swordmage | (no subject)

Vacation thus far has been a blast.

Currently we are heading back from Six Flags Magic Mountain. I have successfully conquered my fear of coasters, and hereby declare Tatsu (a coaster where you're on your back hanging down in the harness to simulate dragonflight) to be exceedingly fun. Also went on Scream and Batman (twice), in addition to multiple others. Sadly, it appars X2 is not open yet.

We're going back tomorrow!

Yesterday was the San Diego Zoo and Natural History Museum - there was a show of Pompeiian artifacts and a few casts (including the dog that's all curled up). The zoo meant capybaras!!!! And lots of photos, including some lovely ones in the aviaries. We're hitting the Wild Animal Park on Friday.

Sunday, we went to the evil place - Disneyland. I should note, I have massive issues with Disny as a corporation. One day, I my just write about it. That said, I had lots of fun. The rides were quite fun, I got some great pictures, and the Splash Mountain incident was amusing - even though we're now all suitably hip in Nightmare Before Christmas sweatshirts.

I'm totally looking forward to the Getty and Getty Villa on Thursday.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Walt Disney Company has brought untold happinesss to billions of people worldwide since its formal inception in 1923. Walt Disney himself looms large over the cultural zeitgeist. Yes, Disney does have its critics, but it does try to remain true to the values of its founder. Yes, some will say that Disney is only out to turn a profit. Well, that is the goal of ALL companies now, isn't it?

Personally speaking, as an artist and filmmaker, Disney's films and theme parks have had a profound effect on virtually every aspect of my life. I remember...crying when Bambi's mother was killed and the dwarfs bowed down to a fallen Snow White, the exhilaration and euphoria I felt when my family took our annual summer visits to Disney World in the 70's & 80's, special times with my college girlfriend who was devoted to "Mary Poppins" and the films of Julie Andrews, leading a children's group to Florida so that they could experience the magic that I had known my entire life. A lifetime of memories. And in this, I am not alone. Disney's magic has touched people in every country of the world. And yes, it is manufactured magic, designed to sell. But every book, film, play, and recording are also designed to sell.

That does not change the fact that we are moved by them. That does not change the fact that we cannot imagine our lives without them. That does not change the fact that they are authentic peices of art, as precious and delicate as any painting, as rare as any gem. Disney has shaped the collective dreams of six generations-from Mickey Mouse to Hannah Montana and beyond. It is part of the tapestry of American culture. And for all that Disney has given me, happiness, joy, sorrow, laughter, and the divine gift of inspiration, I will be forever grateful.

-A friend

I'm curious, before I respond further - who are you?