Yesterday I talked about how Siskel & Ebert was one of the first endeavors that the newly christened Walt Disney Company undertook in television. But the first hit they had was The Golden Girls. Now I love The Golden Girls. While I could not identify with a bunch of senior women, it didn’t matter because it was funny. Somewhere along the line television forgot that being funny was the best way to have a great comedy.
Part of what made The Golden Girls so funny was Sophia. Her zippy one-liners couldn’t help but make you smile and Estelle Getty’s delivery was part of what made those words priceless. So while I never met her, she was an important part of my growing up. And while I never met her, I want to thank her for being my friend and making Disney bucket loads of money.
Quick Takes:
Parks and Resorts: Ming Na, the voice of Mulan, will be making an appearance at the park that created the film. The actress will be signing at the Writers Stop at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Friday, July 25, from 1-2 p.m. So for those of you that ever wanted to stare strangely back at her, here is your chance.
Studio Entertainment: On Tuesday, August 12th, SIGGRAPH, the computer animation convention, will showcase a night dedicated to Pixar Animation Studios at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. There will b e a screening of “The Man Who Planted Trees” followed by a conversation with Frederic Back and John Lasseter and a screening of “The Pixar Story” with an introduction and Q&A by director Leslie Iwerks and friends. Tickets for the night are only $50. For more info click here.
Consumer Products: Disney and the United States Postal Service will premiere the new stamps in the Art of Disney series on August 7th. The theme this year is “Imagination”.
Disney Interactive Media: Disney Insider has an update on the construction of The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio. Check it out.
What to Watch: In memory of Estelle Getty, Lifetime will air 10 episodes showcasing "Sophia" in all her blustering, sarcastic splendor, beginning with the show's pilot at 12pm. The last episode at 4:30pm will be the #1 favorite "Sophia episode" as decided through a vote of her legion of devoted fans at myLifetime.com.
Video of the Day: Today’s OMG Moment from ABC is from High School Musical: Get in the Picture. The moment involves a lot of burping…. Can you believe more people aren’t watching this show J
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: ABC News has the extended interview Robin Roberts had with Miley Cyrus on Good Morning America. I hear next week Robin is interviewing the trash can.
NY Times: The New York Times reviewed George Michael’s concert at Madison Square Garden. Of course George plays a big role on ABC’s Eli Stone. George Michael must have a lot of power for he must be the reason Eli Stone didn’t get cancelled.
USA Today: USA Today is reporting that there is no end in sight for economic imballence between the dollar and international currency. While Disney benefits from a strong US economy, since the parks are worldwide destinations, a weak dollar can help pick up the slack as international guests are more likely to visit. Of course, as guests we should be rooting for a strong dollar as a weak one leads to more Brazilian tour groups.
LA Times: Former Newsie and current Batman, Christian Bale, was arrested and released in London on Monday for allegedly assaulting his mother and sister. He should have never left Santa Fe. (Newsies reference)
Orlando Sentinel: The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Disney has filed a permit for a grab-and-go resteraunt at the new Bay Lake Tower. The project is expected to be completed September 1st, 2009. I wonder what they will call it? Maybe Permo Grab-and-Go?
Variety: Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz have been named the new critics of “At the Movies”. And nope, I have never heard of them either.