For you and your family, may it be a year of blessing and joy!
"May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine." Genesis 27:28.
January 1, 2021
A Fresh New Year
December 31, 2020
My New Year's Eve Wish
Just remember as you say goodbye to this year and hello to another: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive, what God has planned for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9). May He bless you and yours in the coming year!
December 29, 2020
Soul Less Than It Could Be
That said, there's more to celebrate here than to be disappointed by! Jamie Foxx is terrific as Joe, everyman middle school music teacher who longs for more. Tina Fey is annoying and effective as "22", the troubled spirit who accompanies Joe on his quest. Some self-proclaimed culture watchdogs have problem with her casting, but let's grow up. Humans interact with all types of people from different backgrounds and cultures and of different colors. Actors should have the freedom to act. It's part of their job description inherent in their title.
An easy win is the sparkling music and the now expected life-like animation. Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and especially Jon Batiste create a compelling musical foundation that strengthens the story Pete Docter and team wanted to tell. Singer Cody Chesnutt is especially good as the musician who chooses a subway station as his busking locale. From an animation standpoint, the scene where Joe sheds a tear is powerful in its understatement and simplicity.
While the music is excellent, it is the wide scope of characters and how they interact that gives Soul its depth. Unlike too many Disney films in particular, Joe comes from a traditional two parent- male and female - family. The character of his mother wisely avoids stereotypes. She's both strong and independent without being militant or disrespectful of others. When we first meet her, Joe's musical idol is imperfect, displaying a jaded and somewhat snobby attitude. Joe's friends in the barber shop run the gamut of personalities. In other words, his world is filled with normal people trying to make it in a difficult but often amazing world. Kudos to the writers for balancing the difficulties of being Black in America without pushing agendas. These factors make Soul accessible to all and a story everyone can embrace and learn from. As Dr. John Perkins states in his excellent book One Blood, a must-read for people of every color, we are 99% more alike than we are different. Something our politicians, Hollywood, and people in general, would be wise to remember.
(Image copyright Pixar.)
Notable and Quotable: Karen Carpenter on Elvis Presley
"For myself and I know speaking for Richard, we worshipped Elvis. The first time I met him I thought I was going to drop dead in my tracks... He walked out, and my heart stopped... He's not only gorgeous, his voice is beautiful. And his talent is immense."
Karen Carpenter on Elvis Presley
During a 1977 KMPC radio interview to promote their album Passage, Richard and Karen Carpenter are asked about Elvis' influence and impact. While Richard speaks of the artist's effect on popular music, Karen recounts above seeing him in concert and meeting him afterwards. Whether or not this is the same time as the now infamous meeting with he, Karen, and Petula Clark is unknown. (See here for details.)
December 28, 2020
An Animal Kingdom Morning
My photo of the floating mountains of Pandora do not do the place justice. It is stunning piece of Imagineering, every bit as eye popping as the range found at California Adventure's Cars Land.
If I have any misgivings at all, it is about the future of this park. With Joe Rohde retiring, it remains a mystery if there will be someone strong enough to keep the park focused on its original mission and theme. Or will there be an invasion of Intellectual Properties that force "synergy" that doesn't belong a la Epcot 2.0? Let's hope not!
(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)
December 27, 2020
Sunday in Italy
December 25, 2020
A Christmas Harder Than Usual
With a year such as this one, it may be harder than usual... but as you pause and take time to relax during Christmas Day and all the festivities into the New Year, stop to be thankful and count your blessings. Give thanks to God for every good thing! There's lots to be thankful for, but the best gift is God's Son, Jesus Christ- God made Man, and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. My sins, your sins, and all who would believe in Him will be covered through the sacrifice of His Blood. A gift of eternal life for all who would believe He was born, rose from the dead, and will return as King. In other words- the perfect gift that no one else could buy.
Thank you for another year of reading the blog...
December 24, 2020
Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
December 23, 2020
December 22, 2020
Amazing New Epcot Entrance!?!
Today Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, unveiled the brand new amazing and original entrance area and fountain for EPCOT. Look at it- it's beautiful!
Problem is, it's not all that original. The top photo is from the 1982 opening season era of EPCOT Center. The photo directly above and the one below are from today's ongoing transformation into a park that will celebrate Disney's Intellectual Properties from all over the world.
Let's hope the next phase of this transformation truly surprises and delights in a good way!
(Photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
December 21, 2020
2020 Christmas Family Devotional: Week Three
December 21 – 31 “…they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child…”
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12 together. Summarize if needed.
Points for consideration:
• God sent angels to proclaim the birth of Jesus. It was that important! And then He led the three Wise Men to see the newborn child where they gave their treasures to Him.
• Jesus is God made flesh, and He and the Father are One (John 8:58-9; Colossians 2:9).
• Jesus is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6). He was that clear to keep it simple, so that no one would be confused. Jesus came to pay the price for our sin out of His love for us and His obedience to the Father.
Imagine being a shepherd in the field. You saw the angels and heard what they said. What would be your reaction? What would you think? Would you tell the people around you? You don’t have to be rich or famous to give important gifts. What can you give to Jesus?
Stop to praise and thank Him for revealing this “Good News of Great Joy”. Your children might say, “Father, I praise you for the gift of Jesus!” or “Jesus, help me to share about you!”
Time of Prayer
Read John 14:6 together. Then read John 3:16-17. Finally, read Luke 2:19.
Points for consideration:
• Because He loves us so much and wants everyone to know the truth, Jesus makes it very clear He is the only way to Heaven.
• Mary heard the words the shepherds shared about the angels and probably thought of the angel Gabriel who visited her earlier. She treasured these words and thought deeply about them.
Ask your children to define sin. Ask how they have sinned. Check for understanding of Jesus’ words in John 14:6. What does the Way, the Truth, and the Life mean? Discuss Romans 10:9-11.
Pray together. Ask them to confess their sin and turn away from it. If they are ready, have them ask Jesus for forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Pray for them that they would rely on God to know and follow Him. Encourage them to be like Mary and treasure God’s words and think deeply about them. Conclude with another time of praise and celebrate God’s goodness!
December 20, 2020
A Little South Beach
Getting a White Christmas and wish you weren't? Take a short quick trip to South Beach, Florida with these three photographs! Sometimes, Walt Disney World has to get interrupted by a visit to the water. Not a pool. Not a water park. The real thing will only do.
Framed by lush, green vegetation, nothing is better than the beauty God creates.
Move on when you're ready or linger awhile and dream!
Special thanks to the photographer who sent these to me!
December 18, 2020
My Favorite Disney Park Photos: A Moody California Adventure
A morning view from the opposite direction.
The stationary California Zephyr may have disappointed guests who thought it would take them on a grand circle tour of the park, similar to Disneyland's Santa Fe Railroad, but it did offer a pretty good bakery, a solid ice cream spot, and a pretty unique little toy shop.
The best part about it all, was the sense of California it gave the under Imagineered Six Flags-like second gate. There was so little true theming to be found that even the slightest hint of a nod to the culture and history of California stood out.
The newly Imagineered park brought the charm of Buena Vista Street and the awesome and inspired Cars Land, but the Zephyr was a victim of the grand transformation. It's too bad.
The entire park was Bargain Basement Imagineering at its worst. Yet, it does make for a fascinating history. If you want more, take a look at this series on articles on the blog. You'll be amazed and strikingly disappointed in what Disney executives of the time thought would be a compelling sister park to Walt's original Magic Kingdom!
In fact, there are over 400 articles on this blog about the little park that once was the laughing stock of the theme park world. Take a peek at Bargain Basement Imagineering beginning here. Part Two is here. Part Three (with the beginning of the park transformation) can be found here. There are also a large number of articles on this site that chronicle the transformation of the park through a look at Disney concept art, Imagineering a New Dream. Enjoy!
(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)
December 16, 2020
An Unplanned Pregnancy
What could he do? His girlfriend was now carrying someone else's child. They both knew that was the truth, and he was confused. It was her choice. Abortion wasn't an option for her. She was certain the baby deserved to live. But how could she walk this out?
People were talking, making the entire matter much harder than it had to be. But you know how people are! They love to gossip and slander and make themselves look better than others. Soon the news was everywhere, and people were looking at her growing belly. Even her relatives felt the need to comment on the situation. One woman even told her she knew this would happen. Can you picture yourself saying that to someone? Wow! What is it with people? God had been so gracious to this older woman in her own shame, taking it away, but she had to open her mouth and say something. The young woman's response to her was very gracious. She believed even unplanned and unexpected events had a purpose. In an odd turn, the younger woman agreed to move in and help the older one who needed some special assistance. For three months, she stayed to help her. Imagine that!
Eventually, the couple both felt compelled to travel to his hometown. She was close to having the baby now. Flying wasn't an option, so they packed up their bags and took to the road. It was a long, hard trip. The countryside was beautiful, but then she went into labor. No one could help. She delivered the baby, and they did the best they could to keep him warm and safe.
There were folks living in the fields nearby who worked in animal sciences. They'd heard about what had happened from someone they didn't expect. Even under the circumstances, the news hit that this was something to be glad about.
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praying God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
(From the accounts in the books of Matthew and Luke. Copyright Mark Taft.)
December 12, 2020
Carpenters Band Offers Their Tribute
Along with the expected industry congratulations and an interview based story with the duo, the Carpenters band took out their own ad. It's this one that is most touching. Doug Strawn, Bob Messenger, Danny Woodhams, Tony Peluso, and Cubby O'Brien signed luggage tags representing different places they'd traveled together. The opening line, "Superstars? Don't ask us." testify to the oft told story that even though Karen and Richard were the clear bosses, the whole team comprised a single family. The ad is a pretty sweet message, a time capsule of sorts of an era long ago and far away.
I'm revisiting each of the Carpenters albums and the impact of their music one at a time. I've finished The Singles 1669 - 1973. (You can find it here.) The next one I'm working on is Live in Japan. In addition to the many articles on Karen and Richard on the blog, the list of original and new reviews appears below.
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My Initial Reviews of the albums:
My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:
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