The Blue Parrot

A safe and sane Independence Day!

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:20:21 -0700

Here’s an inspirational view from my recent visit to Orange County.
 Can’t get more American than John Wayne and a very big Stars & Stripes behind him. Yes, sir!

Have a safe and sane weekend. Drive safe, play safe, etc...

We want to have you back here next week!

The Walt Disney Family Museum - Updates

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:36:54 -0700

Today, we are only going back a few months...

Wanted to share some of the coverage we have been lucky enough to share about the Walt Disney Family Museum with you, our loyal readers here in this space.

And just a small heads up! We will be updating some software over the weekend as well as moving the archives from all of the postings before July 1st, 2009 to a new server. The idea is to preserve all of the wonderful content so that folks like yourselves can still sift through it at your leisure. That and a hoped for improvement in how this site works. We aren’t going away any time soon!

Big news this week? The Walt Disney Family Museum announced plans to open to visitors in October of this year. Check out the story in these links from SF Gate, ArtDaily.Org, and the New York Times. Time to mark those calendars!

Leo Holzer and I have had the honor to be guests of Diane Disney Miller and Ron Miller as well as the staff of the Museum on several occasions. It has indeed been a pleasure to be able to share some previews of the project with you here.

In case you may have missed them, check out these links -

First, a look at the San Francisco Presidio and some history.

Next, a 2006 tour of the Museum offices and some of the many items in the collection as well as a brief interview with Diane and Ron.

Finally, from 2008, views and information from a hard hat tour of the Museum’s main building as it was under conversion from a former Army barracks to it’s new role, as given to us by Diane Disney Miller.

Closing out today, a few more images from some of those visits.

Diane explains a bit about a few of the awards given to her father.

Walt loved miniatures, collecting and building many items himself. Many of them will be on display in groupings that will relate to particular themes.

If you saw the Walt Disney exhibition at the Ronald Reagan Library, you’ll remember this World War 1 ambulance similar to the one Walt drove in France. Getting it into it’s new Museum home will require some disassembly as it’s bigger than any of the doors into the historic brick barracks building!

Something for every Disney fan? You bet! Here’s a Mary Blair original from the development of It’s A Small World.

Here’s a real treat, the special Oscar (and seven little ones) awarded to Walt for the achievement of “Snow White”. Keeping company with a few of it’s brothers, too!

Yes, rare indeed, these are original attraction posters from Disneyland.

The adaptive reuse of the historic structures of the Presidio’s Main Post has set standards that will shape the future of the area. Visitors will be able to take advantage of the planning and foresight of the Museum for years to come.

As soon as we have more information to share on the October 1st, 2009 opening of the Museum, you’ll see them here! Thanks for checking out these updates!

A special thanks to Brad Zweerink for some of the images used in these updates.

Walt Disney Family Museum Memberships

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:06:34 -0700

By Leo N. Holzer
Special to The Blue Parrot

Well, here’s something many of you have been waiting for: Details about the annual membership plans for the Walt Disney Family Museum.

There are three levels for basic membership — Individual, Dual and Family — and a premium “Founding Membership” with additional perks.

All memberships are annual from date the museum opens or your registration date. For example, if you sign up now, your membership would be good through Sept. 30, 2010; but if you make it a Christmas present to yourself, family or another and sign-up on Dec. 18, then the membership would be good through Dec. 17, 2010.

All memberships include admission into the museum with a timed-entry ticket, (best acquired) from the Museum’s Web site ticketing system, www.waltdisney.org once it becomes operational Aug. 1 or in person, as available.

The Web-based ticketing system will offer tickets up to 60 days in advance. During August, tickets may be obtained for any day in October, as available.

It’s possible that there may be very few tickets, if any, available at the door on some given days, especially weekends, until well after the museum’s opening.

What is a timed-entry ticket?

Well, the system has been designed to help avoid overcrowding in the galleries. Ticket-holders will have a 15-minute window for entry, 10-10:14 a.m.; 10:15-10:29, etc.

Additional basic membership benefits include: a quarterly newsletter mailed to a member’s address; a 10 percent discount in the Museum Store; a membership card and additional discounts for educational and public programs.

The price for an Individual Membership is $75; $55 for seniors over 65 and students with valid ID. It allows tickets for one person on any day of operation, as available.

Dual membership, which includes admission for two, is $125 general and $95 for seniors.

The Family Membership is $175 and includes tickets for four, as available, on any day the museum is open.

All basic memberships are fully tax deductible.

Now, let’s talk about the premium FOUNDING MEMBERSHIP plan. It’s $500 per person, of which $425 is tax deductible.

Founding Members get all the basic individual membership benefits along with an additional 5 percent discount in the Museum Store; a total of 20 admissions for guests; an exclusive membership card and pin; an autographed copy of a newly published book; a numbered certificate signed by Diane Disney Miller and Executive Director Richard Benefield; and, invitations to select events, lectures, concerts, receptions and openings.

Those 20 guest admissions may be used in one visit — with coordination with the membership office for any group larger than 8 — or the Founding Member could use six in October, four in December and hold the remaining 10 in reserve for later.

Only Founding Members who join before the end of 2009 will get the signed and autographed certificate. It will be retired on Jan. 1, 2010.

There’s an additional charge of $25 on all International Memberships.

To receive a membership application, send an e-mail to membership@wdfmuseum.org. For questions or to process an application over the phone, call (415) 345-6810.

Thoughts on coverage

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:50:56 -0700

I’m always amused by what news editors seem to find time to cover. Especially those in television. Assignment editors are the folks who hand out the plums. You know... what story what reporter (and crew) will head out and find more details.

Now, last week. I know that it seems like a fair number of folks passed away that we all should have taken note of. At least, that’s what these editors want us to think. Yes, I understand that the idea is to get a story before everyone else. The scoop is gold for some people because is also leads to better ratings. Got it.

But let’s be real. People pass away every day. In all kinds of situations and places. If we are lucky, we have let them know what they mean to us and how much we appreciate them - before this happens. In the case of celebrities, they understand that for many fans, there exists a bond on all kinds of levels. Everything from a passing interest to down right obsession. So at times, good news loses out to quick news. I really think that was the case last week, weekend and still going on...

As a fan, I have always tried to remember that these are people. On some level, regular folks, just like the rest of us. Even if sometimes, like Michael Jackson, they tend to show off a bit more in interesting ways than the rest of us.

But in their lives, they have many moments that are the kind of things we enjoy, too. The simple pleasures. Could be just a quiet moment at lunch with friends. Anything along those lines to be treasured and remembered.

Yet, when the inevitable happens and someone does pass away, I don’t get how people in some media outlets look to turn those simple pleasures into something sensational, just in the name of getting it first and fastest. Never will, but that’s no surprise.

So, here’s to an appreciation of folks who passed recently. Your fans will always remember you, for many reasons. What made you special to them is something personal. That you were able to make such a connection, even with people you never met, is indeed worth noting.

From Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”:

Sail on silver girl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.

A few days in Anaheim

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:48:37 -0700

The weather was wonderful, the Parks were great and even the people were for the most part in good spirits! What more could one ask for out of a Disneyland visit?

Today, I thought I would share some photos and tidbits from my visit last week (Wednesday the 24th through Friday the 26th). As seen above at the New Orleans Square station, locomotive Number 5, the Ward Kimball was out and about doing it’s duty.

I did find it interesting that at the height of the season that there was so much construction underway. In previous years, it seemed as if the start of the summer vacation season was the deadline for completion of many projects. The majority of ongoing construction was over in California Adventure. The Timon parking lot is counting down the days as it will become a construction zone July 13th, part of the Radiator Springs or Carsland project. At least some of the confusion over what tram will be going where will be eliminated when the lot closes. Still, it’s sad to note the passing of the last part of Disneyland’s original parking lot.

We also made use of the Pumba parking lot with it’s entry from Disney Way and it’s shuttle service by Coach America. I’m sure that air conditioning is a first for parking lot shuttles! And it was nice to be dropped off in the bus loading area just off Harbor Blvd, too! It was interesting to note that on plans for the Westcot resort expansion that this lot was also going to have a large parking structure and a Peoplemover system of some kind to take guests to and from the theme parks. Perhaps that idea needs to be revived?

Main Street’s Magic Shop seems to have gotten a reprieve as the Cast Member working there was happy to share that they’re still going to be open for the foreseeable future. Yet it’s not what it once was. I recall for many years that there were always tricks or illusions being performed or demonstrated, if for no other reason that to keep alive the “magic” in the Magic Shop. Yet I can’t recall the last time I saw anything along those lines, unless a guest specifically made a request.

With all of today’s interest in magic and Harry Potter, a little more sleight of hand and less of the gag gifts (even those aren’t what they used to be) might be a good idea.

Finally did get the chance to take in the revised It’s A Small World. For the most part, we all thought that the additions were okay, although we were almost unanimous that the United States farm scene seemed out of place. I did appreciate that many of the Disney characters, like Lilo and Stitch above, were well placed and matched to their surroundings. Overall, the attraction seems as popular as ever with guests.

Night time at Disneyland! Still one of the best times of the day...

If all goes as planned, the Electrical Parade will be moving back to Main Street.

Fantasmic’s dragon may not be ready for prime time just yet, but the Mark Twain was in fine shape complete with a group of Toy Story characters along the rear railing.

Still my favorite part of the show... the Columbia as Captain Hook’s pirate ship.

A little before midnight on a nice soft night on Main Street.

The Bootstrapper’s were a hit with guests!
I especially enjoyed their version of the very traditional “All For Me Grog”.

Another fine musical interlude in the lobby of the Grand Californian!...
On that note, we’ll end today’s look. Check back later in the week for more!

A dark day

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:39:11 -0700

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jun 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Eastman Kodak Company announced today that it will retire KODACHROME Color Film this year, concluding its 74-year run as a photography icon.
Sales of KODACHROME Film, which became the world's first commercially successful color film in 1935, have declined dramatically in recent years as photographers turned to newer KODAK Films or to the digital imaging technologies that Kodak pioneered. Today, KODACHROME Film represents just a fraction of one percent of Kodak's total sales of still-picture films.
"KODACHROME Film is an iconic product and a testament to Kodak's long and continuing leadership in imaging technology," said Mary Jane Hellyar, President of Kodak's Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group. "It was certainly a difficult decision to retire it, given its rich history. However, the majority of today's photographers have voiced their preference to capture images with newer technology - both film and digital. Kodak remains committed to providing the highest-performing products - both film and digital - to meet those needs."
While Kodak now derives about 70% of its revenues from commercial and consumer digital businesses, it is the global leader in the film business. Kodak has continued to bring innovative new film products to market, including seven new professional still films and several new VISION2 and VISION3 motion picture films in the past three years. These new still film products are among those that have become the dominant choice for those professional and advanced amateur photographers who use KODAK Films.
Among the well-known professional photographers who used KODACHROME Film is Steve McCurry, whose picture of a young Afghan girl captured the hearts of millions of people around the world as she peered hauntingly from the cover of National Geographic Magazine in 1985.
As part of a tribute to KODACHROME Film, Kodak will donate the last rolls of the film to George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, which houses the world's largest collection of cameras and related artifacts. McCurry will shoot one of those last rolls and the images will be donated to Eastman House.
"The early part of my career was dominated by KODACHROME Film, and I reached for that film to shoot some of my most memorable images," said McCurry. "While KODACHROME Film was very good to me, I have since moved on to other films and digital to create my images. In fact, when I returned to shoot the 'Afghan Girl' 17 years later, I used KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film E100VS to create that image, rather than KODACHROME Film as with the original."
For all of its magic, KODACHROME is a complex film to manufacture and an even more complex film to process. There is only one remaining photofinishing lab in the world - Dwayne's Photo in Parsons, Kansas - that processes KODACHROME Film, precisely because of the difficulty of processing. This lack of widespread processing availability, as well as the features of newer films introduced by Kodak over the years, has accelerated the decline of demand for KODACHROME Film.
During its run, KODACHROME Film filled a special niche in the annals of the imaging world. It was used to capture some of the best-known photographs in history, while also being the film of choice for family slide shows of the Baby Boom generation.
To celebrate the film's storied history, Kodak has created a gallery of iconic images, including the Afghan girl and other McCurry photos, as well as others from professional photographers Eric Meola and Peter Guttman on its website: www.kodak.com/go/kodachrometribute. Special podcasts featuring McCurry and Guttman will also be featured on the website.
Kodak estimates that current supplies of KODACHROME Film will last until early this fall at the current sales pace. Dwayne's Photo has indicated it will continue to offer processing for the film through 2010. Current KODACHROME Film users are encouraged to try other KODAK Films, such as KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME E100G and EKTAR 100 Film. These films both feature extremely fine grain. For more information, please visit www.kodak.com/go/professional.

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Well, anyone who shot slides with a film camera knew that this day had to come eventually. Still, it’s a sad time. The true end of an era.

I’m one of those folks who used to shoot a fair amount of Kodachrome 64. When it came to color, it was the film of choice for myself and my friends. And on the rare occasions (such as a really special sunny day), Kodachrome 25. And for those low light situations, we were really happy when Kodak released Kodacrome 200! Those have been gone for a while now and it was assumed by many that KR 64 was living on borrowed time, with only one processor in the US handling the duties.

Some say it’s a matter of perspective, but I did find that Kodachrome had a warmer and more true to life feeling to the images it captured than Ektachrome or other non-Kodak films. And while I transitioned from color to black and white, I always had a fondness for KR 64. Call those little yellow boxes comforting, if you will.

And yes, I am one of those who made the switch to digital. But my trusty Canon EX still does the job when called upon. A rarer and rarer thing, true... But I’ll miss Kodachrome all the same. And images captured with it some 40 years ago or more still look crisp today. That’s a legacy worth remembering.

Disneyland ahoy!

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:57:59 -0700

This week takes me south to Anaheim for a long overdue visit to Disneyland.

I’m looking forward to catching up on what’s new all over the parks. Plenty of things to see including the new “Magical” fireworks, the return of “Fantasmic” as well as some new floats in the “Electrical Parade”.

Packing a good selection of pins for trading, too - especially as the new summer pin trading festival just kicked off last weekend. This year’s has a Haunted Mansion theme. Can’t wait!

So, if things seem a bit sporadic later in the week, now you know why...

Until then, how about a selection of views from some past visits?

Nothing like a nice morning on Main Street!

Coffee and Mickey beignets! Oh, I so ready for one!

Just like Mary Poppins and Bert, we’re ready for a “Jolly Holiday”!

How about a little Firehouse jazz to set the proper mood?

We better have our paperwork in order or Roz will have something to say about it!

I think I can do much better on my score on Astro Blasters...

Wonder what flowers will be in bloom this time...

It’s always worth the time to stop in at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon!

A “must-do”! Have to say hello to Mr. Potato Head!

Be sure to check back next week for a full report!