"Everyone deserves the chance to fly"

29 July 2005

interesting facts

And you thought you knew everything:
------------------------------------

Mosquito repellents don't repel. They hide you. The
spray blocks the mosquito's sensors so they don't know you're there.

Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as substitute for blood plasma.

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than 7 times.

Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes.

You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.

The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's gum.

The king of hearts is the only king without a mustache.

A Boeing 747s wingspan is longer than the Wright brother's first
flight.

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating 1 olive from each salad served in first-class.

Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the
morning.

The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.

Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin.

The first owner of the Marlboro Company died of lung cancer.

Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.

Marilyn Monroe had six toes.

All US Presidents have worn glasses. Some just didn't like being
seen wearing them in public.

Walt Disney was afraid of mice.

Pearls melt in vinegar.

Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating
are already married.

The three most valuable brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca-Cola,
and Budweiser, in that order.

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs...but not downstairs.

A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.

Richard Millhouse Nixon was the first US president whose name
contains all the letters from the word "criminal."
The second was William Jefferson Clinton.

Turtles can breathe through their butts.

Butterflies taste with their feet.

In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all of the
world's nuclear weapons combined.

On average, 100 people choke to death on ball-point pens every year.

On average people fear spiders more than death.

Ninety percent of New York City cabbies are recently arrived
immigrants.

Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.

Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

It's physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.

The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.

A snail can sleep for three years.

No word in the English language rhymes with "MONTH."

Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. SCARY!!!

The electric chair was invented by a dentist.

All polar bears are left handed.

In ancient Egypt, priests plucked EVERY hair from their bodies,
including their eyebrows and eyelashes.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

"Go," is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

If Barbie were life-size, her measurements would be 39-23-33. She would stand seven feet, two inches tall. Barbie's full name
is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.

The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.

Almost everyone who reads this blog post will try to lick their elbow! :)

26 July 2005

around the world with willy fogg

ok, so i have had this childhood memory of this cartoon that was a take on "around the world in 80 days" for years! i remember watching it in england when i was about 10-12 and my whole life i have always tried to find information on it. this was my problem... i thought the show was called "around the world in 80 days" but it wasn't! it was "around the world with willy fogg"!! anyway... after i found this out, i made a promise to myself to find out everything i could on this show and save it to my blog so that i don't lose the info! you can click on the title link of this post to hear the very cool theme song to it and the below links to find out more info on the show itself! YAY!!! :)

full 3 minute theme song version
full theme song lyrics
theme song lyrics & brief info
full production info
full episode index
show info and DVD R2 info
DVD R2 complete collection
Willy Fogg IMDb page
theme song in spanish
links to US DVD purchases and more info on 1980's cartoons in general

you better let somebody love you

i've been playing that song over and over again... of course i've heard it before, but i just recently "re-discovered" it on one of my CD's and felt like it was too important to NOT blog about.

my whole life really. i've pushed people away. i don't like to admit it but its the truth.

have you ever heard the theory that the best literature is written while not completely sober.

it's a load. but that's not the point.

i'm here to bare my soul. or try. i'll probably fail. but at least i've tried.

i've been close to... maybe. one person. in my life. maybe.

the rest not really. and i'm not really sure about that one.

i tell people to wear their hearts on their sleeve because i'm afraid to.

getting hurt will do that. you put your heart into something and it's taken and you're never same.

i wish i could tell people what i thought of them. i wish i could. i do.

but i can't. i keep my heart under the sole of my shoe. where no one. not even me. sees it.

i think that endears me to some people. don't know why.

some people seem to like that i don't get mushy. i refuse. i hate to see it. getting mushy. guys trying to impress the girl of their dreams. that's what they think. she really isn't that great.

it's been said. or i think it has. that love isn't finding the perfect person. but loving someone because of their imperfections.

something like that.

something that sounds like a crock to me.

i want to be in love. i want to have someone who i can tell everything to. and i want to never gets hurt.

that's the problem.

you get hurt sometimes.

it's inevitable.

i try to insulate myself from it.

i try hard.

and i don't get hurt the way some people do. by other people.

no. i hurt myself. because i'm so closed off. you might not think it. but it's true.

if someone read this blog from first to last they'd probably know more about me than anyone i've ever known in real life. because here i bare my soul the way i won't to real people. in the real world.

you can't get hurt here. not as much as in the real world.

i need to stop fearing that i'll get stomped on again. i need to travel the road no one does. the common road's far too common for me.

i need to live an incredible life. filled with incredible things.

i need to rassle (not wrestle) a bear. i need to scale the tallest mountain in the world. alone. to prove to the world. and more so. to myself. that i am. indeed. a gaint. i am. indeed. the best that this world has ever made.

i need to write stories that bring grown men to their knees.

take pictures that make grown men cry.

i need to do all these things. to prove to the world. to prove to myself. that i am real. that i am the best. that i was worth the wait.

i know that when i'm sober. this will probably seem less brilliant that it does now.

but either way. it is what it is.

i am what i am.

and fuck people who say you shouldn't write when under the influence.

they've never felt true brilliance. not a day in their life.

frozen toothpaste.

25 July 2005

No More Hand Drawn

this email was submitted to animated-news.com earlier today:

I am an animator at DisneyToon Studio's Australia. I have some breaking news for you: At 3pm today (Monday 25 July) the entire studio was summoned for a staff meeting in which we told by the General Manager Phil Oakes that upon completion of our next production "Cinderella 3", DisneyToon Studio's Australia will be closing down after 17 years. They have cited current business needs and production schedules as the cause. So Disney hand drawn animation now ceases to exist.

sad news. terrible day.

the corporation

ok, so i just finished watching The Corporation and it was refreshing to see ray anderson, the CEO of interface, inc. he was the ONLY CEO they interviewed who actually took economical responsibility for his companys actions of his own free will and did not have to be pressured into anything by lawsuits or demonstrations.

also very interesting is that a corporation is considered "a person" because of the same amendment to the US constitution that gave freed slaves rights after the civil war, but when the world health organization tests a "corporate person" for mental disorders, "he" passes all the tests that label "him" a PSYCHOPATH... interesting... these are the people who will one day "OWN" us as a people because they can fight for and win the ability to produce, patent and OWN GENES! it's comforting to know that one day the entire population of the planet and all resources on the planet (including water) will one day be owned by a bunch of clinically-proven psychopaths! :)

21 July 2005

beam him up...

Jimmy Doohan passed away yesterday. it was sad... i'm a huge star trek fan. i ran across an article from the Seattle Times from a year ago that seemed like a really nice tribute to him so here it is.

watching:
* the corporation
* star trek: deep space nine, season 5

listening:
* charlie and the chocolate factory danny elfman is a musical genius and this new movie is AMAZING!!! :)

20 July 2005

12 reasons...

12 reasons why gay people should not be allowed to get married

1. Homosexuality is not natural, much like eyeglasses, polyester, and birth control.

2. Heterosexual marriages are valid because they produce children. Infertile couples and old people can't legally get married because the world needs more children.

3. Obviously, gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

4. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if Gay marriage is allowed, since Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage was meaningful.

5. Heterosexual marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are property, blacks can't marry whites, and divorce is illegal.

6. Gay marriage should be decided by people, not the courts, because the majority-elected legislatures, not courts, have historically protected the rights of the minorities.

7. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

8. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

9. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

10. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why single parents are forbidden to raise children.

11. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society. Heterosexual marriage has been around for a long time, and we could never adapt to new social norms because we haven't adapted to things like cars or a longer lifespan.

12. Civil unions, providing most of the same benefits as marriage with a different name are better, because a "separate but equal" institution is always constitutional. Separate schools for African-Americans worked just as well as separate marriages for gays and lesbians will.

friends... (or not)

i just saw a movie yesternight, Harry and Max. although the movie is NOT for typical movie-going audiences, it was pretty well-made and i enjoyed it. one thing that really touched me about the film was a quote from rain pheonix's character: "you were incapable of being my friend. i got on with my life, i think it's vain of you to think i'd care about you at this point." it made me realize that my "friend" rabiah is a terrible friend. and that quote made me "drop him" as a friend. i just told him on the phone 2 mins ago that i wanted nothing more to do with him. he won't get it right away cuz he's kinda dumb. and that sad thing is that he won't try to fight for the friendship... he won't try to work things out. i think that is what hurts most of all. the fact that he never really cared.

18 July 2005

Stephen Wright

ok, so i was surfing the net and i came across these quotes by a guy named stephen wright, i guess he's a comedian of sorts, and i thought that they were hilarious and also words to live by. they reminded me of one of my other fave comedians, mitch hedburg :) figured i'd share...

Wisdom of Stephen Wright

here are a few -isms to get you stared

* I planted some birdseed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it.
* I went to San Francisco. I found someone's heart. Now what?
* What is a "free" gift? Aren't all gifts free?
* They told me I was gullible......and I believed them.
* Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.
* What if there were no hypothetical questions?
* One nice thing about egotists. They don't talk about other people.
* When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail.
* What was the greatest thing before sliced bread?
* Is there is another word for synonym?
* Is it possible to be totally partial?
* What's another word for thesaurus?
* If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?
* Is it my imagination, or do buffalo wings taste a lot like chicken?
and one of my faves:
* Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home and, when he grows up, he'll never be able to merge his car onto a freeway.

17 July 2005

i'm the next Da Vinci

sunny day

16 July 2005

blythe danner... YOU ROCK!!!

so, the 57th annual primetime emmy award nominations have been announced and the complete list is below, BUT before you read it, check this out: BLYTHE DANNER (gwyneth paltrow's mom, meet the fockers) GOT 3 NOMS!!!! the woman is amazing!! she's nominated as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for Back When We Were Grownups, as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Huff, and as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Will and Grace.

some fun facts about the nominations:

A total of 434 separate nominations in 88 categories and areas, compiled by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, were distributed as follows:

HBO - 93
CBS - 59
NBC - 54
ABC - 51
FOX - 49
PBS - 23
Showtime - 17
A&E - 10
FX & TNT - 8
SCI FI - 7
USA - 6
Bravo, Discovery Channel, Comedy Central - 5
History Channel & Cartoon Network - 4
UPN, Lifetime & Nickelodeon - 3
Animal Planet, BBC America & The WB - 2
IFC, MTV, TCM, Disney Channel, Hallmark & ESPN - 1

*************
16 noms - The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, Warm Springs
15 noms - Desperate Housewives, Will & Grace
13 noms - Everybody Loves Raymond
12 noms - Lost
11 noms - Arrested Development, Deadwood, 24
10 noms - Empire Falls
8 noms - Carnivale
7 noms - Huff, 77th Annual Academy Awards, Lackawanna Blues
6 noms - American Idol, Elvis, Two and a Half Men
5 noms - The Amazing Race, House, Late Show with David Letterman, Broadway: The American Musical, The Games of the XXVIII Olympiad - Opening Ceremony, MADtv, Six Feet Under, Survivor, The West Wing

4 noms - Alias, CSI, Death in Gaza, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Faith of my Fathers, Nip/Tuck, Scrubs, The Wool Cap

3 noms - The Apprentice, Da Ali G Show, Entourage, ER, The 4400, Grey's Anatomy, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Lost Prince, Malcolm in the Middle, Reefer Madness, Enterprise, The Simpsons, That 70's Show

2 noms - Back When We Were Grownups, Boston Legal, A Christmas Carol, The Contender, Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The 47th Annual Grammy Awards, The Grid, Law & Order: SVU, Monk, The Office Special, Our Fathers, Penn & Teller: Bullsh!t, Pride, Real Time with Bill Maher, Revelations, Rescue Me, The Shield, Stargate: Atlantis, The 58th Annual Tony Awards, Their Eyes Were Watching God

*************
The 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Award Nominations:
SEMI-COMPLETE LIST

Drama Series: Deadwood, HBO; Lost, ABC; Six Feet Under, HBO; 24, Fox; The West Wing, NBC.

Comedy Series: Arrested Development, Fox; Desperate Housewives, ABC; Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Scrubs, NBC; Will & Grace, NBC.

Miniseries: Elvis, CBS; Empire Falls, HBO; The 4400, USA; The Lost Prince (Masterpiece Theatre), PBS.

Made-for-TV Movie: Lackawanna Blues, HBO; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; The Office Special, BBC America; Warm Springs, HBO; The Wool Cap, TNT.

Reality Program: Antiques Roadshow, PBS; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC; Penn & Teller: Bulls--t! Showtime; Project Greenlight, Bravo; Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Bravo.

Reality-Competition Program: The Amazing Race, CBS; American Idol, Fox; The Apprentice, NBC; Project Runway, Bravo; Survivor, CBS.

Variety, Music or Comedy Series: Da Ali G Show, HBO; The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Comedy Central; Late Night With Conan O'Brien, NBC; Late Show With David Letterman, CBS; Real Time With Bill Maher, HBO.

Variety, Music or Comedy Special: 77th Annual Academy Awards, ABC; Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth, Showtime; Everybody Loves Raymond--The Last Laugh, CBS; The Games of The XXVIII Olympiad--Opening Ceremony, NBC; 58th Annual Tony Awards (2004), CBS.

Actor, Drama Series: James Spader, Boston Legal, ABC; Ian McShane, Deadwood, HBO; Hugh Laurie, House, Fox; Hank Azaria, Huff, Showtime; Kiefer Sutherland, 24, Fox.

Actress, Drama Series: Jennifer Garner, Alias, ABC; Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC; Patricia Arquette, Medium, NBC; Glenn Close, The Shield, FX; Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under, HBO.

Supporting Actor, Drama Series: William Shatner, Boston Legal, ABC; Oliver Platt, Huff, Showtime; Naveen Andrews, Lost, ABC; Terry O'Quinn, Lost, ABC; Alan Alda, The West Wing, NBC.

Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy, ABC; Blythe Danner, Huff, Showtime; Tyne Daly, Judging Amy, CBS; CCH Pounder, The Shield, FX; Stockard Channing, The West Wing, NBC.

Actor, Comedy Series: Jason Bateman, Arrested Development, Fox; Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Tony Shalhoub, Monk, USA; Zach Braff, Scrubs, NBC; Eric McCormack, Will & Grace, NBC.

Actress, Comedy Series: Marcia Cross, Desperate Housewives, ABC; Teri Hatcher, Desperate Housewives, ABC; Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives, ABC; Patricia Heaton, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Jane Kaczmarek, Malcolm in the Middle, Fox.

Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Jeffrey Tambor, Arrested Development, Fox; Jeremy Piven, Entourage, HBO; Peter Boyle, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Brad Garrett, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Sean Hayes, Will & Grace, NBC.

Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Jessica Walter, Arrested Development, Fox; Doris Roberts, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men, CBS; Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men, CBS; Megan Mullally, Will & Grace, NBC.

Actor, Miniseries or a Movie: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Elvis, CBS; Ed Harris, Empire Falls, HBO; Geoffrey Rush, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; Kenneth Branagh, Warm Springs, HBO; William H. Macy, The Wool Cap, TNT.

Actress, Miniseries or a Movie: Blythe Danner, Back When We Were Grownups (Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation), CBS; Debra Winger, Dawn Anna, Lifetime Television; S. Epatha Merkerson, Lackawanna Blues, HBO; Halle Berry, Their Eyes Were Watching God, ABC; Cynthia Nixon, Warm Springs, HBO.

Supporting Actor, Miniseries or a Movie: Randy Quaid, Elvis, CBS; Paul Newman, Empire Falls, HBO; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Empire Falls, HBO; Christopher Plummer, Our Fathers, Showtime; Brian Dennehy, Our Fathers, Showtime.

Supporting Actress, Miniseries or a Movie: Camryn Manheim, Elvis, CBS; Joanne Woodward, Empire Falls, HBO; Charlize Theron, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; Jane Alexander, Warm Springs, HBO; Kathy Bates, Warm Springs, HBO.

Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Fred Willard, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Victor Garber, Will & Grace, NBC; Jeff Goldblum, Will & Grace, NBC; Bobby Cannavale, Will & Grace, NBC; Alec Baldwin, Will & Grace, NBC.

Guest Actor, Drama Series: Red Buttons, ER, NBC; Ray Liotta, ER, NBC; Ossie Davis, The L Word, Showtime; Charles Durning, NCIS, CBS; Martin Landau, Without A Trace, CBS.

Guest Actress, Comedy Series: Kathryn Joosten, Desperate Housewives, ABC; Lupe Ontiveros, Desperate Housewives, ABC; Georgia Engel, Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Cloris Leachman, Malcolm in the Middle, Fox; Blythe Danner, Will & Grace, NBC.

Guest Actress, Drama Series: Swoosie Kurtz, Huff, Showtime; Cloris Leachman, Joan of Arcadia, CBS; Amanda Plummer, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC; Angela Lansbury, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit/Trial By Jury, NBC; Jill Clayburgh, Nip/Tuck, FX.

Individual Performance, Variety or Music Program: Jon Stewart, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Comedy Central; Jay Leno, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, NBC; Hugh Jackman, The 58th Annual Tony Awards, CBS; Tracey Ullman, Tracey Ullman Live & Exposed, HBO; Whoopi Goldberg, Whoopi Back to Broadway--The 20th Anniversary, HBO.

Animated Program (One Hour or Less) : Family Guy, Fox; Samurai Jack, Cartoon Network; The Simpsons, Fox; South Park, Comedy Central; SpongeBob SquarePants, Nickelodeon.

Animated Program (One Hour Or More) : Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, Animal Planet; Star Wars Clone Wars Vol. 2, Cartoon Network.

Commercial: Applause, Budweiser; Drink Up, Aquafina; Glen, Starbucks Doubleshot; The One Campaign, One.org; Surprise Dinner, Ameriquest Mortgage.

Costumes for a Series: Alias, ABC; Carnivale, HBO; Deadwood, HBO; Desperate Housewives, ABC; Six Feet Under, HBO.

Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special: Conquest of America: The Southwest, The History Channel; Elvis, CBS; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; The Lost Prince (Masterpiece Theatre), PBS; Warm Springs, HBO.

Directing for a Comedy Series: Desperate Housewives, ABC; Entourage, HBO; Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS; Monk, USA; Will & Grace, NBC.

Directing for a Drama Series: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS; Deadwood, HBO; Grey's Anatomy, ABC; Huff, Showtime; Lost, ABC; Rescue Me, FX; The West Wing, NBC.

Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program: 77th Annual Academy Awards, ABC; Da Ali G Show, HBO; The Daily Show With Jon Stewart:, Comedy Central; The Games Of The XXVIII Olympiad--Opening Ceremony, NBC; Late Show With David Letterman, CBS.

Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special: Empire Falls, HBO; Lackawanna Blues, HBO; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; Warm Springs, HBO.

Directing for Nonfiction Programming: American Idol, Fox; The Apprentice, NBC; Death In Gaza, HBO; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC; Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, PBS.

Hairstyling for a Series: Alias, ABC; American Dreams, NBC; Carnivale, HBO; Deadwood, HBO; MADtv, Fox; Star Trek: Enterprise, UPN.

Hairstyling for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special: Lackawanna Blues, HBO; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; Their Eyes Were Watching God, ABC; Tracey Ullman Live & Exposed, HBO; Warm Springs, HBO.

Main Title Design: Desperate Housewives, ABC; The Grid, TNT; House, Fox; Huff, Showtime; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO.

Makeup for a Series (Non-Prosthetic) : Carnivale, HBO; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS; Deadwood, HBO; MADtv: Episode 1004, Fox; Nip/Tuck, FX.

Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Non-Prosthetic) : Frankenstein, Hallmark; Lackawanna Blues, HBO; Reefer Madness, Showtime; Revelations: Part 1, NBC; Warm Springs, HBO.

Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or a Special: Carnivale, HBO; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; MADtv, Fox; Nip/Tuck, FX; Star Trek: Enterprise, UPN.

Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) : Carnivale, HBO; House, Fox; Lost, ABC; The Simpsons, Fox; 24, Fox.

Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Dramatic Underscore): Miracle Run, Lifetime Television; Pride, A&E; Revelations: Part 1, NBC; Salem's Lot, TNT; Sometimes in April, HBO; Warm Springs, HBO.

Music Direction: Broadway: The American Musical, PBS; Christmas in Washington, TNT; Genius: A Night for Ray Charles, CBS; The Little Prince (Great Performances), PBS.
Music And Lyrics: Malcolm in the Middle ("The Marriage Bed"), Fox; The Muppets' Wizard of Oz ("I'm With You"), ABC; Reefer Madness ("Mary Jane/Mary Lane"), Showtime; The Simpsons ("Always My Dad"), Fox; Terror at Home: Domestic Violence in America ("The Tears of the Angels"), Lifetime Television.

Main Title Theme Music: Desperate Housewives, ABC; Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Cartoon Network; Huff, Showtime; Justice League Unlimited, Cartoon Network; Stargate Atlantis, Sci Fi.

Children's Program: Classical Baby, HBO; Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Never Again? From the Holocaust to the Sudan, Nickelodeon; Pride, A&E; That's So Raven, Disney Channel; Zoey 101, Nickelodeon.

Nonfiction Special: Beyond the Da Vinci Code, The History Channel; Cary Grant: A Class Apart, TCM; Inside the Actors Studio: 10th Anniversary Special, Bravo; Live From New York: The First Five Years of Saturday Night Live, NBC; Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, PBS.

Nonfiction Series: Biography, A&E; Broadway: The American Musical, PBS; Cold Case Files, A&E; Dinner for Five, IFC; Inside the Actors Studio, Bravo.

Writing for Nonfiction Programming: Beyond the Da Vinci Code, The History Channel; Broadway: The American Musical, PBS; Death in Gaza, HBO; Penn & Teller: Bulls--t!, Showtime; Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, PBS.

Special Visual Effects for a Series: Battlestar Galactica, Sci Fi; Battlestar Galactica, Sci Fi; Lost, ABC; Stargate Atlantis: Rising, Sci Fi; Stargate-SG1, Sci Fi.

Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special: Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, Animal Planet; Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars, Sci Fi; Legend of Earthsea, Sci Fi; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; Supervolcano, Discovery Channel.

Stunt Coordination: Alias, ABC; ER, NBC; The Last Ride, USA; Star Trek: Enterprise, UPN; 24, Fox.

Writing for a Comedy Series: Arrested Development ("Sad Sack"), Fox; Arrested Development ("Sword of Destiny"), Fox; Arrested Development ("The Righteous Brothers"), Fox; Desperate Housewivest ("Pilot"), ABC; Everybody Loves Raymond ("Finale"), CBS.

Writing for a Drama Series: House ("Three Stories"), Fox; Lost ("Pilot"), ABC; Lost ("Walkabout"), ABC; Rescue Me ("Pilot"), FX; The Wire ("Middle Ground"), HBO.

Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program: Da Ali G Show, HBO; The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Comedy Central; Late Night With Conan O'Brien, NBC; Late Show With David Letterman, CBS; Real Time With Bill Maher, HBO.

Writing for a Miniseries Movie or a Dramatic Special: Empire Falls, HBO; The 4400, USA; The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, HBO; The Office Special, BBC America; Warm Springs, HBO.

15 July 2005

he-man DVD artwork!

everyday, it's a getting closer, rollin faster than a roller coaster, love like yours will surely come my way!

watching:
* a wrinkle in time
* he-man and the masters of the universe (on cartoon network)
* he-man and she-ra: the secret of the sword (i actually own this one on VHS, it's hard to find, but apparently, you can get it on DVD now too)
* masters of the universe (so bad, yet... can't... stop... watching...!)

reading:
* masters of the univers: to tempt the gods (i found these three comics in the DOLLAR! bin of a comic store about a year ago and snatched them up... with the series coming out soon, i figured it was a good time to re-read them! :)

14 July 2005

SaveDisney Timeline

Year
* 1966 - Dec 15, 1966 - Walter Elias Disney dies of cancer

* 1967 - Roy E. Disney becomes Director

* 1971 - Oct 1, 1971 - Walt Disney World opens in Orlando, FL
- Dec 20, 1971 - Roy O. Disney dies

* 1977 - Roy E. Disney resigns as officer of the company, but remains on the Board of Directors

* 1978 - Disney licenses cartoon compilations to MCA's DiscoVision - first Disney videos

* 1980 - Ron Miller (husband of Diane Disney Miller) becomes President
* 1980 - Walt Disney Home Video launched
* 1980 - First animated classic released on video for rental, Dumbo

* 1982 - Epcot Center opens in Orlando, FL
* 1982 - Walt Disney's heirs sell name/likeness of Walt to Walt Disney Productions
* 1982 - TRON, first CGI feature released

* 1983 - Tokyo Disneyland opens
* 1983 - Disney Channel launched

* 1984 - Mar 1984 - Roy Disney resigns as Director
* 1984 - Touchstone Pictures launched with Splash (under Miller)
* 1984 - Saul Steinberg attempts hostile takeover
* 1984 - Roy Disney, Stanley Gold and others bring about fundamental management changes at WDC that result in Ron Miller (husband of Diane Disney Miller) being replaced by Frank Wells (President) and Michael Eisner (CEO)
* 1984 - Roy Disney heads Animation Department
* 1984 - Jeffrey Katzenberg heads Film Division

* 1985 - Pinocchio released on home video (sell-through video program launched)
* 1985 - Peter Schneider joins Disney as VP of Feature Animation
* 1985 - TV Animation Division launched - first low budget Disney animation produced overseas

* 1986 - Company changes name from Walt Disney Productions to The Walt Disney Company
* 1986 - Jay Rasulo joins Strategic Planning group
* 1986 - Disneyland's Adventure Thru Inner Space closed
* 1986 - Last time Song of the South was released in theatres in North America
* 1986 - Studio releases its first R rated film (Down and Out in Beverly Hills)
* 1986 - The Mickey and Donald Show launched in China
* 1986 - Walt Disney's Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland goes dark after 31 years of continuous performances

* 1987 - Duck Tales premieres, first low budget TV animation series with classic Disney characters
* 1987 - Disney Stores Launched
* 1987 - Paul Pressler joins consumer products division

* 1988 - Peter Murphy joins Strategic Planning group
* 1988 - Tom Schumacher joins as producer of Rescuers Down Under (1990)

* 1989 - David Stainton joins Strategic Planning group
* 1989 - The Little Mermaid released, returning Disney to its roots
* 1989 - Disney/MGM Studios opens in Orlando, FL
* 1989 - Disney announces intention to buy Jim Henson Productions and The Muppets

* 1990 - May - Jim Henson dies, Muppets deal falls through
* 1990 - Tom Staggs joins Strategic Planning group
* 1990 - Eisner announces The Disney Decade, an ambitious expansion plan later abandoned
* 1990 - Duck Tales: The Movie released, first low budget feature from TV Animation group

* 1991 - Beauty and the Beast nominated for Best Picture Oscar
* 1991 - March - Howard Ashman, lyricist, co-producer of Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin dies
* 1991 - March - Peggy Lee awarded $3 million for Lady and the Tramp royalties after suing Disney
* 1991 - David Stainton moves from Strategic Planning to Creative Affairs - Feature Animation
* 1991 - Slesinger family files suit over Winnie the Pooh video sales

* 1992 - Peter Schneider becomes President of Feature Animation
* 1992 - Disney announces layoffs of 300 to 400 at Imagineering
* 1992 - Tom Schumacher becomes VP of Creative Affairs - Feature Animation
* 1992 - EuroDisney opens in Paris
* 1992 - Port Disney Long Beach plans abandoned

* 1993 - Purchase of Miramax Studios from Weinstein brothers
* 1993 - Purchase Anaheim Mighty Ducks Hockey Franchise
* 1993 - Sharon Morrill joins TV Animation group

* 1994 - Disney Theatrical Productions goes to Broadway with Beauty and the Beast
* Apr 1994 - Frank Wells dies in helicopter crash on Easter Sunday
* May 1994 - The Return of Jafar, first low-budget sequel from TV Animation
* Jun 1994 - The Lion King released, top grossing animation feature ever
* Jul 1994 - Jeffrey Katzenberg leaves after public clash with Eisner
* Jul 1994 - Eisner undergoes quadruple bypass surgery
* Aug 1994 - Joe Roth joins as Chairman of Walt Disney Motion Picture Group, replacing Katzenberg
* Sep 1994 - Disney lays off 50 Imagineering staff
* Sep 1994 - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes at Walt Disney World with no replacement
* 1994 - Bob Iger named ABC's President and COO (prior to merger)
* 1994 - Paul Pressler named President of Disneyland Resort
* 1994 - Disneyland Skyway ride closed with no replacement
* 1994 - Prince Alwaleed invests in EuroDisney (bails out failing investment)
* 1994 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs released on home video, leaving only Song of the South unreleased on video domestically
* 1994 - EuroDisney renamed Disneyland Paris
* 1994 - Disney's America plans abandoned after controversy

* Mar 1995 - Indiana Jones Adventure opens (last E-ticket to open at Disneyland)
* 1995 - George Mitchell joins Board of Directors
* 1995 - Disney Development Company merged into Walt Disney Imagineering
* 1995 - Disneyland PeopleMover closed
* 1995 - Pocahontas begins downward trend in Disney's Animated Features
* Oct 1995 - Michael Ovitz hired as President
* Nov 1995 - Toy Story released, first Pixar film

* Feb 1996 - Purchase of Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion; Largest media merger in history to the point and the second largest sum of money ever paid for a U.S. company
* Apr 1996 - Joe Roth becomes Chairman of Walt Disney Studios
* 1996 - Stephen Bollenbach (CFO) leaves after one year
* 1996 - DreamQuest acquisition (digital FX studio)
* 1996 - Southern Baptists call for boycott of Walt Disney Company
* 1996 - Purchase Anaheim Angels Baseball Franchise
* 1996 - Disneyland's Main Street Electrical Parade "Glows Away Forever", resulting in capacity crowds

* Jan 1997 - Michael Ovitz leaves after public clash with Eisner and approx $100 million severance package
* 1997 - Knight Ridder purchases Capital City newspapers (Kansas City Star, Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Wilkes Barre Times Leader, Belleville News-Democrat) for $1.65 billion
* 1997 - McKinsey consultants brought in to "improve" Disneyland operations
* 1997 - Disneyland's $30m Light Magic replaces Electrical Parade, closes first summer of operation
* 1997 - Disney Board of Directors named "worst in America" by BusinessWeek for the first time

* Apr 1998 - Toon Disney launched
* Apr 1998 - Animal Kingdom opens in Orlando, FL
* May 1998 - Retooled Tomorrowland reopens at Disneyland, plagued by budget cuts
* May 1998 - Peter Murphy becomes Chief Strategic Officer
* 1998 - Geraldine Laybourne (ABC/Cable President) leaves after two years
* 1998 - Paul Pressler promoted to President of Disney Theme Parks, replaced by Cynthia Harriss at Disneyland
* 1998 - Disney Channel pushes Walt Disney era programs into Vault Disney late night slot
* 1998 - Tom Staggs becomes CFO
* 1998 - Bob Iger become President of Walt Disney International
* 1998 - Judith Estrin joins Board of Directors
* 1998 - Jay Rasulo moves from Regional Entertainment to head EuroDisney
* 1998 - Disney buys out remaining Winnie-the-Pooh rights from Milne heirs
* 1998 - Clinton signs bill to extend copyrights an additional 20 years (Mickey Mouse)
* Sep 1998 - Disneyland Submarine Voyage closed with no replacement
* Dec 24, 1998 - visitor fatally injured and employee seriously injured while waiting to board Columbia sailing ship at Disneyland

* 1999 - Fairchild Publications (W, Jane, and Women's Wear Daily) is sold to Advance Publications
* 1999 - Peter Schneider becomes President of Film Division, to be replaced as Feature Animation President by Tom Schumacher
* 1999 - Completion of Infoseek acquisition
* 1999 - Hong Kong Disneyland announced as venture between Disney and Hong Kong government
* Jul 1999 - Katzenberg lawsuit regarding future profit participation settled for $275 million
* Oct 1999 - Club Disney closes five regional centers
* Nov 1999 - ESPN Stores close
* Nov 1999 - DreamQuest folded into Secret Lab (FX for live action & CGI animation films)

* Jan 2000 - Disney Channel moves from Premium to Basic cable, begins format change
* Jan 2000 - Bob Iger becomes President & COO of Disney, also becomes Director
* Jan 2000 - Joe Roth (WD Studios Chairman) leaves Disney after six years
* Feb 2000 - Disney announces closure of Toronto and Vancouver Animation Studios
* May 2000 - Dinosaur, first in-house CGI animated feature released
* Sep 2000 - Disneyland Rocket Rods closed after only 2 years of operation
* 2000 - Zenia Mucha joins ABC
* 2000 - Disney Studios Paris park opens
* 2000-2003 - Roy & Stanley struggle for years to try to make management more accountable, focus on developing a succession plan and ensure independent and informed decision making in the Board Room

* Jan 2001 - Go.com shuttered, WD Internet Group folded back into company- 400 layoffs
* Feb 2001 - Disney's California Adventure opens as second gate in Anaheim, CA
* Mar 2001 - Disney announces layoff/buyout of 4,000 jobs company wide (3,000 take the buyout deal)
* Apr 2001 - Disney announces restructuring of Animation, approx 300 in Burbank to be laid off, 30%-50% salary cut for those that remain
* Jun 2001 - Peter Schneider leaves Disney after Pearl Harbor and Atlantis fall short of expectation
* Jun 2001 - Disney lays off 1,000 company wide (final phase of 4,000 layoff for those who didn't take buyout deal)
* Sep 2001 - Disneyland Country Bear Jamboree closed, even as movie version was in production
* Oct 2001 - Secret Lab closed (Disney's in-house CGI facility)
* Fall 2001 - Acquisition of Fox Family Channel for $5.3 billion, Murdoch laughs
* 2001 - Disneyland's Electrical Parade returns to DCA ("Forever" is not such a long time)
* 2001 - Tokyo DisneySea (funded by Oriental Land Company) opens
* 2001 - Japan Disney Stores sold to Oriental Land Company
* 2001 - DisneyQuest Chicago (regional game center) closes, plans for Philadelphia and Anaheim are abandoned

* Feb 2002 - David Stainton becomes President of TV Animation
* Mar 2002 - Disney Feature Animation announces 256 jobs to be cut
* Sep 2002 - Paul Pressler leaves Disney to join The Gap, replaced by Jay Rasulo as President of Disney Theme Parks
* Sep 2002 - Disney Channel cancels Vault Disney (last remains of Walt Disney's shows)
* Dec 2002 - George Mitchell becomes Presiding Director
* 2002 - Zenia Mucha promoted to Sr. VP Corporate Communications
* 2002 - Disney strikes agreement with Shanghai government to explore second China park
* 2002 - Disney Stores announce reorganization into Disney Home and Disney Play concepts, never materializes
* 2002 - Disney-branded VISA card offered on spec date

* Jan 2003 - David Stainton becomes President of Feature Animation, replacing Tom Schumacher
* Feb 2003 - Andrea Van de Kamp voted off Disney Board for voicing opposition to Eisner
* Mar 2003 - Disney Stores in Australia close
* Apr 2003 - Sell Anaheim Angels Baseball Franchise
* May 2003 - Announcement that remaining 350 Disney Stores will be sold
* 2003 - Walt Disney Animation Japan studio closure announced, 103 jobs lost
* 2003 - Walt Disney Animation Paris studio closed
* Sep 5- 1 death and 10 injuries on Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain
* Oct 14 - Cynthia Harriss resigns as President of Disneyland, replaced by Matt Ouimet
* Nov 26 - Roy learns he will not be entered on the slate of Directors for next election
* Nov 30 - Roy issues letter of resignation from the WDC Board, publicly marking his split from Eisner and other Board Members
* Dec 1 - Stanley Gold Resigns from WDC Board
* Dec 5 - Roy and Stanley launch SaveDisney website which posts resignation letters and offers opportunity to email to Roy and Stan

* Jan 9, 2004 - New improved SaveDisney website launched, allowing supporters to register and receive Walt Quotes and bumper stickers
* Jan 12 - Announcement that Florida animation department will be closed, 258 jobs cut
* Jan 27 - Roy and Stan make public their decision to Vote No on the re-election of 4 key Directors - Eisner, Mitchell, Bryson and Estrin
* Jan 29 - Pixar breaks off talks with Disney regarding partnership
* Feb 6 - Stanley appears on Kudlow & Cramer to discuss No Vote
* Feb 11 - Comcast announces its hostile bid for Disney, stock price jumps nearly 15%
* Feb 11 - Institutional Shareholder Services (Proxy Advisor) advocates a Withhold vote on Michael Eisner
* Feb 12 - SaveDisney announces it's March 2nd rally in Philadelphia, to be held one day prior to Annual Shareholder Meeting
* Feb 17 - Disney announces deal to buy Muppets and Bear in the Blue House
* Feb 25 - Glass Lewis & Co.(Proxy Advisor) advocates a Withhold vote on Eisner and Mitchell
* Feb 25 - Calpers, Calsters, and other large investors begin to publicly endorse a No Vote on Eisner
* all of Feb - Concerted push by Roy, Stanley, entire Shamrock and SaveDisney family to woo investors to Vote No on key directors
* Mar 2 - SaveDisney Rally in Philadelphia draws 800 people to briefing and cocktail reception to discuss problems and needed changes
* Mar 3 - Disney annual shareholder meeting in Philadelphia - 5 1/2 hour contentious meeting where Roy/Stan met with thunderous applause - preliminary results show Eisner withhold vote 43%, Mitchell withhold vote 24%
* Mar 3 - Hours after annual meeting, Board announces Eisner will be replaced as Chairman of the Board by George Mitchell
* Mar 24 - SaveDisney lawyers request results of Disney 401(k) voting but Disney stalls and refuses
* Mar 29 - Judge dismisses case against Disney re: Winnie the Pooh rights
* Apr 2 - Last hand drawn animated feature released, Home on the Range
* Apr 4 - Second accident at Disneyland Big Thunder Mountain (riderless)
* Apr 15 - Final results of Proxy Voting show 45.37% of shares voted to withhold from Eisner and 25.69% voted to withhold from Mitchell
* Apr 19 - SaveDisney learns actual results of Disney 401(k) proxy voting. Final numbers - 72.5% of 401(k) shares voted withhold vote from Eisner, and 63.7% withhold from Mitchell
* Apr 20 - ABC Management Shakeup, Reshuffling of Personnel with a few going away altogether
* Apr 24 - Disney Board holds weekend retreat to discuss succession planning issues
* Apr 26 - Disney Board holds first Board meeting since March 3rd in Philadelphia
* Apr 26 - Eisner makes Forbes' list of worst CEOs in America
* Apr 28 - Comcast officially drops its bid for Disney
* May 3 - Stan/Roy announce alternate slate will be proposed next year if current board does not face issues
* May 3 - Stan speaks to 'Society of American Business Editors and Writers, Inc'. at Annual Conference, advocates proficiency test for directors
* May 5 - Controversy over Michael Moore film erupts between Disney/Miramax
* May 5 - Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opens at DCA but fails to draw crowds as expected
* Jun 9 - Sr. VP Sharon Morrill becomes President of DisneyToon Studios (direct to video animation)
* Jun 23 - Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 opens nationwide after distribution controversy between Miramax's Harvey Weinstein and Michael Eisner
* Jul 8 - Another accident on Disneyland's Big Thunder Railroad injures three -- Employee error, faulty track system blamed
* August 9 - Donald Duck receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
* Sep 8 - Animator Frank Thomas, one of Walt's "Nine Old Men," dies at age 92
* Sep 9 - Michael Eisner announces he will resign at the end of his contract in Sept. 2006
* Sep 13 - Roy and Stanley send letter to the Board asking for worldwide search for a suitable replacement to commence immediately, with Eisner to leave Disney organization by 2005 Annual Meeting
* Sep 21 - Board announces search for new CEO should be completed by June 2005, Iger only internal candidate
* Sep 28 - Roy and Stanley cautiously acknowledge that Board is on the right track by hiring search firm
* Oct 5 - Family of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad victim files suit against Disney
* Oct 18 - Disney shareholder lawsuit over Michael Ovitz's $140 million severance package goes to trial
* Oct 25 - Disney announces that Heidrick & Struggles engaged to find new CEO
* Nov 19 - Proposal by Frank Wierenga to keep a Disney heir on the Disney board
* Dec 1 - Fred Langhammer elected by Board as new independent director
* Dec 3 - Roy & Stan announce 'No Alternate Slate' will be run
* Dec 29 - SEC announces Disney can omit from proxy the proposal allowing investors to nominate candidates to the company's board

* Jan 3, 2005 - SaveDisney upgrades website yet again
* Jan 31 - "Dream on, Silly Dreamer," a documentary on the demise of traditional animation at Disney, premieres at Animex Film Festival
* Feb 8 - Roy Disney and Stanley Gold make public their withhold vote for all Directors at this year's meeting
* Feb 9 - "DisneyWar" by James Stewart hits shelves, book details scandals of Eisner-led management
* Feb 10 - "Dream On, Silly Dreamer" screens for shareholders prior to Disney meeting in Minneapolis
* Feb 11 - Disney Annual Meeting held in chilly Minneapolis - Roy and Stan attend, do not speak
* Mar 10 - Roy & Stanley openly criticize CEO search process, horrified to find Eisner involved in candidate interviews, issue Open Letter to the Board
* Mar 13 - Disney announces Robert Iger to Replace Eisner as CEO, Eisner to step down Sept 30, 2005
* May 9 - Roy Disney, Stanley Gold sue The Walt Disney Company, certain Directors for fraud, breach of duty of disclosure regarding Board's public statements about search for Eisner's replacement as CEO
* Jun 6 - Delaware Chancery Court allows lawsuit filed by Roy Disney and Stanley Gold to void 2005 election of Walt Disney Company Directors to go forward
* Jun 13 - A 4 year old child dies after riding Mission: Space at EPCOT
* Jun 22 - Southern Baptists call for end to boycott of Walt Disney Company
* Jul 8 - Joint statement from The Walt Disney Company and Roy E. Disney and Stanley P. Gold announces that they have agreed to put aside their differences

the end

A Message from Roy E. Disney...
To all the faithful visitors to our site here at SaveDisney:

July 14, 2005 - First of all, please accept my most sincere thanks for your faith and trust in us, and for sticking with us through thick and thin during this campaign. You have been our biggest help in the tough times, and the good times... and there is no way to say "thank-you" any more sincerely than I do now.

It's been a while since last I wrote to you about how much nicer Disneyland has been looking lately, and as you probably know, a lot has happened in that time... maybe the single most important thing being that we here at SaveDisney have come to an agreement with the new management at the Walt Disney Company regarding our mutual relationship.

Accordingly, on August 7th, we will permanently close down this website... with regrets, of course, but also with the satisfaction that it has served its purpose... to inform and educate all of you about the future of the Disney legacy.

One result, which pleases me personally, and my family (which has endured these months alongside me), and of course Stanley Gold and many others here at Shamrock, is that I have been asked to rejoin the Company, as a Consultant, and as Director Emeritus, and to take part in whatever way I can help as a part of the Company, its art and its business. It is my intent to fully be a part of the Company again, to the best of my ability, and I can never fully describe what a joy it is that I will soon be re-connecting with so many friends - - from my past, from my present, and from my future.

There is so much more that can not be addressed here, but there are plenty of encouraging signs toward the future vision of the Walt Disney Company, visions that we share and have shared through these difficult times.

So for the moment, let me thank each of you and all of you for sharing your emotions and your ideas and your passion for what my Father and Uncle Walt created. Join with us as we enter into this new era, and its promise for a "great big, beautiful tomorrow."

On a purely personal note, I only hope than I can come close to living up to all your hopes and dreams, and maybe even play a part in creating some new dreams!

13 July 2005

"What A Mess!" - disney's new musical!

As i was reading jim hill media i came across information regarding Walt Disney Theatrical's newest musical to hit broadway. You may or may not have already heard the news about how Disney Theatrical plans on bringing "Tarzan" to Broadway next season. But the big question is: Where?

As of yesterday, this production -- which is to be directed & designed by Bob Crowley (the same gentleman who directed & designed Disney's "Aida," as well as the recently opened London production of the "Mary Poppins" stage musical) -- doesn't actually have a home to call its own on the Great White Way. All that Disney's PR flaks would say at this point was that "Tarzan" would be swinging into " ... a theatre to be announced."

Ah, but behind the scenes, a lot of people are talking. Not just about where "Tarzan" expects to land. But also where Disney Theatrical expects to place the two other Broadway-bound shows that this division of the Mouse House currently has on its schedule and/or in serious development.

First up -- of course -- is "Tarzan." Which current scuttlebutt suggests that this show (following an eight-week-long out-of-town try-out in Boston) will eventually be setting up shop in the Richard Rodgers Theatre on 46th Street. Opening (not-so-co-incidentally) just in time to qualify for next year's Tonys.

Now where this gets interesting is that the Richard Rodgers is currently occupied by "Movin' Out," the Tony Award winning Twyla Tharp dance extravaganza that's based on the song catalog of Billy Joel. And -- as of this date, anyway -- no one associated with that production has said anything to suggest that that show is soon slated to shutter.

That said, there has still been an awful lot of talk lately about how "Movin' Out" will be moving out of the Rodgers no later than January 1st. How Disney Theatrical now supposedly has a handshake deal with the Nederlander Organization (I.E. The folks who actually owns & operates this Broadway house). Which will then allow the Mouse's tech team enough time to make $10 milllion worth of "improvements" to the theatre's interior. Repairs and renovations that are said to be absolutely essential, given the amount of flying & vine swinging that's going to occur in "Tarzan."

Speaking of which ... How exactly does Disney Theatrical plan on recreating all of that tree surfing & vine hanging that made the company's 1999 animated version of "Tarzan" so memorable? Particularly inside of a Broadway theatre?

The answer lies with Pichon Baldinu of De La Guarda fame. Disney has hired Baldinu to handle what "Tarzan"'s production team is euphamistically calling "aerial movement." But -- believe you me, folks -- what the Mouse has in mind here is NOT the "Flying by Foy" wirework that Cathy Rigby typically does.

Trust me, people. Go check out the De La Guarda website. Then you'll actually get a sense of the sort of aerial assault "Tarzan" audience members can expect next year. Particularly when they sit in the orchestra section.

Anyway ... Given that "Tarzan" 's creative team recently held auditions for this show at the 37th Street Theatre, we can probably expect an official announcement of who's playing what role in this production on or about Labor Day. With preliminary rehearsals & set construction to begin sometime in the fall.

"But ... But ... But," I hear you sputter. "What about 'Mary Poppins'? I thought that that was supposed to be the next based-on-a-movie musical that Disney Theatrical would be bringing to Broadway."

Well, to be honest, Disney Company management reportedly has some rather serious concerns about this show. About whether American audiences will actually be willing to embrace the London stage version of "Poppins" (Which -- FYI -- is actually a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh), given how much that particular production departs from the well-known storyline of the much beloved 1964 Academy Award winning film.

You see, the London stage version of "Mary Poppins" hues a whole lot closer to the style & tone of P.L. Travers' original books. Which were rather dark & quirky. Which has Mouse House managers wondering whether -- in order to make this show more palatable to the tourist trade (I.E. Those nice folks who have kept the Broadway version of Disney's "Beauty & the Beast" running for over 11 years now) -- they may need to significantly lighten up the London version of this show if "Mary Poppins" is supposed to become the company's next "Lion King" -sized hit.

Speaking of which ... Another reason that "Mary Poppins" is approaching Broadway at a slower-than-expected pace is that Disney Theatrical still isn't sure which theatre it will place this production in yet. Depending on who you talk to within that orgainzation, there are all sorts of scenarios floating around right now.

One calls for "Poppins" to eventually land at the Palace Theatre. Which -- not-so-co-incidentally -- is also owned by the Nederlander Organization. Given that the Broadway versions of Disney's "Beauty & the Beast" and "Aida" both previously occupied this house, Disney Theatrical is already very familiar with the Palace. Particularly all the free publicity that a show gets when it occupies this theatre, thanks to the Palace's primo location (I.E. On the corner of Broadway & 46th St. Right at the edge of Times Square).

Of course, the only problem with that scenario is that the Palace is currently occupied by "All Shook Up," that new musical that's built around the Elvis Presley song catalog. Given that this show got fairly middling reviews when it opened back in March of this year, no one expects "All Shook Up" to still be running when 2007 rolls around. Which is supposedly when "Mary Poppins" will finally be flying into NYC to take up residence on Broadway. But you never know ...

Mind you, another supposed scenario has "The Lion King" eventually vacating the New Amsterdam, then possibly setting up shop over at the Hilton (which is currently occupied by "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang") or the Minskoff (Which that revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" which stars Harvey Fierstein is currently playing). Which would then leave the New Amsterdam available for "Mary Poppins."

Now -- as if this situation weren't already complicated enough -- let's keep in mind that Disney Theatrical recently revealed that they just approved the book that Doug Wright (I.E. The author of the Tony Award winning "I Am My Own Wife") has written for the long-in-development stage version of "The Little Mermaid." And -- given that Francesca Zambello (I.E. The woman who directed DCA's "Aladdin -- A Musical Spectacular") has already been hired to direct this musical ...

Well, one wonders -- given all the creative challenges that the Broadway version of "Mary Poppins" is reportedly currently facing -- whether "Tarzan" will be followed (in the 2006-2007 season, mind you) by "Little Mermaid." With "Mary Poppins" 's Broadway debut then getting pushed back to 2008.

Now please keep in mind that this is still a fairly fluid situation. That things can -- and will -- change. Sometimes virtually overnight. Remember, it wasn't all that long ago that Disney Theatrical announced plans to produce shows based on such Touchstone Pictures' releases as "Tin Men" and "The Dead Poets Society." And nothing ever became of these proposed shows. Or -- better yet -- how about "Hoopz," the musical that the Mouse was supposed to produce that was going to be based on the story of the Harlem Globetrotters? When's the last time you heard about anything about Disney's basketball-based musical?

More importantly, just because a new Disney Theatrical show actually goes into production doesn't automatically mean that it's then eventually going to turn up on Broadway. Don't believe me? Then ask the cast on Disney's due-to-close-on-the-road "On the Record." Or -- better yet -- talk with the cast of "Elaborate Lives: The Legend of Aida." Only two members of the original cast of the Alliance Theatre version of "Aida" (I.E. Heather Headley and Sherie Rene Scott) actually made it out of Egypt ... er ... Atlanta. The rest of the company, as well as much of the show's creative team, got sacked.

So please keep in mind that -- when it comes to theater -- there's no such thing as a sure thing. Even when you're able to put the "Disney" name on your show, that still doesn't guarantee that your show will automatically be a hit.

Speaking of the Disney name ... Did you see that announcement last week about the "Sister Act" musical? How Peter Schneider, the former head of Disney Feature Animation, will be directing and co-producing this show? More importantly, that "Mermaid/Beast/Aladdin" composer Alan Menken and his "Home on the Range" collaborator Glen Slater would be writing "Sister Act" 's score, while Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (AKA the husband & wife team behind Disney's "Teacher's Pet") will be churning out the show's book?

So let's review here: We have a new musical based on a 1992 Touchstone Pictures release. More importantly, this show is going to be directed by the former head of Disney Feature Animation and feature a book, music & lyrics that are written by lots of folks who previously worked for Disney. But did you notice that the "Disney Theatrical" name is nowhere to be seen on this project?

Well, there's a season for that. Disney Theatrical isn't actually producing this "Sister Act" musical. The Walt Disney Company (in exchange for a certain percentage of profits from this production) has agreed to license the stage rights for this Touchstone Pictures release to Mr. Schneider and his production partners, Michael Reno and Albert Poland.

Mind you, this isn't the first time that the Mouse has done this. As in: Allowed an outside production company to license the rights to a Disney-owned film so that they could then change that property into a musical for the stage. Just last year, Mickey gave the producers of the Tony Award winning "Avenue Q" the theatrical rights to "High Fidelity." You know, that March 2000 Touchstone Pictures release that starred John Cusack and Jack Black? The Stephen Fears film that was based on Nick Hornby's novel?

Then when you factor in the backing that the Walt Disney Company reportedly put into the Broadway productions of "Mamma Mia" and "Spamalot" ... Well, you can see why it's starting to get a little difficult to keep track of what exactly is a Disney Theatrical Production and what isn't.

But -- either way -- we can expect this division of the Disney corporation to really kick into gear over the next year or so. With the current plan being that Disney Theatrical will bring at least one brand new show to Broadway each year for the next three years. With the Mouse constantly keeping an eye on the market, to see if there's actually an appetite out there for this much Disney-produced theatrical product.

So what do you folks think? Is there really a large enough theatre-going audience to support a new Disney show debuting on Broadway every year for the next three seasons? Or is that just too many Mouse-based musicals?
************************************************

watching:
* the wild thornberrys movie
* hide and seek
* dinotopia: quest for the ruby sunstone

listening:
* ella fitzgerald: ella at duke's place
* madonna: bedtime stories
* hector lavoe: fania legends of salsa collection, volume 1

reading:
* same as before (slow reading week) :)

11 July 2005

Save Disney

so, i get this email in my box:

Joint Statement from The Walt Disney Co. and Roy E. Disney and Stanley P. Gold
BURBANK, Calif. (July 8, 2005) -- The Walt Disney Company, Roy E. Disney and Stanley P. Gold announced today that they have agreed to put aside the differences that have characterized their relationship over the past several years. Messrs. Disney and Gold have agreed not to run a rival slate of directors or submit shareholder resolutions for the next five years. Messrs. Disney and Gold have also agreed to dismiss all their pending lawsuits against the Company. In reestablishing ties with him and his family, the Company has named Roy E. Disney Director Emeritus and a consultant. The Company also reaffirmed its commitment to the rotation of committee members and chairpersons on its Board committees as currently required by the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines. In putting aside their differences, the Company noted Mr. Disney's long time devotion to the Company and welcomed the reestablishment of a relationship with him and his family. Messrs. Disney and Gold expressed confidence in Mr. Iger's leadership, and as Mr. Eisner retires after 21 years with the Company, they acknowledged his contribution to the Company over the years.

i've been a supporter of savedisney.com for a while now... i have the bumper sticker and everything! :) but with this announcement it means that roy and disney are no longer fighting... does that mean that he is going to abandon the crusade to SAVE DISNEY! was the whole site just a forum for him to create a lot of noise so that he could get back in with the company or does he really believe that things need to change. just because he is back with the company doesn't mean that everything is better... there still is a lot of work to do. i am glad that he knows where the company went wrong though...

10 years of declining performance
failing strategy
lack of executive depth
decline in working conditions and cast morale
failure of ABC network
failure of GO.com
failure of Fox (now ABC) Family network
failure of Disney Stores
failure of California Adventure theme park
failure of extending the Pixar deal

(thanks bigby)

SO,... IS roy disney selling out or does he really think that he can help make a difference as "director emeritus"?? i guess we'll just have to hold our breath, cross our fingers and see.

watching:
* todo sobre mi madre
* rock-a-doodle
* star trek: deep space nine season 5

listening:
* ella fitzgerald
* nellie mckay
* peter pan

reading:
* eragon (cuz i'm excited about eldest)
* the opal deception
* the order of the phoenix cuz it's only 5 days until half-blood prince!!!!!!!!!!!!

the garbage pail kids

hey everyone...

does anyone remember the garbage pail kids? to anyone in my age group, garbage pail kids not only defined who you were, but also were a measure of your status and social standing in the elementary school community! so, i guess it's very appropriate that coming soon to DVD for a whole new generation to discover: The Garbage Pail Kids Movie!

ahhh, memories! :)

02 July 2005

inspired by drew

so, in reading my friend's blog, i realized that i often get the chance to experience movies before other people because of my family in england and because of the fact that i live in LA (a known city to endorse "pre-screenings" of films before they go out to the general U.S. public, probably because of the high quantity of "movie people" who live here, haha!) but it's not just that i get to see these films or shows first, but it's the fact that they usually are VERY good or at least have some kind of potential and i NEVER blog about them! :) so starting now, i'm gonna start blogging about these shows and movies!! i'm also gonna start listing what i'm currently reading, watching and listening to so that if something good comes around, i'll remember to let you know! thanks drew! :)

anyway, in his blog, my friend mentioned a few films that i was and am very excited about, so i figured i'd blog about them too! :)

STRINGS
this is an "animated" film in the fact that it does not star humans, but the actors are marionette puppets and the whole film is set in a universe where strings are the life giving force that bring people to life. it's all about how one man can very easily get tied down to where he thinks he belongs, but how that same man can break the ties that bind him and make a difference in the world. it's got the premise of an action epic film but it's also a love story. anyway, right now, it's only open in england, but i'm hoping that it'll come to the US soon... i've been telling all my friends about it all week! :)

another film that my friend mentioned was MirrorMask. i haven't seen it yet, as it doesn't come out until september, but i have watched the trailer and i've also thumbed through the hardcover book at barnes and noble. it looks visually unlike anything i've ever seen before at the movie theatre, so i'm really excited about it. plus, it's jim henson... everything they do is gold to me :)

and finally, everyone go out and rent FireFly: The Complete Series and watch it so that you can go see Serenity when it comes out in theatres this fall! :)

watching:
* the 4400
* star trek: deep space nine - season 4
* D.E.B.S.

listening:
* POE: Haunted
* DIANA KRALL: live in paris
* BILLY JOEL: complete hits

reading:
* The Grim Grotto
* The Rivers of Zaada
* Star Trek Voyager: Spirit Walk