Its A Blizzard Out There

Yesterday an unprecedented storm struck much of the east coast reaching blizzard conditions in many areas. Washington DC, Pennsylvania and NYC reported record snow fall. As the storm progressed northward it wound it’s way through Connecticut into Southeastern Massachusetts. Falmouth, Cape Cod, Plymouth were some of the communities most hard hit but I’m happy to report that in my little corner of the world the storm was just a snow storm.

DSC_2309

And I’m also happy to say that my condo folks were right on top of the clean up.

DSC_2312

DSC_2310

Not everyone was upset about the snow.

DSC_2323

Enjoy your day everyone!

DSC_2321a

The Magic Kingdom in December

Finally it was the day I’d originally envisioned. It was time to visit the Magic Kingdom. I’d been here for Christmas once before and although the park was wall to wall people that trip, I remember the decorations were spectacular.

The mono rail was not running to the Magic Kingdom so everyone had to get there by boat.

DSC_1962 copy

We lined up and waited, and waited and waited. There’s no place to sit or lean. It didn’t take long for my newly improved back muscles to start a downhill slide.

As soon as we reached the park I rushed to get through security and ticketing.

DSC_1952 copy

I had my eye on the ECV (electric convenience vehicle or scooter) rentals. Too late, there was a waiting list. I was #2 on the list. They would call our cell phone as soon as one came back in. They don’t take reservations so you just take your chances that one will be available. This was the first time I’d struck out.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7554017863

We headed into the park.

DSC_1953 copy

Even though this is consider a slow week the Magic Kingdom was full!

DSC_2015 copy

Because of my questionable ambulatory abilities we stayed close to the square but there was plenty to see there.

DSC_1954 copy

We started out by taking the train ride around the park.

DSC_1958 copy

You never know who you might run into.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560740234

The goal is to just have fun.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560742758

DSC_1963 copy

We got back in time to see the horse drawn trolley pull up and enjoy a rousing show of song and dance.

DSC_1968 copy

It was the last show of the day. They only do these shows in the mornings so we were lucky.

DSC_1972 copy

And even though the park was crowded, we still had front row places. Great for memorializing the event in pictures.

DSC_1975 copy

As they unhitched the beautiful Clydesdale from the trolley I could almost hear him say, “That’s all folks”.

DSC_1982 copy

There was only a 10 minute wait to see Tinkerbell so like little kids we hopped in line. I may be a grown up but I still love the character visits.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560746549

Joe seems to like these visits too even though his job keeps him in contact with them all the time. He had to get his “selfie”.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560741045

DSC_1987 copy

The Soft Kitty Conundrum

soft-kitty-warm-kitty-little-ball-of-fur-t-shirt_design

Anyone familiar with the “Big Bang Theory”  has heard Sheldon’s whine “Sing Soft Kitty for me”.

It’s the lullaby that provides comfort when sickness strikes the sitcom.

sick sheldon

The little song may give Sheldon comfort but it is turning into a headache for Warner Bros.

Buddy2014 005a copy

The song was written in the 1930’s  by Edith Newlin who passed away in 2004. A recent lawsuit by the daughters of the author/composer claims copy-write infringement. The suit maintains that Warner Bros. sought permission in 2007 from Willis Music Co., a company that previously published the lyrics in a book titled “Songs for the Nursery School.” According to Newlin’s daughters, Willis Music Co. authorized the use of lyrics without consultation or permission.

Buddy 004a

What I find most interesting is that these heirs didn’t know anything about the song’s use until they ran across a blog entry about the show  while researching their mother’s life.

Rockyandme 018a copy

How long does a copy-write last  before it becomes public domain anyway??Until 1977 I think these time frames applied:

  • All works published in the U.S. before 1923
  • All works published with a copyright notice from 1923 through 1963 without copyright renewal
  • All works published without a copyright notice from 1923 through 1977
  • All works published without a copyright notice from 1978 through March 1, 1989, and without subsequent registration within 5 years

A whole new set of expiration dates were set by congress in 1977 so who knows if they have a case or not. Can even the collective big brains of the geniuses on BBT figure it out? I’m sure lots of high priced lawyers are racking up the billable hours on this right now.

PhotoPass_Visiting_Magic_Kingdom_Park_7560742758

In the meantime, I love my Soft Kitty T-shirt. And so do all the folks that stop me on the street to tell me they like it too!

Rockyagain 009a copy

 

The Festival of the Lion King

DSC_1891 copy

A trick I’ve learned from having back problems is that if you rent the electric chair to get around that you survive the parks much better than walking. Call me lazy but I like ending the day with a little energy left instead of exhausted , hot and aching.

DSC_1896 copy

Anyway, I had rented the electric scooter at Animal Kingdom so when we arrived to the Lion King show they asked me if I wanted to keep it or walk in. I said I’d keep it and boy was I glad I did. There are no bad seats in the Lion King Theater but with the scooter I was floor side, practically on top of the performers…or maybe they were on top of me!

DSC_1886 copy

Perfect for low light shots.

DSC_1890 copy

So rather than try to describe the action I’m going to share a few of my photos.

DSC_1892 copy

Simba:
I’m gonna be a mighty king
So enemies beware!

DSC_1898 copy

Zazu:
Well, I’ve never seen a king of beasts
With quite so little hair!

DSC_1903 copy

Simba:
I’m gonna be the main event
Like no king was before
I’m brushing up on looking down
I’m working on my roar!

DSC_1909 copy

Zazu:
Thus far, a rather uninspiring thing

DSC_1912 copy

 

Simba:
Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!

DSC_1914 copy

Simba:
Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!

DSC_1917 copy

Everybody look left
Everybody look right
Everywhere you look I’m
Standing in the spotlight

DSC_1919 copy