ok?" He was engrossed in the film. When it was over, he said innocently, "Can we go see another one?"

The final amazing aspect of the afternoon came on the way home. It was quiet, and he said, "Thank you, Daddy, for taking me to the movies today." How very sweet! And what a statement that is of the power of the movies. 

R.I.P. Robin Williams

I'm in shock. Actor Robin Williams just passed away this morning. Known for many wonderful roles- and in my mind, he's the only Genie fit for Aladdin- you could tell he was a kind hearted soul.

That's all I will say for now.

First Look at Shanghai Disneyland Shopping Village

In the smog filled Shanghai district of Pudong, Walt Disney Imagineering will build a Chinese version of Downtown Disney. It will be the perfect complement to the Shanghai Disneyland theme park. The resort itself will focus on China's fast growing middle class and the wealthy. The shopping district will be Italian themed, providing opportunities for those with the money to spend it on lavishly expensive items and luscious meals. 

Actually, it's a very smart business decision to move away from the "contemporary fantasy" style that Downtown Disneys are known for. Italy's charms are timeless and a very trendy opposite from what the Mainland China residents have experienced. 

Europe is a popular and exotic destination for many Asians. For proof, just take a look at the beautifully charming Mediterranean Harbor at Tokyo DisneySea. In spite of not having a single "E Ticket" attraction, the land is a popular place to shop, eat, and ride the gondolas. This immersive and vast area makes it a very attractive landscape to view from the suites of the overpriced and successful Mira Costa Hotel. It's my bet the Chinese will also fall in love with the style of it all, creating yet another successful part of this Disney business venture.

Correction: Per my friend Randy- "To clarify, the shopping center in this art and described in recent press releases is not part DisneyTown (SDL's DTD area) or Shanghai Disney Resort at all, but is part of the "Shanghai Resort Area" which, confusingly, encompasses Shanghai Disneyland and a much wider non-Disney zone of the city. It should be near the property, but is owned, designed and operated by an entirely different entity. Regarding DisneyTown, I also think it would be great if it were heavily themed, like World Showcase or Mediterranean Harbor, but what I think you can expect is Entertainment Retail like you find in the Stateside DTDs. Disney's philosophy: If you want immersive theme-ing, you are going to have to pay to get in. "

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland: Toontown Out, Star Wars Land In

Goodbye Toontown at Disneyland. Hello Star Wars Land. Really. We expected it at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but Star Wars land right next to It's a Small World? Perhaps a recreation of Endor could easily back up to the pine trees of Frontierland pretty easily. Regardless, the news is just shocking.

The news is too hot to not spread the word. The very reliable industry insider WDW74, known commonly as Spirit, dropped the news bomb last night over at the WDWMagic Boards. Right here.  It may just be the biggest real piece of Star Wars news in the last few months.

And I quote: "First, I am no tease, except with fanbois, so I've played enough: the current WDI plan for Star Wars at DLR involves a complete removal of ... Toontown. Don't know what this means for future DL pyro shows, but that is a huge chunk of land that is considered very 'underutilized'."

Why not in Tomorrowland where Star Tours already exists? No one knows but the suits and the Imagineers. Wonder if Marvel plans have anything to do with it. 

I love Roger Rabbit and his Car Toon Spin. Yes, all of Mickey's Toontown could be better utilized with more attractions besides bounce houses and lightly themed roller coasters. So, I do not understand the choice.  But I will say this: Spirit's sources are usually spot on, 100% accurate- and we've all seen Disney make the oddest of choices. I'm mean, a California themed park in California?

The Disneyland Resort That Never Was

The dawn of a new Disney era. The great second gate park in Anaheim that upon opening was really the flop known as California Adventure. The well done Downtown Disney entertainment district. There was all this talk about another impressive hotel in addition to the Grand Californian. One discussed, planned, and never built... and here it is in living color- right next to the one and only original Disneyland. 

No one is better at uncovering rare Disney Imagineering art than my friend Alain Littaye over at Disney and More, but here's a piece of concept art lost in my files. Unfortunately, I can't give credit as I can't remember where it came from. It must have been from a photograph as the lower right hand corner looks like it has been lit by a flash bulb. But there's no mistaking that it is Walt's original theme park on the left side. Wouldn't it have been beautiful?  

As you can see, the plans that came to fruition were not the ones originally on the drawing boards. The rather plain Esplanade we have now was once planned to be a water feature and some greenery. Back then, Westcot was to be the centerpiece of the expansion, not California Adventure. All that changed when EuroDisney / Disneyland Paris hotels were overbuilt, when the suits namely Michael Eisner got cold feet and when increasing profits demanded even more. Old timers like me remember it well. "Budgeteering", became the latest executive craze that first gripped then swallowed a creative organization.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

In Sickness and In Health

Oh Jesus! There's nothing like being home sick in bed to make you slow down and think. 

I love this portrait of Jesus by artist Richard Hook. In a society that has feminized him for generations, this drawing reminds me that he had to be one tough man to endure torture and crucifixion on our behalf. 

Some would act as if he was defeated, but those who really study the Bible understand that his death led to his resurrection which paid the price for my sin and for all who would give their lives to Him. It was a victory not a defeat. A successful end to an earthly ministry.

I love you, Lord Jesus. Help me love you even more. And in sickness as in health, let me serve you all the days of my life. Thank you for the gift of yours.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort- $120 per Night!

An incredible special!

Oh, it is for 1986...

Take a look at my reservation for a stay in 1987. The beautiful Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World was going for $120 a night. I had it confirmed. Ready to go and all.

Unfortunately, job changes got in the way, and our little marriage getaway had to be postponed. Nope, we never got back to stay at the property. Looking at the prices now, I doubt if we ever will. It may still be lovely- that's yet to be determined with all the "improvements"- but now it is so overpriced, I'd rather stay elsewhere. And so it goes...

Happy Birthday to the Redhead

Happy Birthday to my wonderful youngest son! 24 years and counting. This photo was taken long ago, and in some ways, he looks very different. Add a beard, several tattoos, and a pretty buff body, and he is clearly a man- no longer my little boy. Times flies...

Plaza Swan Boats Concept Art

Once upon a time in a Magic Kingdom long ago, superior craftsmanship was important and objects of beauty were created for its own sake with commerce and profit being the byproduct of something extraordinary. The land was ruled by princes who followed King Walt's rule: Always give the guest more than they expect.

And such was the inclusion of the lovely Plaza Swan Boats. 

These beautiful craft used to ply the canal that surrounded the plaza, including a cruise past such kingdom landmarks as Main Street U.S.A.'s equally beautiful Crystal Palace Restaurant and the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Boarding these delicate craft was an adventure in Victorian pleasure as they provided seldom seen views of Tomorrowland and Adventureland.

This piece of Imagineering artwork has been floating around in various forms for years. The "cleanest" copy I've seen is from Imaginerding.com, yet even that piece seemed to lack the intricate detail I expected from art for this building and the Swan Boats. (Thanks to the folks over at that wonderful blog for this piece!) 

Perhaps it was the size of the image or so I thought that hid so much. Thanks to a little investigative work and some photoshop, the viewer can now see a bit more of what makes the building so lovely. The original muted colors graciously communicated the feel but did not reveal the architectural elements. All said, here's another piece to add to your files.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens Returns to the Screen

Did Matthew Crawley's death on Downton Abbey happen all too soon? Are you now a fan of actor Dan Stevens? Wondering where he's gone? Wonder no longer.

American fans of the popular family fantasy movie Night at the Museum will uncover Dan playing Sir Lancelot for the third installment in the series, Secret of the Tomb. Of course, Ben Stiller will return as will Robin Williams and Owen Wilson.

After a seriously minded television show and a well done but depressing turn in Summer in February, everyone's favorite British export takes a stab at a lighthearted comedy. Coming in December 2014 in the States and in January 2015 overseas.

The Last Hours of Karen Carpenter

Leave it to British television to continue to honor and leverage the ongoing international popularity (and curiosity regarding) Karen Carpenter.

Neither sensationalist nor simplistic, the documentary provides little insight into what caused Karen's death (it wasn't just from anorexia nervosa). What is does accomplish is telling a fascinating story of human frailty and tragedy even in the midst of great domestic and international success. Stunning success.

As Carpenters, Karen and her brother Richard Carpenter sold millions of albums and singles worldwide, creating a legacy accomplished by her. Karen's unexpected death in 1983 left fans confused, mourning, and always longing for one last song from the woman with the golden voice.

It's a compelling video to say the very least. Rumors persist that in her true last hours, specifically the year before she died, Karen had long, deep, talks with a cousin who explained the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ to all that would give their lives to Him, trusting that He alone was the only payment to God the Father for their sin and the only way to heaven; that He alone conquered death on the cross. 

I wonder if this was what she heard or read: "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."  (These are from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, and then from the book of John, chapter 3 verses 16 and 17.)

Eventually, Karen reportedly gave her life to Jesus and trusted Him for her future and for the forgiveness of where she fell short. If it's true, this evangelist relative will be forever thanked by the legions of Karen's fans. (By the way, the same offer of new life and forgiveness of sins has been made available to each of us- not just Karen. What will you do? Accept it or not? )

As for me, I will always be grateful to Herb Alpert and A&M Records for signing this talented duo. Karen's voice is like no one else. God broke the mold after he made her. Paired with Richard's delicate arrangements which beautifully showcased her voice, the Carpenters were a once in a lifetime musical act. In fact, I so appreciate the contribution of Karen and Richard to popular music, that I was asked to be part of Randy L. Schmidt's book, Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography. What an honor! (His first book on Karen, Little Girl Blue, is quite the read as well. Check out my review here.)

---

Want more Karen and Richard?

There's about 250 posts on this blog about the Carpenters and their success. Album by album reviews (See below), rare photos, updates on Richard's activities since Karen's passing and more.

Below is the list of my initial reviews and then my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews a decade later. Each set of reviews contains different information and unique photos, some rarely seen.

My Initial Reviews of the albums:

Offering/Ticket to Ride

Close to You

Carpenters

A Song for You

Now & Then

The Singles 1969-1973

Live In Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974-1978

Christmas Portrait

Made in America

Voice of the Heart

An Old Fashioned Christmas

Time (Richard Solo)

Lovelines

Karen Carpenter (Solo)

As Time Goes By

My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:

Offering / Ticket to Ride
Close to You
Carpenters 
A Song for You 

Now & Then

The Singles 1969 - 1973

Live in Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage