Post-Disney: Sequels

Have you ever had a favorite movie, one where you've bought the t-shirts, you've seen the directors cut and watched it with commentary? One of those movies where you've literally seen it more times than you can remember?

I hope you have. I think most people have seen a movie that they just love. Personally, one of mine is The Jungle Book. I love the music, the animation, and the transformation of the story from that of the original.

If you don't know, I'm not very old. I'll give you a hint in fact: I was born the same year The Hunchback of Notre Dame was released. Anyway, I obviously wasn't around for the original release of the Jungle Book, but I do distinctly remember being incredibly excited for the release of The Jungle Book 2.

I was so excited, and I remember thinking 'I can't wait to see Baloo and Bagheera, they were so funny!'. To my chagrin, that movie was a sequel. Which means, true to the stereotype, it was awful.

Now there are sequels that I like, but I generally think it's a good rule of thumb to not do sequels. And the leader of animation agrees with me:

So why are sequels awful? Personally, I think that it's because they're working with a now unoriginal idea, and it's almost always directed or produced by someone else than who did the original. And of course, it's almost always because they want to make an easy buck.

I realize that they are a business, and that they need to make money, but it's the quality issue that irritates me. I think that if you're going to continue a series that already has a fan base, that's just good business. But to make a significantly worse movie will end up hurting your business more than helping it.

Here are some sequels that I can't stand:

 

The Return of Jafar

 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2

 

Atlantis: Milos Return

 

The Fox and the Hound 2

 

101 Dalmatians 2: Patch's London Adventure

 

 

So to me, these are all examples of films that should never have been produced, they exuded a lack of inspiration and little if any motivation other than pressure from the higher-ups to turn a quick dollar. I'm sure there are more, if you can think of any leave a comment below. 

During Disney: Buzzie, Flaps, Ziggy, Dizzy

Buzzie, Flaps, Ziggy, Dizzy,

Buzzie, Flaps, Ziggy and Dizzy are the four vultures from the Disney Classics, 'The Jungle Book'. They make their entrance into the film after Mowgli has escaped Kaa, and befriend Mowgli in an attempt to cheer him up. The four vultures are based on the band, The Beatles, as maid fairly obvious by their Liverpool accents, their hairstyles and vocals.

 

There were original plans to have the Beatles come in and voice over for the vultures, but Lennon declined due to already having overscheduled.

 

Their feature song in this film is 'That's What Friends Are For', written by the Sherman Brothers and Terry Gilkyson, and composed by George Bruns.

 

The vultures are later featured in 'The House of Mouse' Disney Channel Show, and cameo in several other short films.

 

Disney Music: The Little Mermaid

First of all, the name of movie isn't 'Ariel', it's 'The Little Mermaid'. Let's all remember that. OK. Now we can talk about this album.

I am not a romantic. I've never enjoyed romance novels, or movies. The only chick flick I'll willingly subject myself to is 'Miss Congeniality'. But, I've always loved Disney movies. And two reasons why I do:

• Disney has romance, but the plot line is more intricate than a standard romance movie, there's depth.
• The composers and lyricists are incredible. They make the movie what it is.

Personally, I think that The Little Mermaid's Soundtrack is one of the best movie albums ever produced. It's consistent, clean sounding, and is interesting in both the orchestral sense for the scores, and the lyrics are compelling, and aren't junior.

I listen to music all day. If I'm not in class or working, there is a ninety-percent chance that I'll have my ear buds in. And if you mess with my ear buds, then God have mercy on your soul.

Below I've uploaded the full soundtrack from 'The Little Mermaid' for you to enjoy. My personal favorite is 'Jig'.

During Disney: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

Who Was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was created by Walt Disney, as one of his first and featured characters. Unfortunately, Disney accidentally signed away the rights to Charles B. Mintz, who worked for Universal and had taken over his wife's company, Alice Comedies, who had produced and in collaboration with Ub Iwerks created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This was after Disney had continued to develop Oswald, after the cold reception of Trolley Troubles. So, Mintz essentially told Disney that he was taking Oswald, the artists who were working for Disney at the time, and there was nothing illegal about it.

Most of you probably know that Disney went on to create Mickey, and Mintz created his own worst enemy, but I'd rather talk about what happened to Oswald after Alice Comedies and Universal utilized him.

Believe it or not, Oswald didn't last very long on TV. His first appearance on screen was in Trolley Troubles on September 5, 1927 ( before Oswald was taken from Disney ). Most of his career with Universal and Alice Comedies relied on his appearances in comic books. He wasn't that popular on screen, since he had still been in development with Disney and had only been in one or two cartoons overall.

In February 2006, Disney CEO Bob Iger launched a trade with NBC Universal that involved receiving several minor assets in return for Al Michaels, a sportscaster.


Oswald had a girlfriend, much like Mickey had Minnie, called Ortensia. There really isn't much more depth to know about him, other than he would battle Pete or Homer the Cat as his arch enemies.

                                         1927

                                         1928

                                         1927

Disney Music: The Jungle Book

        

I love Ken Anderson, I love the Jungle Book, and I love the Sherman Brothers. So for me, the Jungle Book Soundtrack is a dream come true, and when I found out that there were songs released after the initial soundtrack, I was ecstatic.

 

After the release of the Jungle Book Soundtrack, there was a huge demand for more songs. So Walt called in the Sherman Brothers and told them to write songs that sounded like they could've been from the original movie. And when they did, this was their result:

 



From the Walt Disney Studio
MORE JUNGLE BOOK
Further Adventures of Baloo and Mowgli

Disneyland Records Storyteller Series ST-3960 (Mono) STER-3960 (Stereo) (12” LP with book)
Released in 1969. Executive Producer: Jimmy Johnson. Producer: Tutti Camarata. Story: Jimmy Johnson, Larry Clemmons, Phil Harris. Recorded at Sunset Sound, Hollywood. Running Time: 35 minutes.
Voices: Phil Harris (Baloo); Louis Prima (King Louie); Dal McKennon (Bagheera, Villagers); Ginny Tyler (Mowgli); Sam Edwards (Villager); Sam Butera and The Witnesses.
Songs: “Baloo’s Blues,” “It’s a Kick” by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; “Jungle Fever” by Floyd Huddleston and Camarata; “If You Wanna See Some Strange Behavior (Take a Look at Man)” by Mel Leven; “The Bare Necessities (Finale)” by Terry Gilkyson.
Instrumental: “Adventureland Suite” by Camarata (from Disneyland Record WDL-4004, Walt Disney Takes You To Disneyland).Source:  http://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/disney-sequels-with-sherman-brothers-songs/

 

 

 

 

During Disney: Peg Legged Pete

   

Who Was Peg Leg Pete?

Pete, believe it or not, is older than Mickey Mouse! He debuted three years prior to Mickey in the cartoon Alice Solves the Puzzle, he has appeared in more than 40 animated short films between 1925 and 1954, having been featured in the Alice Comedies and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons, and later in the Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy cartoons. Pete's final appearance during this era was The Lone Chipmunks (1954), which was the final installment of a three-part Chip an' Dale series. He also has been in both   Goofy Movies, and played the antagonists (as per usual) in 'The Prince in the Pauper', and 'The Three Musketeers', and my personal favorite, he played one of Christmas spirits in 'A Christmas Carol'. He has also been brought back into the 'House of Mouse' Disney Channel Show, and was featured in a new style of cartoon that Disney debuted recently (I saw it at the opening of Frozen).

His alternative names include Peg-Leg Pete, Big Bad Pete and Black Pete.

Pete appeared as a bear in Alice Comedies, but was changed to cat later in his Disney career.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During Disney: Clarabelle Cow

Who Was Clarabelle Cow?

Honestly, there isn't much information about Clarabelle. She was created by Disney to be Minnie Mouse's and Daisy Duck's friend, she would later date Horace the Cow and in the late sixties and early-mid seventies date Goofy. She is a busy body and loves to gossip and stir the pot. She spends most of her time running around everyone's houses and gaining and spreading misinformation.

Like Mortimer Mouse, she was also retired as a prevalent Disney character, but was also brought back for the Disney Channel Show 'House of Mouse', where she assisted Minnie in running the shows, and played a major role in the revisal of 'The Three Musketeers'.

 

 

 

 

 



During Disney: Moritimer Mouse

Who is Mortimer Mouse?

Mortimer Mouse is the first beginnings of the creation of Mickey Mouse. After Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's rights were pirated from Disney, he started sketching on the way home on the train. As a result, he created two versions of a similar character. The first version of the character was a lanky, outgoing aggressive mouse with rat-like features to accentuate his unpleasant personality. For example, Mortimer has an elongated nose, visible teeth, and rat-like whiskers that make him appear sketchy. Initially, after seeing the first version of 'Mortimer', Disney disliked the features of the character, and put him aside and created Mickey, who was going to be called Mortimer until Disney's wife talked him out of it.



 

Mortimer was used as Mickey's arch nemesis, the main purpose being Mortimer trying to steal Minnie Mouse away from Mickey. He was a very prevalent character in the comic strips, but slowly disappeared out of the cartoons aired on TV after a surprisingly short time. However, he did play a constant role in the later released Disney Channel Show 'House of Mouse' with surprisingly consistent characteristics.

Disney TV: Kim Possible

Since this is my favorite show, ever, I decided to share the first five full episodes with you! This show is about a everyday girl cheerleader, who also deals with crime fighting using her cheer moves while dealing with her normal life. And her childhood best friend with his naked mole rat, Rufus.

Disney Music: Rainbow Connection

The song Rainbow Connection is written by Paul William, Kenneth Ascher, originally performed by Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) in The Muppet Movie in 1979.

This song instantly became a radio hit, with the same effect in The Muppet Movie as Over the Rainbow did in The Wizard of Oz. Something about Kermit's innocent whimsy captured the nation, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song in 1979.

Why are there so many songs about rainbows

And what's on the other side

Rainbows are visions

But only illusions

And rainbows have nothing to hide

So we've been told

And some choose to believe it

I know they're wrong, wait and see

Some day we'll find it

The rainbow connection

The lovers, the dreamers, and me

Who said that every wish

Would be heard and answered

When wished on the morning star

Somebody thought of that

And someone believed it

And look what it's done so far

What's so amazing

That keeps us stargazing

And what do we think we might see

Some day we'll find it

The rainbow connection

The lovers, the dreamers, and me

All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic

Have you been half asleep?

And have you heard voices?

I've heard them calling my name

Is this the sweet sound

That called the young sailors?

The voice might be one and the same

I've heard it too many times to ignore it

It's something that I'm supposed to be

Some day we'll find it

The rainbow connection

The lovers, the dreamers, and me

La da da di da da dum da duh da da dum di da dum

Disney Music: House of Mouse

One of Disney's best TV shows ever aired: House of Mouse. This show is based around the idea that Mickey and Minnie own a theater/movie showing house and every night they entertain a variety of Disney characters, ranging from Hades to Clarabell the Cow. 

The theme song is appropriately entitled 'House of Mouse', and is sung by a Stage Microphone who also introduces Mickey and narrates parts of the show in each episode.

The song was written by Brian Setzer and preformed by Rod Roddy, and while this isn't Disney's classic 'Title Song', they did appropriately adapt to their new audience, and gave them the right type of music for the show.

Who's the knockin' at the House of Mouse?

We're all knockin' at the House of Mouse

Come on in we're gonna shake the house

We're all rockin' at the House of Mouse

We're havin' a ball And we're rockin' the hall

So come one and all, to the House of Mouse

The party's just started, so come on in

The good times of all of us are just about to begin

Step inside we're gonna have some fun

There plenty of room here for everyone

The Gang's all here and we're hangin' out

All this fun makes you jump and shout

Hey little girl, I wanna dance with you

We'll find so many things to do

So come on in, we're gonna shake the house

We're havin' a ball, at the House of Mouse

Who's the knockin' at the House of Mouse?

Knock, knock, knockin' at the House of Mouse

We're all knockin' at the House of Mouse

Knock, knock, knockin' at the House of Mouse

Come on in we're gonna shake the house

Knock, knock, knockin' at the House of Mouse

We're all rockin' at the House of Mouse

We're havin' a ball And we're rockin' the hall

So come one and all, to the House of Mouse

The party's just started, so come on in

The good times of all of us are just about to begin

Step inside we're gonna have some fun

There plenty of room here for everyone

The Gang's all here and we're hangin' out

All this fun makes you jump and shout

Hey little girl, I wanna dance with you

We'll find so many things to do

So come on in, we're gonna shake the house

We're havin' a ball, at the House of Mouse

Disney Music: The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap was one of the first Disney movies I ever saw, at least that I remember seeing. I actually have 'flashbacks' of seeing it, it was when my parents were out on a date night, and I was at  my Grandparents, and got to watch a movie on their VCR. That makes me feel so old. I remember that I had a huge bowl of popcorn, and my own soda! It was a pretty big night for me.

This song is sung by Disney star Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands, it was a snappy opening song to the movie, a modern 'title song' which in my opinion, Disney does extremely well. Something about this song is just so happy, it's infectious. I can't dance, but if I could, I'd dance to this song.

If their love's on skids
Treat your folks like kids
Or your family tree's gonna snap

So to make 'em dig
First, you gotta rig

 

Uh, whatta ya gotta rig?

The parent trap!

Uh-huh

If they loose that zing
And they just won't swing
Then the problem falls in your lap

When your folks are square
Then you must prepare
 
Whatta ya gotta prepare?

The parent trap!

To set the bait
Recreate the date
The first time cupid shot 'em
Get 'em under the moon
Play their favorite tune

John!

Marsha!

Ya gotta!

You lead 'em back to love
With the velvet glove

'Cause their much too old for the strap

 Straighten up their mess
With togetherness
Togetherness!
The parent trap!

John, their playing our song!

I know it!

Ooh, mama, what fools we've been!

Love's on skids
Treat 'em like kids
Loose that zing
And make 'em swing
Love's a mess
Togetherness
Bless our happy home!

Lead 'em back to love
With a velvet glove
'Cause their much too old for the strap
Straighten up their mess
With togetherness
Togetherness!
The parent trap!

Disney Music: Special Order

I love Pixar, their revolutionary work on Toy Story's digital animation was stunning. In my opinion, Disney should stick to two dimensional animation and let Pixar handle the digital animation, maybe then I would've been able to tolerate Frozen.

Anyway, another major reason I love Pixar is their storylines. I never really understood the Princesses, with their dresses and perfect hair. They always felt fake to me, even if they were good characters, which is why I am so grateful that Pixar was around for my childhood. Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille will always be among my favorite movies.

If you don't know, I am a Disney music junkie. I have every album they have ever released (even Frozen unfortunately), and I can usually identify a (Disney) song within three seconds of it starting.
This is one of my favorite scores, called 'Special Order' from Ratatouille, it is a salsa-influenced composition that always gets me moving, and is my favorite scene in the whole movie.

Disney Music: Peace On Earth

Since Thanksgiving is coming up soon, I've been watching Lady and the Tramp. I don't know why, but during the fall it's one of the movies I watch the most. But, I want to talk about this song, 'Peace On Earth' (sung by Donald Novis and written by Peggy Lee and Sony Burke), is definitely one of my favorite soundtracks out of the album. Since I'm taking a music class, I find myself analyzing music that I hear more and more, and I find myself liking the older style of Disney music where the artists would sing slowly, with nasal tones (which means not breathing through your nose as much when you sing). For some reason, it feels very classic, and I always feel nostalgic when I hear it.

Silent as the snowflake in the night
Holy is the spirit of this night
All the wold is calm and peaceful
All the world is bright and joyful

Spirit of Love and Child of Peace
Love unending that shall not cease

Peace, my children of good will
Peace, my children, peace, be still

Disney Music: High Adventure

The song 'High Adventure', written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, has an interesting history. Originally, it was a proposed song to be featured in the Disney Animated Film 'Aladdin' that included the original plot where there was no Abu, but three additional 'street rats'. It was eventually cut due to there being excess content in the movie. Instead, they released it on the soundtrack as a 'bonus track', along with other songs that had been cut at some point.

 

Several years later, after Howard Ashman's passing, they revised 'Aladdin' for Broadway and decided to let the original songs have their moment, including Proud of Your Boy, High Adventure, and variations of Jafar's feature villain song.

 

 There are several Disney fans who can't stand listening to the Disney Broadway albums, because of the difference of vocals. Personally, I love listening to both, but there is obviously a significant audio difference between the two variations. A list of other songs not released include the following:

 

 “Arabian Nights” (Instrumental) [1:20]

Legend of the Lamp (without narration) [1:17]

Jafar Plots [0:31]

Aladdin on the Run [0:31]

One Jump Ahead (Instrumental) [2:22]

One Jump Ahead Reprise (Instrumental) [1:01]

Princess Jasmine / The Sultan Gives Away His Ring [3:22]

Aladdin and Jasmine / The Guards Arrive [3:55]

Jasmine Confronts Jafar / Jafar in Disguise [2:37]

The Cave of Wonders (Full Version) (About 1 minute and 28 seconds of music wasn’t included on the commercial CD releases) [6:23]

Aladdin Unconscious / The Genie [1:27]

Friend Like Me (Instrumental) [2:25]

Leaving the Cave of Wonders / The Sultan Upbraids Jafar / Iago's Idea [2:55]

Aladdin’s First Wish / Creating Prince Ali [2:02]

Prince Ali (Instrumental) [2:49]

The Sultan's Magic Carpet Ride [0:55]

On the Balcony [4:05]

A Whole New World (Full Version) [2:45] (The version heard in the film includes about 15 seconds of score before the song starts)

Aladdin Almost Drowns [1:58]

Jasmine Chooses a Suitor / Jafar Knows Aladdin’s Secret / Aladdin's Dilemma [1:05]

Prince Ali Reprise (Instrumental) [1:05]

Jafar as Sultan / Aladdin Returns... Again [2:18]

"Friend Like Me Reprise (Plays at the beginning of the end credits) [0:40]

 

 

 

 

Disney Music: Grim Grinning Ghosts

The song 'Grim Grinning Ghosts' is the song that plays all throughout the ride The Haunted Mansion, it was composed by Buddy Baker, with lyrics written by X Atencio. According to various Disney sources, the name is taken from Shakespeare's poem Venus and Adonis:

Look, how the world's poor people are amaz'd

At apparitions, signs, and prodigies,

Whereon with fearful eyes they long have gaz'd,

Infusing them with dreadful prophecies;

So she at these sad sighs draws up her breath,

And, sighing it again, exclaims on Death.

‘Hard-favour'd tyrant, ugly, meagre, lean,

Hateful divorce of love,'—thus chides she Death,—

‘Grim-grinning ghost, earth's worm, what dost thou mean

To stifle beauty and to steal his breath,

Who when he liv'd, his breath and beauty set

Gloss on the rose, smell to the violet?

The first time I rode The Haunted Mansion, I was terrified. I had my eyes either shut or on the floor the entire time. But, the one thing that I did love was the song. I've always loved Disney's music, and this is a great example of their storytelling talents in cohesion to their incredible immersive theming.

 When hinges creak in doorless chambers
And strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls
Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still
That is the time when ghosts are present
Practicing their terror with ghoulish delight

When the crypt doors creak, and the tombstones quake
Spooks come out for a swinging wake
Happy haunts materialize
And begin to vocalize
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
Now don't close your eyes and don't try to hide
Or a silly spook may sit by your side
Shrouded in a daft disguise
They pretend to terrorize
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
As the moon climbs high o'er the dead oak tree
Spooks arrive for the midnight spree
Creepy creeps with eerie eyes
Start to shriek and harmonize
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
When you hear the knell of a requiem bell
Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell
Restless bones etherialize
Rise as spooks of every size
Mwahahahahahahahaha

If you would like to join our jamboree
There's a simple rule that's compulsory
Mortals pay a token fee
Rest in peace, the haunting's free
So hurry back we would like your company

Hurry back...Hurry back...
Be sure to bring your death certificate
If you decide to join us
Make final arrangements now
We've been...dying...to have you

Disney Music: Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

The song Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah is from the controversial Disney film Song of the South, and is the only song still available for purchase except for the Laughing Place Medley from the ride Splash Mountain. Personally, I enjoy Song of the South and have been searching for years to try and find another way to obtain the soundtrack, without success. It is sung by James Baskett, and this is not only an amazing song, but also an incredible display of their animation to real life film techniques.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin' my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actual
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day, yes sir!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin' my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actual
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, feeling this way

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It is the truth, it's actual... huh?
Where is that bluebird? Mm-hm!
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day!

Disney Music: After Today

 

Goofy has always been one of my favorite Disney characters, so when I found out that there were not one, but two Goofy Movies, I was ecstatic. This song called 'After Today', was sung by Aaron Lohr and written by Carter Burwell and Don Davis who also composed the score for The Goofy Movie and influenced the track for the Extremely Goofy Movie.

 

They've been laughin' since I can remember
But they're not gonna laugh anymore
No more "Maxie the geek", no more "Goof of the week"
Like befooore

No more algebra tests 'til September
No more lookin' at losers like him
No more havin' to cheat
No more mystery meat
No more gym
No more gym
No more gym
No more gym!

Gonna move to the mall!
Gonna live in the pool!
Gonna talk to Roxanne and not feel like a fool!

'Cause after today I'm gonna be cruisin'!
After today she'll be mine!
After today my brains will be snoozin'!
If I don't faint I'll be fine!
I've got forty more minutes, of home economics
Then down with the text books
And up with the comics!
Just think of all the time I've been losin'
Finding the right thing to say!
But things will be going my way, after today

She looked right through me, and who could blame her?
I need a new me, plus some positive proof that I'm not just a goof, and
After today I'm gonna be cruisin'!
No more pep rallys to cut! Yech!
After today my brains will be snoozin'!
I'm gonna sit on my butt
I've got less than an hour, and when this is ended
I'll either be famous..
Or you'll be suspended!

Just think of all the time I've been losin'
Waiting until I could say ...
Gonna be on my own, kiss the parents goodbye
Gonna party from now 'till the end of July
Things'll be going my way, after todaaaaaaay ...
I wish that this was the day, ... after today

Disney Music: Cinderella Main Title

This is another one of my personal favorites. Out of all of the songs in a Disney movie, I think that the title song is one of the most important. It tells you a massive amount of information about the story, and the characters, but the problem is that most people just see the credits, don't hear the music, and fast forward. The lyrics to this song combined with the incredible composition makes it one of my all-time favorite songs period. Next time you watch a Disney movie (an older one would be best) try and listen to the opening credits- or 'main title'- song. You'd be surprised with the amount of information that is stuffed into the first minute and a half.

Cinderella, you're as lovely as your name
Cinderella, you're a sunset in a frame
Though you're dressed in rags
You wear an air of queenly grace
Anyone can see a throne
Would be your proper place
Cinderella, if you give your heart a chance
It will lead you, to the kingdom of romance
There you'll see your dreams unfold
Cinderella, Cinderella
In the sweetest story ever told

Disney Music: Baloo's Blues

The song Baloo's Blues was recorded after the release and commercial success of The Jungle Book, after the masses heard the soundtrack they wanted more. So, Disney had the Sherman Brothers write additional music that would sound like it belonged to the original movie. Additionally, they had Phil Harris come in and record it, it was one of their most successful records at the time.

I personally enjoy this song because it has blues notes in it, which are true to the original movie and also reveal the darker side of the story. Rudyard Kipling's story is very dark, and even though Disney did a fantastic job of translating it into an age-appropriate story line, it is nice to get some depth into the music in addition to what already is there.

 

It's a blue, blue jungle
Ev'ry vine, ev'ry tree
Yes, it's a blue, blue jungle
Not like it used to be
Because my little buddy
My little Mowgli's far from me
An' I got the misery

Oh, they civilized my mancub
Washed his face and combed his hair–sticky gooey stuff, yeah
They civilized my mancub
Gave him way-out clothes to where–nowhere
They're messin' with my Mowgli
And he would've made one swell bear

Oh, I'm on the road to ruin
Stewin' 'bout him night 'n day
Yes, I'm just a broodin' bruin
Stewin' while I'm turnin' gray
I've got to have my mancub
Gotta get him back here right away–someway

And if anybody tries to stop me
He better bring all the help he can
Hear me talkin' to ya
I said if anybody tries to stop me
He gonna get a one-way ticket to the promised land
I'm preachin' now
'Cause I'm gonna cave in his casaba
I'm gonna pull it off
And then lay it in his hand

I've got those sad-about-'im
Can't-live-without-'im
Baloo blues

Disney Legends: Harriet Burns

                                                    (August 20, 1928 – July 25, 2008) 

Harriet Burns working on the Tiki Tiki Room animatronic bird, Pierre Salinger.

Who was Harriet Burns? Born in San Antonio Texas on August 20, 1928 she was the first Disney Woman Imagineer.

To those of you who may not know, an Imagineer is a certain level of job, there are countless departments who have Imagineers on staff, but typically they are referenced as the engineers that Disney uses to design, create and build their attractions at the various parks.

Until Harriet Burns, there had been no female Imagineers, and she would be the one to pioneer the way for other female Disney legends, such as Mary Blair and Alice Estes Davis.

Even though she had the same job as the men, working with power tools and electronics, she still chose to remain her professional self and wear a stylish skirt and heels to work everyday. The only exception was one day when she was working on the Tiki Tiki Room for Disneyland, and she spilled a combination of chemicals onto her skirt, and literally burned her clothes off! Her fellow Imagineer Fred Joerger lent her a pair of his work jeans, and that was the only time she didn't wear her skirt and heels.

The projects she worked on included:
The Matterhorn
Storybook Land
The Submarine Voyage
Candy Mountain (discontinued)
The Casey Jr. Circus Train (original-discontinued)
The Wizard of Oz Display (discontinued)
Mickey Mouse Club
Sleeping Beauty Castle Model
It's a Small World
Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln
Carousel of Progress
Pirates of the Caribbean
New Orleans Square
Haunted Mansion
Plaza Square

She was truly the epidemy of not just a legendary Disney Imagineer, but of the modern woman.



 

During Disney: The Skeleton Dance

This is the first short video to be seen in a soon to be wildly acclaimed popular video series called 'Silly Symphonies', this particular short entitled 'The Skeleton Dance' was released in 1929, and had a budget of $5,386

The music was composed by Carl Stalling, with influences from Edvard Grieg's "The March of the Trolls". In a conversation, he said it was done as a foxtrot in a minor key.

The entire history of the short can be found at the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Skeleton_Dance

Disney Skeletons: Song of the South

Walt Disney's Song of the South: 1946

 

In 1946, the Walt Disney Company released their new movie Song of the South, soon to their regret. This movie is based around an African American man named Uncle Remus, who works at a family estate, supposedly for several years. He is known for his storytelling, so when the estate owner's daughter comes to visit with her son and husband, Uncle Remus decides to tell the son, Johnny, the stories that he had told Johnny's mother.

 

This results in the stories of Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Bear, and Br'er Fox. Essentially, these are an adapted folk version of Aesop's Fables. After Johnny and his new friend Toby hear these stories, they engage in all kinds of mischief and tomfoolery.

 

Unfortunately, this movie has been labeled 'racist' by the general population for a few reasons.

The first of them being that all of the help on the family's estate is African American, which upon first glance could suggest that they are enslaved. However, towards the middle of the movie, Uncle Remus has multiple conversations with the matriarch of the estate that would completely contradict any type of enslavement, from the manners of both people in the conversation.

The second being that all of the help calls the estate owner and her family 'sir', or 'missus'. This is a common misconception that this is hardened proof of slavery, this was a common form of dialect for that time era, and in no way proves that they were enslaved. In fact, during multiple points of the movie, the matriarch is referred to as with various titles of authority besides 'Mother' or 'missus' by her daughter.

The third, and most concrete reason why this movie isn't racist,  is at the very end of the movie. Whenever Uncle Remus leaves to go get Johnny's father (before he was run over by the bull), there is no effort to stop him, and no repercussions whenever he returns. And not only is he taken into the house where Johnny is laying sick, he is asked  to go see Johnny. I'm no history professor, but I'm pretty sure slaves weren't treated with respect or courtesy.

So, in my opinion, this movie is anything but racist. Does it reinforce stereotypes? Yes, for all of the characters. Personally, I don't see how a movie that praises African American folk tales could be, by definition, be racist.



FAQ of a Homeschooler: Do You Have Any Friends?

Let me just start this post with a plethora of images that may describe what I want to say better than I could say it myself.

 

 

The question "So, do you have any friends?" has always confused and angered me. Yes! I have friends. Contrary to popular belief, there are other kids that exist outside of the public school system. This is an incredibly demeaning question for anyone, and I honestly can't count how many times I've answered this indignantly with "Yes, I have friends. We see each other almost every day, do almost everything together, and we are as close as sisters.".

 

I consider myself incredibly lucky, I am still friends with two out of three of my best friends that I grew up with, and we've literally known one another since birth ( for the record, I'm the oldest! ). I can tell you each one's foot size, favorite color, TV show, movie, food, song, artist, cartoon, sport, book, animal, their worst fear, their biggest dream, and most importantly... Who they want to make out with. And they know the same about me.

 

The point I'm trying to make is that Homeschoolers have acquaintances, we have friends, we have 'best friends', and we have people we can't stand. So if you think about it, we're kind of like normal people. We're kind of like... you.

 

 

 

FAQ of a Homeschooler: Did You Ever Leave the House?

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked "So, did you ever, like, go outside? You know, liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike, leave the house?". The short answer is yes.

But for some reason, they never seem to believe me when I tell them that. Maybe it's because they don't know what we do besides study flashcards all day. So, I have prepared a summary of the activities I did while I was Homeschooled. Keep in mind that I was Homeschooled from Pre-School until my High School Graduation.

1. I trained with a Piano teacher for ten years (Thank you Tammy!).
2. I trained with the Columbia Dance Academy for nine years (Thank you Ms. Jean! I still find myself spotting when I spin!).
3. I was on a Swim Team for one year, but in that one year I took either first or second in every race I was in.  
4. I did Bible Quizzing for about five years, and will be going back this year. I might do a separate post to explain what that is later...In that time, I qualified for Regional and National competitions every year that I participated.
5. I was involved with a girls Bible study called Far Above Rubies for at least ten years, and went from student, to Group Leader as fast as they would let me.
6. I attended clogging classes (Thank you Jaime!) for two years, but found it wasn't my forte.
7. I played community soccer for two years, and was never very good but boy did I try hard!
8. I read an average of 7-10 new books a week for several years, until I literally couldn't find any more age-appropriate books at our local library to read, so Mom started taking us down to Jefferson City for their library (and Central Dairy!).
9. We have taken several vacations over the years, but one of the most significant to me was a trip we took with two other families (who we are very close to) to Chicago, where we rented an almost-mansion, and went to the Trade Center, the Science Museum, The Lego Store, the American Girl Store, and the beaches. It's one of my favorite memories.
10. Yes, I hunt. And for the record, I love it! Being able to sit in a deer stand for hours on end in complete silence is freaking heaven.
11. I've taken multiple Dual Credit Courses, including Intro to Business and Speech 101.
12. I've taken the ACT multiple times, with varying levels of success.
13. I recently attended a Disney Face Character Audition with my Mom and Aunt in Chicago (didn't get a role, they weren't looking for my height).
14. Our family has gone Parasailing (which I would recommend, even if you're scared of heights, it's incredible!).
15. I've taken Tae Kwon Do lessons, they lasted a little over a year, and over that span of time I had gotten some significant belts for that time period (I loved it!).
16. I've been hired and fired.
17. I've been hired again.
18. My cooking is enough that if someone ate it, they would live...probably...
19. I've discovered that Marketing is a recently uncovered passion of mine, thanks to incredible teachers at Stephens College.
20. I've been friends with two women who have an unnerving amount of dirt on me, and are incredibly smart and funny.
21. I took horseback riding lessons for a year.
22. I went swimming with sharks.

Well, I know that I've forgotten some things, but I hope that this post has helped you realize that Homeschoolers don't just sit at home listening to Mozart all day, and work on math problems for fun. We are kids, parents and families who enjoy having new experiences as often as possible, and we love the opportunities Homeschooling has provided for us.