Mr. Toad's Wild Ride 2.0

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a Disneyland classic and a much beloved and missed attraction at Walt Disney World. But did you know there was once plans for a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Tokyo Disneysea? Yes, it was once on the drawing boards- but in a fresh way, different than what riders would expect. As I looked at Miceage's Yesterland article written by the always terrific Werner Weiss, I remembered that I had in my files a great piece of concept art for this attraction.

Before you get too excited about another unbuilt ride and get very disappointed, TDS' proposed Manhattan Motor Mania was actually more a tribute to sorts to the beloved Disneyland attraction in Fantasyland. (May the Magic Kingdom's double tracked, two separate adventure version Rest In Peace.) The artwork for Tokyo Disneysea's proposed tribute ride is the black and white piece of concept art at the top.

Toad in a new way... for a totally different park- The Magic Kingdom.

The plan was to have it sit in the American Waterfront in a subsection that looked like a bit of Little Italy. The basic plot line was the same but swapping out London and its countryside for New York City at the turn of the century. 

Like some good things, ideas are passed on. But Eric Scales did a great job working up a brand new version of Toad's adventure just in case Disney opens their eyes and hearts for a new journey. Take a look at his plans for an attraction at the Magic Kingdom or look here.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tokyo Disneyland Gives Guests More Than They Deserve- Again!

Tokyo Disneysea is just the tip of the iceberg! Long considered the best Disney theme park ever, the Tokyo Disney Resort notches it up again with a brand new, rebuilt, and fully reimagined Space Mountain for the original Japanese Disney park, Tokyo Disneyland. Is it not enough they already have the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, the original trackless vehicle E Ticket in Pooh's Hunny Hunt, and soon the only park to feature a full blown Tangled attraction? Apparently not. 

In contrast to Walt Disney World where they are continually nickel and diming customers, the Oriental Land Company continues to give guests groundbreaking attractions, top notch service, and great value for what is spent. This is the kind of experience Walt Disney wanted all his guests to have. And the Japanese resort continues to have great financial reports year after year after year. Does anyone see the correlation? 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Top Ten: The Best of George Benson

It's hard to believe that one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time, 

the incredible George Benson, recorded for years before the powers that be- and the public- realized he also had some great vocal chops! 

George's hot guitar playing and smooth, creamy vocals, make him a perfect staple for night time jazz radio. The man can do it all! I've been a fan for decades, and I've heard him master The Great American Songbook, the Beatles, take on a classic Carpenters ballad and make it his own, and straddle that fine line between dance and pop under the direction of Quincy Jones. Take about versatility!

Here's this fan's Top Ten list in no particular order:

1976-  Breezin'- This snappy and light hearted instrumental is still heard on radio today. Driving along the road with the top down? The perfect song for a Summer day!

1983- From George's often overlooked In Your Eyes album, here's a cut that surprises!  Feel Like Makin' Love- an upbeat, high energy turn around reinvention of the Roberta Flack classic. His guitar is in top form, and his singing is upbeat, joyful, and funky.

1986- Next up is one sensual sounding song. George croons this one, caressing each word from the lyric sheet: Kisses in the Moonlight, from the excellently urban disc While the City Sleeps.

1989- The man's getting older and wiser, but he's still got it. Take a listen to the whole album Tenderly. One of the offerings is the incredibly sentimental This Is All I Ask. Reflecting on the simple things takes us back to our roots of thankfulness.

2024 Update: The guitar great is interviewed by Rick Beato.

Go here.

1980- A double play. The Quincy Jones produced Give Me the Night and Turn Out the Lamplight. The former one brings shades of Michael Jackson for a more mature crowd who can still party with the best of them. The latter shimmers with elegance and a laid back groove.

1981- Duetting on Love All the Hurt Away with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, George can hold his own vocally. Still on many of my playlists. George Michael may have given Aretha an updated and beloved smash, but with Mr. Benson, she may have found her musical soul mate. A modern version of Motown's Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

1987- Beyond the Sea (La Mer). There's a reason it's been covered by so many artists. But George gives it something special. You just have to hear it. From the album 20/20.

1978- On Broadway. What is left to be said about his version of this classic? George scats in the same style as he plays his guitar. From the epic live disc, Weekend in LA.

1976- The one that started it all. This Masquerade. It took guts to record this Leon Russell song when Karen Carpenter had done the definitive version on the Carpenters Now & Then album.  But George did- and it brought him to mainstream radio as well as making me a fan!

Magic Kingdom Attraction Posters: The Main Street U.S.A. Collection

Disney Parks attractions posters are one of the most sought after Disney related searches on the internet. There's a good reason for this! Those gifted Imagineers created beautiful pieces of art that have stood the test of time. 

 

My blog's collection of Disneyland attraction posters is one of the deepest you'll find. So today, I offer up post one of a similar collection for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

You'd expect to find at least one attraction poster for the Walt Disney World Railroad, but perhaps you wouldn't think you'd see one for the Victorian era Crystal Palace Restaurant. Yet, here it is (and a version of one also exists for Tokyo Disneyland as well). The art is very nice, but certainly nothing can capture the sheer elegance of one of my favorite pieces of Magic Kingdom architecture.

There are very few pieces for Main Street U.S.A., but in a rather new twist, Imagineering started creating attraction posters for evening shows. Here above is an attraction poster for Happily Ever After. Although it is not in the more traditional style, it still is charming and captures the beauty of the nighttime presentation.

 

 Yes, another poster for the railroad...

 

...and the infamous short-lived poster

for when the train rode the rails in a the reverse route.

Now, I am not aware of other attraction posters for this part of the park. I would have thought that Main Street Cinema or at least The Walt Disney Story would have one, but so far, no luck. If anyone knows otherwise, please contact me.

There's still more lands and more posters. Certainly not the number found for Disneyland, (Check out just my Fantasyland collection for example) but nonetheless, they are fun to see. Stay tuned!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Connections Cafe and Eatery Looks to Be Another Win for New Epcot

Perhaps Imagineer Zach Riddley is on a roll. Take a look at this beautiful view form the brand new Connections Cafe at Epcot. As many other photos will show, the inside is sleek and fresh, but the views looking out are just beautiful! The old Electric Umbrella was tired and dirty. (We stopped in a few years ago, and honestly, it was pretty bad.) As this photo from Bioreconstruct shows, the place seems to be a winner.  

Early reports show the food to be very good as well. A variety of international themed burgers hits the spot. The Bahn Mi sandwhich is calling my name. With Starbucks right next door, well, this is going to be one busy place.

The wide open seating will be a hit as well. Guests choosing to bypass the family friendly coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will have a nearby place to chill. Is this EPCOT Center of old? No. But maybe there are good things ahead for some portions of the park. Connections Cafe sounds like another win for everyone involved.

(Photograph copyright Bioreconstruct.)

My Mother's Humble Gift

A family photo at our son's wedding. I'd normally highlight the bride and groom, but today is my mother's birthday. She has been a gift to our family! Kind, humble, and with an ear to listen, she has been the glue that kept my family of origin together. You are loved by all who know you. Thanks, Mom, for being who you are!

The Lost City Mines Ancient Gold

Can a fully dressed Sandra Bullock, and in one scene, a butt naked Channing Tatum make movie magic? They are banking on it, but we've seen this movie before. Many, many times actually. It's one part Indiana Jones / Raiders of the Lost Ark and one part Romancing the Stone. There's even shades of The Proposal. It's just not as clever even if Daniel Radcliffe from Harry Potter fame takes a very effective turn as the movie's bad guy. No worries, though. Sandra Bullock is still charming! Her physical comedy is in full Miss Congeniality form. And the movie has its moments of fun. The Lost City is a second rate film, but it's nice to see her back on the big screen. Is it worth your money? Only if you don't mind  the rehash of much better films that came before it.

Every Day is Earth Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom: 24 Years of Incredible Adventures, Missteps, and Surprises

Almost 25 years ago today on earth Day, Walt Disney World's fourth theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom opened to the public. Long before Expedition Everest thrilled its first guests, Disney Imagineers under the leadership of Joe Rohde planned attractions to thrill, delight, amaze and scare guests- to keep them coming back year after year. Though not the colossal failure Disney would see a few years later with Disney California Adventure and the Walt Disney Studios Paris theme parks, the wild creature focused world was also not as well received as 2001's Tokyo Disneysea. 

My first visit to see Florida's fourth Disney park for myself resulted in the multi-part in-depth look at its creation and evolution. Part history, part trip report, and part image gallery, you'll find concept art, photos and more. Today, we go back to the beginning of one of my most popular blog series...

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Disney's Animal Kingdom: A True Life Adventure (Part One)

Earlier this year, Disney’s fourth and largest Florida theme park celebrated ten years of delighting, thrilling, or frustrating Walt Disney World guests. Plans for the future have yet to be made public, but let’s look back at the past, discuss the present, and speculate on the future of this wonderfully imagineered playground.

Why is there such a deep appreciation and an equal disdain for Disney’s Animal Kingdom? It stands distinctly different from the Mouse’s other playgrounds in the Sunshine State. For its fans, the combination of a brilliant and daring design, consistent theme, and faithful execution brings new and unique adventures and environments. Its detractors would counter there are too few attractions to hold their interest for an entire day. Both sides agree the park is a beauty to view. However dazzling this combination zoo, botanical garden, and theme park is to behold, there are also the intangible factors that draw us to it when we can look past the limited number of adventures: there is a deep emotional connection that comes from our love for nature and animals. It meets our desire to run away from the concrete jungles of modern day life and reality- if only for the day! The park is a unique entity among Disney’s theme park roster, one that will probably never be duplicated.

Beginning with Mickey himself, animals of all types and depictions continue to be a great and profitable fit with Disney. According to company lore, Walt’s well-known love for animals and exotic locales, evidenced by the inclusion of Adventureland at Disneyland, California, and his True-Life Adventure films formed the emotional heart of Animal Kingdom long before ground was ever broken. In reality, when discussion began about the creation of this park in 1989, it may have truly been a strictly business decision that brought it to fruition.

The Magic Kingdom was a concept unique to Disney, successfully capitalizing and expanding upon the reputation of its older sibling in California. The next park, EPCOT Center, conceptually different in Walt’s mind but with its execution clearly inspired by world’s fairs and corporate America trade shows, transformed Walt Disney World from a single day destination to one that could consume a traveler’s entire week. Disney-MGM Studios debuted and was the least original of the three parks, taking ideas from Universal Studios in California and Disneyland, including a new Main Street of a different era for its entrance plaza.

Michael Eisner, brilliant or be damned, was the driving force behind the creation of a nature focused park. Bringing a competitive, and some would say greedy, nature to the business, he guided the company into direct battle with his once friendly neighbors, desiring to capture all the time and money any visitor may have in Central Florida. Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park had just successfully launched to square off with the soon-to-come Universal Studios. Pleasure Island was Disney’s answer to Orlando’s popular Church Street Station, Typhoon Lagoon their response to Wet N Wild, and myriads of resort properties were added to the entire Disney complex to grab a large share of the hospitality industry’s bread and butter. Earlier in the decade, Epcot’s Living Seas pavilion took a swipe at Sea World, and now Disney’s Animal Kingdom was looking to take a large bite out of Busch Gardens popularity in nearby Tampa.

Continue reading Part One here.

Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven

Part Eight

A New Home

A new home for a sweet family! Given today's incredibly expensive housing market, it is a blessing from God to be able to own a home. Thank you, Lord, for this gift.

(Photograph by Mark Taft.)

The Heartbeat of Epcot

Under the leadership of Imagineer Zach Riddley, World Celebration is quickly becoming the focus of Epcot. A brand new Starbucks and the Connections Cafe will soon be buzzing with excitement as guests crowd that section of the park while waiting for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.  The less than impressive drink choices at Club Cool mean the lines may be shorter, but the Coca-Cola items in the shop are unique and well done! If you don't want cola inspired souvenirs, you can always go to the main location to shop in this part of the park, the Creations Shop. All said, the hub of what once was Future World will once again be a place where visitors stop instead of just managing construction wall after construction wall.

But Epcot wasn't always a mess.

Communicore was once the heartbeat of EPCOT Center, offering guests a wide variety of smaller attractions, exhibits, and places to shop and dine. Surrounding Spaceship Earth, these large circular buildings were very inviting with their glass walls and their contemporary design and color schemes. They truly were attractions unto themselves. Perhaps the most beloved exhibit was SMRT-1, a small blue robot with a childlike voice and welcoming presence. Challenging guests with a variety of trivia, it was easy for our young family to spend more than a few minutes playing games with this little guy.

On the more serious side, Exxon's Energy Exchange was informative, educational, and yes, fun, even if it was a bit of self promotion for the huge oil company. We loved the "edutainment" aspect of the park, but then, our kids were always fascinated by the world around them. Another interesting exhibit was the FutureChoice Theater. Not only was it a filmed presentation, it was also a chance for guests to give Disney feedback on important events of the day. Real issues and not marketing gimmicks.

There was just so much more to be found here, making Communicore a two hour part of our first Epcot day. Imagine that! The main pavilions around it held a large number of attractions that were imaginative, informative, well executed, and lasted longer than a three minute thrill ride. Even Future World alone could easily fill a day. But that was then.

Once completed, will this centerpiece of the park hum with activity or will it be just another pass through area? Time will tell. Anything new will have an initial fan base, but the long term impact of Epcot 3.0 will be felt 5-10 years from now. Will the suits of the Walt Disney Company continue to invest in my once favorite Florida park or will they let it rot due to neglect? I can only imagine.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tarzan's Treehouse at Disneyland Becomes Encanto

"Tarzan will soon be swinging out of his treehouse at Disneyland to make room for a re-themed attraction that will see a new Disney character move into the 80-foot-tall man-made tree in Adventureland.

Disneyland will reimagine Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland with a new theme and backstory, according to Disneyland officials.

The treehouse experience isn’t going away, but the Tarzan theme won’t return when the attraction reopens, according to Disneyland officials.

The walk-through attraction’s new theme, backstory and reopening date have not yet been announced.

MiceChat reports one possible overlay for Tarzan’s Treehouse could be an attraction themed to Disney’s “Encanto” animated film. In the movie, young Antonio Madrigal has a magical rainforest bedroom where he can communicate with animals. ShopDisney sells a $30 Antonio’s Treehouse play set based on his bedroom in “Encanto.”

The Academy Award-winner for best animated feature tells the story of the magical Madrigal family that lives in an enchanted place called Encanto hidden in the mountains of Colombia.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek and “Encanto” composer Lin-Manuel Miranda have already discussed possible theme park attractions based on the hit animated movie, according to The Wrap.

Disney has big plans for “Encanto,” which Chapek describes as the company’s newest film franchise — suggesting a sequel could be in the works.

Disneyland has added a Mirabel Madrigal meet-and-greet character, “Encanto” float to the returning Main Street Electrical Parade and nightly projection show on the facade of It’s a Small World set to the Billboard chart-topping “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” song.

Demolition of the entrance to Tarzan’s Treehouse will begin on Monday, April 18, according to Disneyland officials."

(From the Orange Country Register).

 

UPDATE: In a surprise move, the Tarzan themed tree house will be changed to the Adventureland Treehouse, with more than a nod to the original Swiss Family Robinson. Artwork is here.

Jesus Conquers Death- and His Sacrifice Brings Us Life

There is hope eternal. Jesus conquered death by raising from the dead! And He alone can bring you life instead of brokenness. He is Risen indeed! Christians all over the world celebrate this historical fact. And He is returning one day to judge the world and redeem those who believe.

In the strangeness of the way God sometimes works, He offered up His Son- the very image of Himself- on the cross in order to pay for the sins of man. Jesus was sacrificed in our place. Yours and mine. We have all fallen short of God's glory, and only God Himself could pay the price on our behalf. 

Do you believe? If not, I suggest you read Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell. That is, if you are open minded to think it through and look at facts. Some have not done so and already determined what they believe. But the truth holds up as it always does. Jesus Christ died for the sins of every man, but only some will choose Him. He is offering you a fresh beginning and eternity lies before you. Will you choose Him?

They Didn't Kill the Easter Bunny

There's a reason the Easter Bunny thrives. People love him. He's soft, cuddly, and approachable. He brings colorful eggs filled with sweet treats and other little gifts, but he is not the reason for the holiday we'll celebrate at the dinner table this Sunday. Look deeper. I encourage you to do so. Go ahead.

In a world of confusion with everyone mad at everyone else, do you want the kind of love that will last forever? Look no further than to Jesus Christ. But who exactly is Jesus? That's the question we all must answer. Each of us. Believer or not, this question will be asked of us one day. If you don't understand, read ahead and you'll discover the greatest love story ever told.

Today is Good Friday for we who believe and so commemorate the passion of Jesus of Nazareth, meaning his crucifixion on the cross for the sin of mankind, both yours and mine. His bloody, broken body violently nailed to a wooden cross so he could die... all leading to His Resurrection- his greatest and most monumental accomplishment. 

Think about this: The very measurement of time changed because of this event!

Jesus is controversial- and His story timeless. Magazines still devote cover stories to Him, books continue to be written, songs composed, and films made. Each piece brings to the forefront Jesus' own question to his disciple Peter, and agin, it is one we all must answer: "Who do you say I am?"

Yes, it's true. Just for you and me and the whole earth - from the beginning of time. To accept being punished along criminals, Jesus chose to lay down his life to redeem us from Hell. The Hell we deserve for our sin. Ever lie? Cheat? Slander? Then, his sacrifice via the cross was just for you. It's a gift that cost him much pain and sorrow. But if you receive this gift of eternal life by choosing and following Him, it's a gift back to Him that will bless him. Yes, something very special. Much more special than chocolate eggs and sweet candies found in pastel colored grass.

God is very gracious and loving by making it crystal clear and easy to understand: Jesus Himself says He is the Only Way, the Only Truth, the Only Life and that no one would be able to come to an eternity with God the Father except by receiving Him. (Read the Book of John in the New Testament, Chapter 14). God could have made it difficult to discover, but He did not. It's not from hate or prejudice, it's from love He said what He said and did what He did.

It was His same great love for the people He created- that includes you and me- that caused Him to sacrifice Jesus in our place. And it's His same love that draws you to Him. Can you feel the call to Him in your heart? Does your spirit leap at the sound of His name? If not, it's time to ask yourself why. 

First comes death on a cross. A brutal and terrifying way to die. Torture like none other. Medically, it's just an awfully painful way to die. (Read about the medical explanation of what this does to a body here.) His radical way to show great love begins with his submission to this kind of death.

But oh, then comes Easter Sunday morning- the Triumph of Jesus over sin and death- for our benefit! Never a victim- always a champion. He accomplished this great mission born from Love- the very mission the Father gave Him. Jesus the triumphant one! Preachers everywhere should remember this! As should the people He gave his life for.

At the end of time, known as the Final Judgment in the Bible, (See the last book of the Bible. It's called "Revelation"), Jesus has returned to earth as the Triumphant King that He is. Mankind, one person at a time, must give an account for how they have lived their life. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and have lived to please Him all their days will proceed to an eternal glory free from pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, not all will believe. He gave men free will to choose. To those who have turned away from Jesus, rejected Him even though He was God's gift to pay for our sins, they will be sent to Hell by their own choice. Hell, the place of fire and torment forever, was designed for Satan and his demonic angels, but those that deny Jesus as Messiah (Christ) and follow their own path, end up in that place as well. Again, it's their choice, not God's.

Whether you believe in the Easter Bunny or not doesn't matter at all. The real question- Jesus' question- remains: Who do you say that I am? 

Ooh La La! Happy 30th Birthday to Disneyland Paris!

Happy 30th Birthday to the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of all! Disneyland Paris may be the crown jewel of the castle parks. It may not have the largest number of attractions- that honor would go to Walt's park- but it is incredible!

Under the leadership of Imagineering's Tony Baxter, the playground created would best capture the heart, soul, and beauty of what Walt strove for. (Love him or think him overrated, the Tony Baxter debate rages on. See Part One and Two.) 

Innovation, creativity, and giving guests the best experience possible in an atmosphere that is incomparable. It truly is the theme park as art. After three trips in three different seasons of the year, I cannot wait to return!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

What Does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Have in Common with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind?

Be it at Disneyland, Florida's Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, or Disneyland Paris, the iconic buttes call to guests, daring them to climb aboard the trains headed for adventure.  Big Thunder Mountain is an Imagineering masterpiece of old, in the style of the original masters of the craft such as Tony Baxter and Marc Davis before him. This Railroad certainly may be the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, but the graphic above is also used to tell Disney Vacation Club Members the status of their special invites for the opening of Epcot's new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. These private parties are not just money makers. They are also another move towards exclusivity and class divisions in the Disney theme parks. The Company may scream for inclusivity, but the other hand collecting all the cash knows it is just a marketing gimmick.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

This Girl's in Love- Rumer Takes on Burt Bacharach

Looking for the perfect CD for that relaxing drive or friendly dinner party? Something classy, elegant, but not too middle of the road that would fit the bill? Check out Rumer's excellent piano and vocal focused This Girl's in Love (a Bacharach & David Songbook). Mixing less known songs like Balance of Nature with wonderful versions of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's The Look of Love, A House is Not a Home, and What the World Needs Now, you'll stay fully attentive and taken by what she has accomplished. No one else these days could do justice to Marilyn McCoo's / 5th Dimension's iconic One Less Bell to Answer.

This Girl's in Love may be the album fans have been asking for ever since she burst on the U.K. music scene sounding almost like a newly reborn Karen Carpenter. (Check on Slow on her Seasons of My Soul album.) Don't mistake Rumer for another Karen soundalike, though. She is her own woman. On this recently discovered collection, she's singing higher on most of these songs with only fleeting moments of the deep contralto that made Carpenters famous, although she does a very nice cover of (They Long to Be) Close to You. No matter. Rumer's talent shines brightly on this absolutely terrific album, one worth the price of the import. 

Can Epic Universe Top This?

So thrilled to find this piece of concept art for Universal Studios' incredible Diagon Alley.  It may be the best single intellectual property land in all of Florida! In fact, I know it is. I've seen Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I walked through the jungles of Pandora (and the landscapes of California Adventure's Cars Land). Each of them are wonderful in their own ways, be they found at Walt Disney World or Universal. 

Hogsmeade has a great and varied line up of attractions, but there's something spectacular and different about Harry Potter's second themed Wizarding World, even if there's only one attraction at this point in time. Escape from Gringott's is not perfect, but it is very, very, close and a whole lot of fun. And, yes, I found it better than the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure. Regardless, the land of Diagon Alley rocks. The design, food, the shops, the entertainment, the butter beer. Can't wait to see what's next for it.

Can Epic Universe pull off a trifecta of Harry Potter goodness? We shall see. Even without Harry,  4 coasters coming on opening day, a series of dark rides, including a first of its kind Donkey Kong Cart Ride, I know this will be a place fans worldwide will want to be! 

Universal Orlando Resort is poised to get three full days of a Florida vacation. What will Disney do in response? Build another vacation club?

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

This is Us- 1981

Rockin' the 'stache! Well, what can I say? Long before beards took on a life of their own, looking a bit like Tom Selleck from Magnum P.I. was the goal of many men wanting to catch a woman. Thankfully, this wasn't what caused my wife to fall in love with me. Nor being thin! Now, on the other hand, it's easy to see what made me fall in love with her. Those eyes! That smile! But most of all, that gentle heart.

A summer date at Six Flags Magic Mountain was on the agenda for the day. Little did I know roller coasters terrified her! But we survived an entire summer of thrills, and as she told me years later, me not seeing her in a bathing suit once. (How did that happen?)

As our story goes, God blessed us and our love grew. We married on this day many, many, many moons ago- 40 years to be exact. And He has given us the strength to make it through the hard times and to enjoy the blessings of the good ones. How did time go by so quickly?

Much, much, love to you, my darling wife, my beautiful one!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Hollywood Eats Its Own Again: The Slap and More

Aren't we all just fragile humans? What else can we learn from such a strange and sad event as Will Smith's slapping of Chris Rock at the Oscar Awards Show? Let's see...

1- Even in Hollywood, land of the outrageous, jokes about someone's medical condition are crude and uncalled for.

2- When we are offended, violence is not the answer. Be the bigger man. This could have been an incredible moment for Mr. Smith to show grace and class by extending forgiveness.

3- The worst of situations will bring out our true colors- the worst in us when we are not submitted to God.

4- Behind smiles and laughs can be real pain...and stupidity

5- Bullies come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.

6- Friends can recover from a broken or strained relationship.

7- All- and that includes everyone in Hollywood- has sinned and falls short of the glory of God. Yet, in His goodness, God extends an offer of forgiveness to all us sinners. Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross in our place to save us from an eternity in Hell. To receive it, we must believe this is true, and we must turn away from our life of sin and turn to God, making Him the only ruler and King in our lives. There is no other way to heaven according to Jesus Himself (See John chapter 14).

8- We are no better than either of these guys. I know I'm not, and I'm pretty sure you are not either.

(Photograph by Robert Hanashiro, USA Today.)