Let the Countdown Begin

June 15th is only three months away, and the countdown begins to the relaunch of Disney California Adventure. Welcome Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers, Buena Vista Street, and all the smaller attractions. Goodbye forever to its hip and edgy past. Hello to a whole new immersive world of charm and exploration. Robert Iger and the company have a whole lot riding on its success. So do the fans! If it is an out of the ballpark smash, it could just be the rebirth of Imagineering.

Another Miracle

Just wanted to thank my dear lord Jesus for a safe delivery of this precious addition! It was a little early and a little unexpected, but my new grandson arrived safely. And thank you, Lord, that our daughter is doing well. Welcome to our world, Elliott!

Whatever Happened to Meg Ryan?

Here's a lady my wife and I both enjoy seeing on the screen! Meg Ryan made her presence known as Billy Crystal's lust and love interest in the infamous When Harry Met Sally. Of course, a later little film with Tom Hanks, Sleepless in Seattle (and later You've Got Mail) catapulted her to meg-a stardom. But where is she now, and what is she doing?

American Idol's One to Beat and One to Watch in 2012

The last couple of seasons of American Idol have been far from terrific. That ended last week, when a group of talented folks made the Top 13. And the leader of the pack was clearly identified when Jessica Sanchez covered Whitney Houston trademark I Will Always Love You. Not only is her voice wonderfully warm, with her performance being so close to the death of Whitney, she now has an emotional advantage over the other contestants. Wisely, Jessica stayed close to the beautiful original vocal arrangement and added only a few flourishes that were her own. With her youth and talent, you should be crowed this year's American Idol- and be on her way to a long career.

Your Morning Cup of Joe

Not a guy who happens to think that Starbucks Coffee is swill, but it is still a far cry from others, both good and bad. The newest blend, Blonde, seems to have a nice flavor and decent scent. It's no Casi Ceilo, one of my favorites, but its not bitter like every drink I seem to have at Peet's Coffee. Granted Caribou Coffee is still my favorite overall. Consistently good, even black. Just wish there were mores stores around in metro Denver!

Winter Blues

Take me away. Now. Please...

It's Yesterday Once More

This Carpenters poster brings back so many memories! Not the concert itself but the beautifully designed logo by the A&M Records art department. Even with the dorky haircuts, there was something simply classy about having Karen and Richard Carpenter in silhouette form. The navy ink instantly dates the piece. Yet, in this new century, there's something really sweet and innocent about the whole thing. Makes me smile as if it were Yesterday Once More.

Minty Fresh

Just a quick shout out of thanks to Mint Crocodile and the Magic Eye blog! I look forward to his Thursday updates so much. This shot of the new paint job on the Grizzly River Run rapids lift tells me much about the new look for the park. Add in Buena Vista Street and a classy old school looking Cars Land, and it should be magic. Adios hip and edgy! Hello retro cool!

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

Lone Ranger Saves Frontierland!

Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger- who can resist it? Not me! I cannot wait for this film to come out. And let's just hope it is a mega hit. The success of the Lone Ranger film could bring a renewed interest in the American West, and with it, a reason to revitalize Frontierland. Get those pencils sharpened, Imagineers! Who is up for a re-Imagineered version of Marc Davis' Western River Expedition?

(Photograph copyright Walt Disney Pictures)

Four Years Ago Today...

Here's the coolest Walt Disney quote ever:

"Think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly worthwhile."

I ran across this quote a few years ago as I was reading about Walt and his plans. (And weren't they grand!) Of course, as a follower of Jesus Christ- a Christian, yes, I still use that word- I am always trying to keep this perspective every day. And I encourage you to do so as well.

THAT is the point of this blog and why I started it four years ago today. It's my firm belief that God Himself created each of us for good works, and He gave us the gifts and talents He did so that we could share His love with others, keeping our eye on the Big Picture. Life is a gift from God since He is the Giver of Life.

Even though our lifetime on earth goes by so fast and is so temporary compared to eternity, it is still a very important part of why we are here. But it's not the only reason we are here either.

If we remember today is really only temporary, we wouldn't struggle so when things are hard or we wouldn't forget about other people's pain when things are easy. There's a reason mornings are new everyday when God shows His mercy to us.

If we took Walt's advice to heart, perhaps we would live a little bit differently as we make our mark in the world. Maybe not take ourselves so seriously. Maybe we'd live a little more kindly, maybe a little more generously, maybe with a bit more purpose. And we can do it while having a whole lot of fun, sharing our Disney stories and concept art, our likes and dislikes, our thoughts on movies, music, art, sports, etc. So, Happy Fourth Anniversary to the Insights and Sounds blog! (Font problems and all! ;0...)

Waiting Patiently

Today could be the day for him to appear! You see, both our daughters and husbands are pregnant- and they are due within one week of each other. Pretty exciting times. Our youngest daughter may be induced today due to some complications. It's just a waiting game now. And I'm trying to be patient. Trying...

Notable and Quotable: Rick Warren

"Our culture has accepted two huge lies: The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate."

Rick Warren

Keep Moving!

March forth!

(Image copyright Mark Taft.)

Coming- and Not a Moment Too Soon

A chance to get excited about something in the theme park world. Finally, something that could be on par with Tokyo DisneySea! This fun map of Disney California Adventure makes Cars Land look like the star of the park that it will be. The rock work is looking as majestic as Mount Promethus, and Radiator Springs Racers is my prediction for the new smash hit of the resort. Something to perhaps finally give Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Haunted Mansion a run for their money.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)