I want to give a special shout out to my fabulous Aunt Tereasa (Aunt is a little too formal. I just call her T). She has decided that she wants to be a member of the Team!
She's just started a new blog, http://missteresad.blogspot.com/. I don't know what she has in store for it, but I'm sure it will be entertaining, to say the least.
So, I want everyone to go over, introduce themselves and give her a great big Team Voice welcome!
Welcome aboard Miss T!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Race Report - 2010 Renaissance Half Marathon
I've been meaning to get these up sooner, but I've done two races in recent months that need to be reported on. Neither were spectacular performances or anything, but they should be reported anyway. So here it goes.
Where: Ridgeland, MS
When: June 12, 2010
Length: 13.3 miles
Running Buddy: Aunt De'Dee
Time: 3:30:31
Level of Preparedness: Not at all Prepared!
So far, this has been the year of terrible racing. Granted, for the two halfs I've done this year, I was not prepared for them, but still... conditions have been terrible. Remember how cold January was? Well this race was the total opposite extreme. After the race the car thermometer said 109 degrees! God knows what the humidity was. It was so bad, that the NWS issued a Heat Advisory starting at 6 am and the Governor issued a "near" state of an emergency asking everyone to stay indoors. All of this, and we're out running a half.
We knew it was going to be hot. The "hellish onslaught of Mississippi Summer" was in full force. But, we had NO idea that it would be this unbearable! We left my aunts house at 5am and it was already 90 degrees. We knew that wasn't a good sign!
Anyway, Neither my Aunt or I were prepared to do this race, at all. I guess we were just cocky. We ran this race last year at a decent time and after the WDW half and it's terrible conditions we thought we'd be ok. We planned on walking most of the way with a little jogging anyway, so we figured we had this one down... We learned quick!
Pre-race stuff went along without a hitch. There were only about 1500 runners, so there isn't too much of a stress on the facilities. We were both fine up until mile 4. That's when my aunts knees began hurting and when my right foot began to give me some trouble. It felt like it was on fire! I had to stop and take a look. It was at that point that I had on the wrong socks! I was wearing the "great and wonderful" socks that we bought at the Expo in January and not my Dri-max. (Sidenote: Those expo socks are terrible. I think they're scam socks made out of cotton with a little polyester to give them a stretch feel. If I ever see the guy that sold them to me, I'll ring his neck!)After figuring out what happened, I knew there wasn't anything I could do. These socks were going to kill me, but I decided to press on and make due the best I could.
By mile 7, I had to go to the medical tent my feet were so bad. They put on some blister stuff(that works wonders) and wrapped my foot. It felt a little better, but my feet were still hot.
By mile 11, I had to stop again. This time from near heat exhaustion and both of my feet. They put stuff on my feet again and gave me some cold ice water and some frozen grapes. That seemed to help me out a lot, so I decided to keep going. Hell, I was at mile 11... I ain't about to stop now! So I got up and limped closer to the finish line.
By the time I got to mile 13, I was really limping. I mean seriously limping. Pedestrian old ladies who were walking on the sidewalk next to me were walking faster than me! But I didn't care. I was determined to finish. And I did... barely, but I did. It was the worst time yet at 3:30:31, but I did it.
Post race went along fairly well. Medal and food distribution went off great, unlike WDW. And thankfully I parked about 50 feet from the finish line, so I was able to hop in my car and drive home to a cold bath and take care of my feet. (Sidenote: reason why they were burning? Three quarter sized blisters on my left foot, one silver dollar sized blister topped with a nickle sized blister and two quarter sized blisters on the right... Ouch!!!)
Here's a picture of the medal... I was very disappointed in it this year. Take a look...
The front is ok. Design is just a little to "frilly" for me, but since the Renaissance is an upscale shopping area, I'm ok with it.
Here's my problem! Look how thick the damn thing is! A dime is thicker than that! I feel cheated!
Here's another thing I'm disappointed with. The "professional" race grading people screwed up again this year. Last year, they extended the race by a tenth of a mile. That's a long way really. Well, they mucked it up again when they extended it by not one... but THREE tenths of a mile! Yeah... not happy.
We've said that we're not doing this race again next year. I have no intention on doing it, but who knows... I'm sure we will. Give us something to complain about, anyway.
Special Kudos to a random runner at this race. This guy was dedicated and determined to finish. I saw him at both of my stops at the medical tent. He was definitely suffering from heat exhaustion when I saw him at mile 11. He looked faint, he was vomiting, and practically about to fall out. Did he stop? No. Race officials were following, pleading with him to stop. He wouldn't. EMTs then began to plead with him. He still wouldn't. Finally, they had to get the police after him and force him to stop. At that point, they took him away in an ambulance. But, for the downright refusal to give up, this guy gets special Kudos from me.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
An Index to the Index
So, I finally finished those upgrades I was talking about. Just finished tonight. What do y'all think? The old color scheme had gotten a little too boring I thought. I kinda like the black though. Looks more professional to me.
I wanted to change the logo for the blog, but lack of proper equipment, no how, and overwhelming desire kept me from doing it. Besides, it goes with the black motif, and I kinda like it. It has represented the blog well and I still find it relevant. Maybe I'll change it eventually, but for now, it stays.
Anywho, I also finished the Index feature that I was talking about way back when. I'm so proud of myself! No I can reminisce any time I want. But, in order to explain the Index's labels, I thought I'd post an "Index to the Index". Some labels are self explanatory, but I've addressed them anyway, so it may be a bit redundant. But anyway, here it goes:
Breaking News- These posts contain news regarding this blog, Team Voice, the overall Disney community, and news from the Parks and the Company.
Club 8- All posts referring to my current Club 8 plan and goals. This includes all race training.
Coolness- Just random videos, pictures, links, etc. that I find cool. These posts may or may not be relevant to Disney... I just find them full of coolness.
Discussion- Just like it sounds... I pose a question to you guys and you discuss it.
Disney Humor- These can vary. Posts may be funny Disney created media to outside forces making fun of Disney. If I find it funny and it's even remotely related to Disney, I'll posted it under this label.
Disney Trip Reports- My adventures in the Disney Parks. Includes all Pre and Post trip reports and reports from the parks.
Disney Trivia- In the past and hopefully in future posts, I've asked various forms of Disney trivia. I think it's fun!
Everyday Magic- These are the "Everyday Magic" series posts. I'm hoping to expand this one a bit in the coming weeks.
Kudos- When Disney or anyone else does something right and good, I'll sing their praises in this section. I'll also post shout outs to other Team Voicers and Community members here as well.
Non-Disney Humor- Just things that I find amusing that have nothing to do with Disney.
Non-Disney Trip Reports- Yes, I am forced to go places that are not located within the Disney Parks. I'll bore you with those reports here.
Non-Disney Trivia- I'm a trivia junkie, so general knowledge, non-Disney trivia is bound to emerge at some point.
Old Training Days- These are posts from days gone by. Most of this stuff is irrelevant to the blog today, but there is a lot of history in these posts. Many of the old training posts were deleted back when I first started the overhaul, but I decided to keep some just to document my triumphs and my mistakes.
Racing- Anything and everything involving racing goes here, including race reports, results, and other cool stuff.
Ramblings- Quite simply, the ramblings of a mad man.
Rant- You all know I go on tirades some times. Many of you find them entertaining. So, go back and check out my rants from the old days.
I'm going to try to keep all posts with in these labels, but as I come up and debut new segments and series, I'll make new labels. The index is mostly for me. I lost track with the near 300 posts on the blog, and I kind of wanted to see what I had and such. But, if there is something that was said on this blog that you want to go back and find, maybe the index will help you out.
First day of the new Club 8 starts tomorrow. Y'all ready?
I wanted to change the logo for the blog, but lack of proper equipment, no how, and overwhelming desire kept me from doing it. Besides, it goes with the black motif, and I kinda like it. It has represented the blog well and I still find it relevant. Maybe I'll change it eventually, but for now, it stays.
Anywho, I also finished the Index feature that I was talking about way back when. I'm so proud of myself! No I can reminisce any time I want. But, in order to explain the Index's labels, I thought I'd post an "Index to the Index". Some labels are self explanatory, but I've addressed them anyway, so it may be a bit redundant. But anyway, here it goes:
Breaking News- These posts contain news regarding this blog, Team Voice, the overall Disney community, and news from the Parks and the Company.
Club 8- All posts referring to my current Club 8 plan and goals. This includes all race training.
Coolness- Just random videos, pictures, links, etc. that I find cool. These posts may or may not be relevant to Disney... I just find them full of coolness.
Discussion- Just like it sounds... I pose a question to you guys and you discuss it.
Disney Humor- These can vary. Posts may be funny Disney created media to outside forces making fun of Disney. If I find it funny and it's even remotely related to Disney, I'll posted it under this label.
Disney Trip Reports- My adventures in the Disney Parks. Includes all Pre and Post trip reports and reports from the parks.
Disney Trivia- In the past and hopefully in future posts, I've asked various forms of Disney trivia. I think it's fun!
Everyday Magic- These are the "Everyday Magic" series posts. I'm hoping to expand this one a bit in the coming weeks.
Kudos- When Disney or anyone else does something right and good, I'll sing their praises in this section. I'll also post shout outs to other Team Voicers and Community members here as well.
Non-Disney Humor- Just things that I find amusing that have nothing to do with Disney.
Non-Disney Trip Reports- Yes, I am forced to go places that are not located within the Disney Parks. I'll bore you with those reports here.
Non-Disney Trivia- I'm a trivia junkie, so general knowledge, non-Disney trivia is bound to emerge at some point.
Old Training Days- These are posts from days gone by. Most of this stuff is irrelevant to the blog today, but there is a lot of history in these posts. Many of the old training posts were deleted back when I first started the overhaul, but I decided to keep some just to document my triumphs and my mistakes.
Racing- Anything and everything involving racing goes here, including race reports, results, and other cool stuff.
Ramblings- Quite simply, the ramblings of a mad man.
Rant- You all know I go on tirades some times. Many of you find them entertaining. So, go back and check out my rants from the old days.
I'm going to try to keep all posts with in these labels, but as I come up and debut new segments and series, I'll make new labels. The index is mostly for me. I lost track with the near 300 posts on the blog, and I kind of wanted to see what I had and such. But, if there is something that was said on this blog that you want to go back and find, maybe the index will help you out.
First day of the new Club 8 starts tomorrow. Y'all ready?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Captain EO
Hi guys! I hope you all had a great fourth of July weekend (regardless of citizenship). With the spirit of the season, I figured I'd make some fireworks. Yes, it is time for a Disney Rant!
Ok, maybe that was a little over the top, but I'm fed up. Let it be known that I am 100 percent against the return of Captain EO to the Disney Parks. I know, I know, I'm stepping on some toes here but so be it! I'm as mad as hell!
I'm against it for a number of reasons. I'm going to be rambling a bit, so bear with me.
First of all, I feel like this is Disney simply trying to capitalize on MJ's death. Sure, that's what corporations do. I get it. But still, I find the fact that Disney would have never entertained the idea of Captain EO's return had it not been for MJ's sudden death just a little morbid. But sure, I'll give Disney a little leeway here as they are simply doing what a corporation does and "moonwalking straight to the bank".
My second grievance is the fact that the show is so damn cheesy! Ok, sure, I've only seen the show via YouTube... but that's all I needed! What really pisses me off? They took out one of my favorite attractions (Honey I Shrunk the Audience) and replaced it with something that should have died (and did) years ago! Let's face it, Captain EO was taken out for a reason. It was old, hokey, and really had no place in the "new" Epcot. Yes it was time for Honey I Shrunk the Audience to go, but seriously? Let's move forward, not backward!
And, I know that 1993 and 2005 are eons in the entertainment world, but the man was an accused child molester. Sure he was acquitted of the charges, but the fact remains. I could go on here, but that is beside the point. Yes, MJ was an excellent entertainer and was very talented, but he still had those charges. Let's say that Disney brought back an old attraction that starred OJ Simpson. There would be outrage, as there should be. OJ was a very talented football player and he was acquitted of his charges too. But his name can't be spoken without thoughts of his crimes. So why? Why does MJ get a free pass and not OJ? I don't know... I just feel like we're glorifying someone who maybe shouldn't be. Maybe I'm wrong for even bringing that point up, but there it is.
Again, I just feel like Disney has gone about this all wrong. Disney says that the show is only temporary. Well, if this is only temporary, while imagineering thinks up something else to replace it, then great. I'm all for it. Moral objections aside, Captain EO will bring people in and that's what Disney is in business to do. However, let us recall what "temporary" means to Disney:
Ok, maybe that was a little over the top, but I'm fed up. Let it be known that I am 100 percent against the return of Captain EO to the Disney Parks. I know, I know, I'm stepping on some toes here but so be it! I'm as mad as hell!
I'm against it for a number of reasons. I'm going to be rambling a bit, so bear with me.
First of all, I feel like this is Disney simply trying to capitalize on MJ's death. Sure, that's what corporations do. I get it. But still, I find the fact that Disney would have never entertained the idea of Captain EO's return had it not been for MJ's sudden death just a little morbid. But sure, I'll give Disney a little leeway here as they are simply doing what a corporation does and "moonwalking straight to the bank".
My second grievance is the fact that the show is so damn cheesy! Ok, sure, I've only seen the show via YouTube... but that's all I needed! What really pisses me off? They took out one of my favorite attractions (Honey I Shrunk the Audience) and replaced it with something that should have died (and did) years ago! Let's face it, Captain EO was taken out for a reason. It was old, hokey, and really had no place in the "new" Epcot. Yes it was time for Honey I Shrunk the Audience to go, but seriously? Let's move forward, not backward!
And, I know that 1993 and 2005 are eons in the entertainment world, but the man was an accused child molester. Sure he was acquitted of the charges, but the fact remains. I could go on here, but that is beside the point. Yes, MJ was an excellent entertainer and was very talented, but he still had those charges. Let's say that Disney brought back an old attraction that starred OJ Simpson. There would be outrage, as there should be. OJ was a very talented football player and he was acquitted of his charges too. But his name can't be spoken without thoughts of his crimes. So why? Why does MJ get a free pass and not OJ? I don't know... I just feel like we're glorifying someone who maybe shouldn't be. Maybe I'm wrong for even bringing that point up, but there it is.
Again, I just feel like Disney has gone about this all wrong. Disney says that the show is only temporary. Well, if this is only temporary, while imagineering thinks up something else to replace it, then great. I'm all for it. Moral objections aside, Captain EO will bring people in and that's what Disney is in business to do. However, let us recall what "temporary" means to Disney:
- Mickey's Toontown Fair was only supposed to be a temporary land for Mickey's Birthday Celebration in 1988. It's been temporary ever since.
- The dreadful Wand over Spaceship Earth was built as a temporary decoration in 1999 for the Millennium Celebration. It wasn't taken down until 2007.
- Camp Minnie-Mickey was supposedly a temporary land for Animal Kingdom while Imagineering came up with something better. The land opened with the park in 1998 and yet it still remains.
I could go on, but you get my point. I have a feeling that Captain EO will be with Epcot and Disneyland for a lot longer than the implied "temporary" label Disney has given us. If this happens, Disney is cheating their guests. They've replaced an aged attraction with an even older, cheaper alternative and that just isn't right to us fans.
I could be over-reacting. I tend to do that a lot, but I get so mad when an opportunity like this is squandered. They had the perfect opportunity to give us an awesome new 3D attraction and they screwed it up. It PISSES me off!!! But, if I'm wrong, and I hope I am, I'll retract this post and apologize to Disney. Hell, if they out do themselves, I'll even give them a kudos... and those are hard to get from me!
Ok, my blood pressure is too high. I must stop. What do you guys think? Are you happy to see Captain EO return? Or are you as pissed off as I am? Maybe you don't care.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Virtual Team Voice Meets?
Ok, I know I'm totally ripping this off, but here it goes...
I was reading over at Byron's blog earlier this week. There he talked about Team AllEars holding a Skype call every so often. I think that is awesome and that we need to adopt this! So, I figured I'd pose the question to you guys here. Is this something that would interest you?
The blogs do alot to keep the team going, but I think something like this, even for just a few minutes a week, would really bring us back together and keep us going. Though I'm not sure of the logistics behind something like this (can Skype handle more than 10 people talking at once and would we be able to handle that, when is a good time for everyone, etc, etc...) I think it would be interesting to say the least.
So, I'm going to open the issue up for debate. Do you think this is a good idea and are you interested? Post your thoughts in the comments and we'll get a dialogue going.
I was reading over at Byron's blog earlier this week. There he talked about Team AllEars holding a Skype call every so often. I think that is awesome and that we need to adopt this! So, I figured I'd pose the question to you guys here. Is this something that would interest you?
The blogs do alot to keep the team going, but I think something like this, even for just a few minutes a week, would really bring us back together and keep us going. Though I'm not sure of the logistics behind something like this (can Skype handle more than 10 people talking at once and would we be able to handle that, when is a good time for everyone, etc, etc...) I think it would be interesting to say the least.
So, I'm going to open the issue up for debate. Do you think this is a good idea and are you interested? Post your thoughts in the comments and we'll get a dialogue going.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A Moment of Weak Strength
Hi guys! Just wanted to boast about my most recent victory. As I've mentioned before, I've been struggling over the past few months. I've been giving in to my old habits (or as I call them, demons) of over eating and laziness. No excuse for it at all. But, the past few weeks have been different. I've slowly begun wogging again and I've been doing excellent as far as diet is concerned. I've run another half marathon recently (Race Report coming tomorrow, I promise) and will be running a 5K this weekend, so I think I'm back with it.
That being said, I had a weak day today. I gave into my craving for Chinese, which is one of my biggest weaknesses. I didn't do too terrible. A friend and I split a small order of sesame chicken and fried rice, but I still felt guilty afterward. That stuff just isn't healthy, even in small portions, but I love it! Then came tonight, which was a moment of both strength and weakness.
Just about an hour ago, I went to walmart to pick up some supplies (for my last day of summer school! WOOT!). Along with those supplies, I got a pack of cinnamon rolls. I get to my car and before I know it, I'm already taking the first bite. I'm driving home, attempting to wolf down as much as I can before I get home, knowing that I can't bring them in. That's when I think, "What the hell am I doing? I'm ruining everything that I've done just over the past few month!" What's really sad is that the rolls weren't even good... I was just eating them because they were there. It was at that moment, just about 45 minutes ago, that I realized that I have an honest to God food addiction. I've always known, but I've never had the "Come to Jesus" moment that I've just had.
It's embarrassing to admit this in such a public forum, but it is what it is. Thankfully, I only ate one of the rolls before I through them out the window (don't worry, pastries are biodegradable). I'm actually kinda proud of myself right now. I stopped myself from doing the self destructive behavior that has gotten me into some pretty serious trouble.
So, hello guys. My name is Matt and I am a recovering food addict!
That being said, I had a weak day today. I gave into my craving for Chinese, which is one of my biggest weaknesses. I didn't do too terrible. A friend and I split a small order of sesame chicken and fried rice, but I still felt guilty afterward. That stuff just isn't healthy, even in small portions, but I love it! Then came tonight, which was a moment of both strength and weakness.
Just about an hour ago, I went to walmart to pick up some supplies (for my last day of summer school! WOOT!). Along with those supplies, I got a pack of cinnamon rolls. I get to my car and before I know it, I'm already taking the first bite. I'm driving home, attempting to wolf down as much as I can before I get home, knowing that I can't bring them in. That's when I think, "What the hell am I doing? I'm ruining everything that I've done just over the past few month!" What's really sad is that the rolls weren't even good... I was just eating them because they were there. It was at that moment, just about 45 minutes ago, that I realized that I have an honest to God food addiction. I've always known, but I've never had the "Come to Jesus" moment that I've just had.
It's embarrassing to admit this in such a public forum, but it is what it is. Thankfully, I only ate one of the rolls before I through them out the window (don't worry, pastries are biodegradable). I'm actually kinda proud of myself right now. I stopped myself from doing the self destructive behavior that has gotten me into some pretty serious trouble.
So, hello guys. My name is Matt and I am a recovering food addict!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
All Good Things...
I just got some very sad news. Our beloved All About the Mouse is ending. I'm SO sad about this. Here is the press release that Jonathan issued over at the forums.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
AATM - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Celebrate the Finale of AATM!
Wednesday June 30th, 2010 will be the final show for All About the Mouse. Bryan Ripper and Jonathan Dichter have decided together to end the weekly podcast effective this week. This decision did not come easily - and it is very important that you understand the reasons. Both Bryan and Jonathan have had increasing pressures in their lives, including work, family, and health stressors. As such, a decision point was reached where either our lives would suffer, or the show would. Neither was acceptable to us. We refuse to put out less than the best quality show we can for you, our listeners. Therefore, it is with sadness, that we close this chapter together. We made this decision as a team with no animosity or bad feelings between us. It was the only logical choice we could make.
Our final show will be a LIVE CALL IN SHOW starting at 8PM EST. Our live show on June 30th is designed to give you the opportunity to share in the memories of magic and mayhem. We will be hosting a live call in show for our listeners, colleagues, and friends. We will keep the lines open as long as we can, and Mouseworld Radio has graciously allowed us to do so. We want to hear from ALL of you. Call in to remember, laugh, cry, and celebrate this three year journey with us. It will be a fun journey through the wonderful experience that has been All About the Mouse.
The show will begin with Bryan and Jonathan explaining why the show is being retired in detail, followed by a tribute piece of audio put together by some of our favorite friends, and then - open phone lines for you as long as we can manage it. We want to make sure the show ends as it has always been - with YOU, our listeners and friends.
Join us at 8pm EST on June 30th - at http://www.allaboutthemouse.com/ - for the Finale of the All About the Mouse Disney Podcast.
Thank you for being our loyal legions. We can't wait to talk to you all.
Wednesday June 30th, 2010 will be the final show for All About the Mouse. Bryan Ripper and Jonathan Dichter have decided together to end the weekly podcast effective this week. This decision did not come easily - and it is very important that you understand the reasons. Both Bryan and Jonathan have had increasing pressures in their lives, including work, family, and health stressors. As such, a decision point was reached where either our lives would suffer, or the show would. Neither was acceptable to us. We refuse to put out less than the best quality show we can for you, our listeners. Therefore, it is with sadness, that we close this chapter together. We made this decision as a team with no animosity or bad feelings between us. It was the only logical choice we could make.
Our final show will be a LIVE CALL IN SHOW starting at 8PM EST. Our live show on June 30th is designed to give you the opportunity to share in the memories of magic and mayhem. We will be hosting a live call in show for our listeners, colleagues, and friends. We will keep the lines open as long as we can, and Mouseworld Radio has graciously allowed us to do so. We want to hear from ALL of you. Call in to remember, laugh, cry, and celebrate this three year journey with us. It will be a fun journey through the wonderful experience that has been All About the Mouse.
The show will begin with Bryan and Jonathan explaining why the show is being retired in detail, followed by a tribute piece of audio put together by some of our favorite friends, and then - open phone lines for you as long as we can manage it. We want to make sure the show ends as it has always been - with YOU, our listeners and friends.
Join us at 8pm EST on June 30th - at http://www.allaboutthemouse.com/ - for the Finale of the All About the Mouse Disney Podcast.
Thank you for being our loyal legions. We can't wait to talk to you all.
__________________________________________________
After reading this, I became rather upset with myself. It made me realize just how much our little community means to me and that I've been taking it for granted lately. Now, my favorite podcast is over and I haven't been the loyal listener like I should have been. I will greatly miss this show. All good things must come to an end. Bryan and Jonathan, it's been real!
P.S. AATM may be gone, but Team Voice lives strong! Lets keep this going!
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