A Spirited Perfect Ten

[HenryMystic]

No, truth is stranger and more bizarre than anything I could even make up while drunk (which Angie says I never get with her ... but she is German and we all know how they can drink!)

But I'd appreciate it, if you could spread this thru your Twitverse Community (some people are too hating on me or too passive aggressive to not realize that they just may be throwing away a chance at helping bring about real CHANGE at a company they profess to love in order to not help get this out!)

Done, and I'll do it again in the morning

 

[WDW1974]

The mystery of why Bob Iger wasn't photographed in China has been solved. Apparently he had a cover shoot for the June 1st Barron's.

Have to admit it was pretty jarring to see the actual cover when it arrived in the mail on Saturday. Not had a chance to read it yet.

Do you know that I almost fell for the Willow Bay Iger in a Yoda dress deal here? My first thought was that it couldn't possibly be real. Again, it speaks volumes about Iger, what he cares about and how he owns most of the financial press (saying most because I'm hoping that one of these people who contacted me will realize that this story can deliver them the rest of their careers.)

 

[WDW1974]

I would pay more if it means I would have a nice quiet day in MK.... I would love to not feel like I am going to get run over going in between Small World and Peter Pan.... But then again I would also pay for a universal type express pass at WDW if it means I could just stroll at my own pace.

Why would you pay more? You're already paying more for less ... if the quality was much higher in 1994 at $38 a day, then taking inflation into account the most you should ever pay would be $61 a day (and that isn't taking anything away from the fact that WDW's parks went from being about a 9 on a 1-10 scale in 1994 to about a 6 on that scale today!)

 

[WDW1974]

If the CCP is forcing Iger to be away from the cameras in China, why did they send only one Deputy Governor of Pudong (there are three governors and six deputy governors of the Pudong New Area, a district within Shanghai) to be part of the press materials for the Disney Store opening?

What does one thing have to do with the other? The issue is that Disney opened the store with a single representative (who was a last minute philin -- sorry, I had to!) and kept their Big Guns away.

It was an act of hostility and not one of friendship or simply cooperation.

The store is supposed to be Disney's. ... Even as I write this, Disney/CCP continue to mask the crowds at the location by limiting its capacity to no more than 50 customers at a time. All billed in the largest Disney Store in the world. Imagine, if WoD only let in 50 or 100 ... or even 200 (and I wrote this exact same thing once or twice already) in at a time ... but it's getting late and I've had a long and tiring day, so let me end my MAGICal night with some joy and laughter from one of the funniest human beings who ever lived -- Aladdin's Genie himself, Mr. Robin Williams.

From a performance after the announcement of Shanghai Disneyland Resort:

It'll be cool. It'll have characters like Mickey Mao.
There'll be duck xiaoping.
You go down Main Street -- there'll be 12 Donald Ducks. ... It's funnier when he does it, naturally!

 

[Magenta Panther]

I had planned on getting this out last week, but issues with timing, translation (of parts) and the general sense in the fan community that this isn't as important as the new MK Hub or Chef Mickey's new brunch (hint: it's a $40 breakfast with a few 'extra' items!) made me wonder if it just wasn't more valuable to me than it was to 'WDW1974' and the MAGICal community.

We all know what happened when Bob Iger and Tom Staggs went to China in terms of anything public ... or nothing public as it turned out. This here is what was supposed to/scheduled to happen.

You know, as other members here have pointed out, Bob Iger is a very shy and humble man who stays far away from the spotlight. He isn't someone who is apt to be found in ... I dunno ... the cab of a DLR monorail attempting to emulate Walt right down to the cardigan, seated next to one of the world's power couples. Nah, you'd never see that.

Simply put, even if no one in what's left of journalism ever writes about it (hey, Brooks, did you really almost run over D-I-C-K Van D-Y-K-E --absurd filters here, guys, this isn't a children's forum and they know all about dicks and dykes! -- because you were texting and driving at the same time after whoring around DL's 60th kickoff? I bet all your pals back in the circus are so proud of you!), Bob and Tom's Shanghai Surprise couldn't have gone worse. And, no, it doesn't bode well for the future for the company over there at all.

With my commentary down, enjoy the read:



19 May, Shanghai Disney Resort

Agreed for Shanghai Disneyland site//

A "cavalcade of characters" will be transported to SHDLR with official logo "hardhats". The Walt Disney Company storyboard, as previously reviewed, will be filmed for Disney's archives and possible future promotional use. As presented and visualized, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger and Disney COO Tom Staggs will join the cast, both the characters and preselected members of the design and construction team, for filming.
Before site exteriors are filmed, as approved, interior filming of executives and dignitaries "studiously reviewing" plans will occur. Castle finial will be hoisted for placement with assembled cast joined by workers, dragons and Shanghai dignitaries to be photographed for internal use and media distribution. With partners and the cavalcade of characters looking on from the temporary stage, the topping off ceremony will conclude with workers positioning peony on structure.

***Fireworks remain in notes and not indicated as artistic flourish in the storyboard.***

Approved for on-site "appearance" lists only Iger and Staggs. (Cheung, Kang and Candland not included.)
Emphasis on, "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."

Topping off ceremony will remain under the direction of local authorities.
20 May, Disney Store Shanghai Opening

Agreed for the Disney Store in Lujiazui (within the footprint in the shadow of the Pearl Tower)//

9,257 sq ft interior with a lease of approximately 54,000 sq ft.

Official "launch" of Shanghai Disney Resort with kickoff celebration led by Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger marking Disney's first location in the Chinese mainland utilizing the store as the brand's jumping off point to begin the buildup to the opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Executives in attendance and to be acknowledged include Thomas Staggs, COO of Disney, Luke Kang, MD TWDC Greater China and Stanley Cheung, Chairman of TWDC Greater China.

Onstage the celebration will include a "cavalcade of Disney characters." Included in the welcoming ceremony will be Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. The characters will embrace Robert Iger and select Shanghai dignitaries who remain for the "turning of the key." Twin dragons will mark the celebration and be pictured in the landmark opening with Mr Iger and Shanghai's senior most official in attendance.

Media presence described as "significant" and consistent with a "momentous partnership" between the government and TWDC.

Disney Chairman and CEO to welcome "first family" of Shanghai's Disney Store and "invite all" to come inside and experience the magic of Disney. The Disney Store "will promote" unique products and being "culturally harmonious" in its offerings and location at the Pearl Tower.

Emphasis on, "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."

The Disney Store Shanghai opening will remain under the direction of local authorities.

-- Upon wheels down in Shanghai, TWDC was informed the CCP's designated media/apparatus would control all appearances and access would be "as indicated" by hosts/escorts.

-- In keeping with China's previous and consistent position, no pictures would be allowed for release nor could the Disney characters be brought on-site "for purposes of propaganda" with security and safety issues cited.

-- Iger and Staggs were told they lacked "proper certification" to be allowed to walk the construction site or be present for the topping off from the park.

-- On May 19, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger was given a tour of the Disney Store Shanghai. His escorts were told no photographs would be allowed aside from the government assigned team memorializing the visit [to China and not only the store], and this was told to Mr Iger.

-- Shortly after the visit to the store, it was learned through the hosts/escorts that Mr Iger has taken pictures and posed for "propaganda purposes" in the store. The photograph of Mr Iger holding the stormtrooper was viewed and "ordered to be destroyed." Later, hours prior to the scheduled opening of the store, the picture was leaked.

-- Disney assured its hosts the picture was not intentionally released and would not be used.

-- Shanghai officials in charge of the store opening determined on the morning of May 20 that no representatives of TWDC from Burbank would be allowed and Iger and Staggs "were held" at their hotel for just then scheduled "essential meetings" concerning "grave matters."

-- It was negotiated that no Disney presence would be "potentially alarming" to the business community and bode poorly for the future of the relationship between TWDC (Western businesses operating in China) and Greater China, so officials agreed to abbreviated terms. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse would be allowed, no other characters. Paul Candland, just in from Tokyo, would be the only "named" executive of TWDC at the opening.

-- Less than 25 "official guests" were in attendance with Mr Candland being the sole representative of Disney. Comments indicating this was Disney's "arrival in the Chinese mainland" would be tempered and were edited by the local authorities assigned to the propaganda team for the SHDLR project (several of whom came from the official news agency, Xinhua).

-- Candland had some difficulty with the script which had only been presented to him immediately prior to the appearance. The focus on children, girls and young families was "problematic" for Candland as it was not consistent with Disney marketing or comments Disney would make.

-- The photograph of the twin dragons with the Disney Store in the background was deemed to be "the appropriate" photograph for circulation in China and elsewhere.

-- No distinction was made between Shanghai Disney Resort, a partnership, and the Disney Store in Shanghai, an entity owned entirely by TWDC.

-- Disney's Iger and Staggs were not on the manifest for the premiere of Tomorrowland, but they were expected. This was not a concern for the officials as it was seen as appropriate and desired for a Western studio head to appear on the red carpet for such an event and reinforced the import of China and the Chinese market to the West.

-- China made it known Disney's introduction to the Chinese mainland would be within the context of the resort and its foundational material (IP?) belonging to "the people of China." TWDC would not be allowed marketing control of the resort or its opening ceremonies and would have "limited administrative" input.

-- As of this visit, a plaque consistent with what appears in each Magic Kingdom will not be part of Shanghai Disneyland. Such a marker would "not be consistent" and "confuse and conflict" visitors who do not know of Walt Disney and will be invited in the state-directed propaganda to "their" park. Shanghai Disney Resort is not intended to be marketed as a destination except for the people of China.

END OF INFO/ITINERARY
The below is commentary from my sources in Asia, pieced together and parsed by me, but not my words (well, except for the final sentence. That's all me!) -- 74.

Relationship is not one of mutual respect and tolerance for Disney's leadership is nonexistent. Bob Weis, the leader of the SHDLR project, has not been a visible presence at the site in quite some time. Around August/September of 2014 something happened that indicated "a change in leadership" had occurred and Weis was not a part of that.

Everything heard is consistent with a complete breakdown between the corporate culture of Iger and Staggs and Disney's government partners (Shendi/CCP). The 'stalling' and eventual refusal to allow Disney to open the store was a shocking move highlighting the increasingly incendiary nature of the arrangement between "the iconic American company" and its partners in government. It was a bold move that broke with how these matters are traditionally handled, so much so that it was believed another business interest may have applied pressure to cause Disney to 'lose face' among the elite class. Another American businessman with substantial interests in Asia and an adversarial relationship with Disney is said to have "placed additional bumps in the road."

The CCP does not have to show "ownership" of the project. Disney does.

Holy crap. :O

 

[Omnispace]

You know, there's a funny thing about evidence. You place it out when people argue for it. Then, they come up with reasons for why that evidence isn't really valid (to them, forget about the rest of the world).

You come up with intelligent, reasoned explanations (based on facts, history and perspective, some of it your own first-hand) and they (with NONE of the aforementioned items) dismiss that. Or they invoke Jesus (I don't know why because my lawn man is still MIA and I'm not a hillbilly like @Lee who mows his own lawn while dreaming of funnel cakes!)

I think if Jesus told some of these people what I'm saying they'd still choose to not believe it. Better to live in ignorance, then let the light of truth shine in, I suppose.

BTW, I am enjoying reading the responses, especially for one reason I haven't stated until now ... while I gave you much of what I was told, I left a bit on the side ... to cure or to leverage. For the few overzealous doubters, who swear they don't care at all -- except in protecting the virginal Weatherman's reputation, but before you step into a hole and fall all the way to China, I'd simply state that I have more information to follow. And you don't actually think that it won't back up everything I've been saying/posting about for months now do you?

I find it interesting that you would even be concerned with the opinions of the naysayers. Their arguments are not very compelling.

The information you present suggests that TWDC had a prearranged (supposedly recent) agreement on how the events would unfold. Would TWDC be that naive to expect their "cavalcade" of publicity or did the situation simply change that quickly with the Chinese? We have heard other's speculation on the approach the Chinese took but an informed opinion from someone with the proper insight would be welcome.

 

[Omnispace]

Only difference here is that Disney is a business partner with Shendi and we've got (at least) $5B in the project.

At least $5B is only a drop in the bucket compared to those stock buy backs!

 

[PhotoDave219]

No offense Spirit, while I find you quite the storyteller, I don't think even you're good enough to come up with that China drama. Yow. ;-)

Oh by the way, TEA numbers were supposed to be released tomorrow (today?) but have suddenly been delayed until Wednesday....

I saw that. I'm having fun playing with Spreadsheets and TP's observed stuff. I'll trip out if my projections even come close.

 

[Longhairbear]

I had planned on getting this out last week, but issues with timing, translation (of parts) and the general sense in the fan community that this isn't as important as the new MK Hub or Chef Mickey's new brunch (hint: it's a $40 breakfast with a few 'extra' items!) made me wonder if it just wasn't more valuable to me than it was to 'WDW1974' and the MAGICal community.

We all know what happened when Bob Iger and Tom Staggs went to China in terms of anything public ... or nothing public as it turned out. This here is what was supposed to/scheduled to happen.

You know, as other members here have pointed out, Bob Iger is a very shy and humble man who stays far away from the spotlight. He isn't someone who is apt to be found in ... I dunno ... the cab of a DLR monorail attempting to emulate Walt right down to the cardigan, seated next to one of the world's power couples. Nah, you'd never see that.

Simply put, even if no one in what's left of journalism ever writes about it (hey, Brooks, did you really almost run over D-I-C-K Van D-Y-K-E --absurd filters here, guys, this isn't a children's forum and they know all about dicks and dykes! -- because you were texting and driving at the same time after whoring around DL's 60th kickoff? I bet all your pals back in the circus are so proud of you!), Bob and Tom's Shanghai Surprise couldn't have gone worse. And, no, it doesn't bode well for the future for the company over there at all.

With my commentary down, enjoy the read:



19 May, Shanghai Disney Resort

Agreed for Shanghai Disneyland site//

A "cavalcade of characters" will be transported to SHDLR with official logo "hardhats". The Walt Disney Company storyboard, as previously reviewed, will be filmed for Disney's archives and possible future promotional use. As presented and visualized, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger and Disney COO Tom Staggs will join the cast, both the characters and preselected members of the design and construction team, for filming.
Before site exteriors are filmed, as approved, interior filming of executives and dignitaries "studiously reviewing" plans will occur. Castle finial will be hoisted for placement with assembled cast joined by workers, dragons and Shanghai dignitaries to be photographed for internal use and media distribution. With partners and the cavalcade of characters looking on from the temporary stage, the topping off ceremony will conclude with workers positioning peony on structure.

***Fireworks remain in notes and not indicated as artistic flourish in the storyboard.***

Approved for on-site "appearance" lists only Iger and Staggs. (Cheung, Kang and Candland not included.)
Emphasis on, "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."

Topping off ceremony will remain under the direction of local authorities.
20 May, Disney Store Shanghai Opening

Agreed for the Disney Store in Lujiazui (within the footprint in the shadow of the Pearl Tower)//

9,257 sq ft interior with a lease of approximately 54,000 sq ft.

Official "launch" of Shanghai Disney Resort with kickoff celebration led by Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger marking Disney's first location in the Chinese mainland utilizing the store as the brand's jumping off point to begin the buildup to the opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Executives in attendance and to be acknowledged include Thomas Staggs, COO of Disney, Luke Kang, MD TWDC Greater China and Stanley Cheung, Chairman of TWDC Greater China.

Onstage the celebration will include a "cavalcade of Disney characters." Included in the welcoming ceremony will be Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. The characters will embrace Robert Iger and select Shanghai dignitaries who remain for the "turning of the key." Twin dragons will mark the celebration and be pictured in the landmark opening with Mr Iger and Shanghai's senior most official in attendance.

Media presence described as "significant" and consistent with a "momentous partnership" between the government and TWDC.

Disney Chairman and CEO to welcome "first family" of Shanghai's Disney Store and "invite all" to come inside and experience the magic of Disney. The Disney Store "will promote" unique products and being "culturally harmonious" in its offerings and location at the Pearl Tower.

Emphasis on, "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."

The Disney Store Shanghai opening will remain under the direction of local authorities.

-- Upon wheels down in Shanghai, TWDC was informed the CCP's designated media/apparatus would control all appearances and access would be "as indicated" by hosts/escorts.

-- In keeping with China's previous and consistent position, no pictures would be allowed for release nor could the Disney characters be brought on-site "for purposes of propaganda" with security and safety issues cited.

-- Iger and Staggs were told they lacked "proper certification" to be allowed to walk the construction site or be present for the topping off from the park.

-- On May 19, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger was given a tour of the Disney Store Shanghai. His escorts were told no photographs would be allowed aside from the government assigned team memorializing the visit [to China and not only the store], and this was told to Mr Iger.

-- Shortly after the visit to the store, it was learned through the hosts/escorts that Mr Iger has taken pictures and posed for "propaganda purposes" in the store. The photograph of Mr Iger holding the stormtrooper was viewed and "ordered to be destroyed." Later, hours prior to the scheduled opening of the store, the picture was leaked.

-- Disney assured its hosts the picture was not intentionally released and would not be used.

-- Shanghai officials in charge of the store opening determined on the morning of May 20 that no representatives of TWDC from Burbank would be allowed and Iger and Staggs "were held" at their hotel for just then scheduled "essential meetings" concerning "grave matters."

-- It was negotiated that no Disney presence would be "potentially alarming" to the business community and bode poorly for the future of the relationship between TWDC (Western businesses operating in China) and Greater China, so officials agreed to abbreviated terms. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse would be allowed, no other characters. Paul Candland, just in from Tokyo, would be the only "named" executive of TWDC at the opening.

-- Less than 25 "official guests" were in attendance with Mr Candland being the sole representative of Disney. Comments indicating this was Disney's "arrival in the Chinese mainland" would be tempered and were edited by the local authorities assigned to the propaganda team for the SHDLR project (several of whom came from the official news agency, Xinhua).

-- Candland had some difficulty with the script which had only been presented to him immediately prior to the appearance. The focus on children, girls and young families was "problematic" for Candland as it was not consistent with Disney marketing or comments Disney would make.

-- The photograph of the twin dragons with the Disney Store in the background was deemed to be "the appropriate" photograph for circulation in China and elsewhere.

-- No distinction was made between Shanghai Disney Resort, a partnership, and the Disney Store in Shanghai, an entity owned entirely by TWDC.

-- Disney's Iger and Staggs were not on the manifest for the premiere of Tomorrowland, but they were expected. This was not a concern for the officials as it was seen as appropriate and desired for a Western studio head to appear on the red carpet for such an event and reinforced the import of China and the Chinese market to the West.

-- China made it known Disney's introduction to the Chinese mainland would be within the context of the resort and its foundational material (IP?) belonging to "the people of China." TWDC would not be allowed marketing control of the resort or its opening ceremonies and would have "limited administrative" input.

-- As of this visit, a plaque consistent with what appears in each Magic Kingdom will not be part of Shanghai Disneyland. Such a marker would "not be consistent" and "confuse and conflict" visitors who do not know of Walt Disney and will be invited in the state-directed propaganda to "their" park. Shanghai Disney Resort is not intended to be marketed as a destination except for the people of China.

END OF INFO/ITINERARY
The below is commentary from my sources in Asia, pieced together and parsed by me, but not my words (well, except for the final sentence. That's all me!) -- 74.

Relationship is not one of mutual respect and tolerance for Disney's leadership is nonexistent. Bob Weis, the leader of the SHDLR project, has not been a visible presence at the site in quite some time. Around August/September of 2014 something happened that indicated "a change in leadership" had occurred and Weis was not a part of that.

Everything heard is consistent with a complete breakdown between the corporate culture of Iger and Staggs and Disney's government partners (Shendi/CCP). The 'stalling' and eventual refusal to allow Disney to open the store was a shocking move highlighting the increasingly incendiary nature of the arrangement between "the iconic American company" and its partners in government. It was a bold move that broke with how these matters are traditionally handled, so much so that it was believed another business interest may have applied pressure to cause Disney to 'lose face' among the elite class. Another American businessman with substantial interests in Asia and an adversarial relationship with Disney is said to have "placed additional bumps in the road."

The CCP does not have to show "ownership" of the project. Disney does.

Holy Cuh Cuh!

 

[Longhairbear]

No, truth is stranger and more bizarre than anything I could even make up while drunk (which Angie says I never get with her ... but she is German and we all know how they can drink!)

But I'd appreciate it, if you could spread this thru your Twitverse Community (some people are too hating on me or too passive aggressive to not realize that they just may be throwing away a chance at helping bring about real CHANGE at a company they profess to love in order to not help get this out!)

I copy and pasted your entire post on Facebook, on the DVC Bears group.

 

[AEfx]

Must've been in some posts involved in the utterly pointless and boring Iger vs. Eisner debate.

Funny how things are relevant when used to support groupthink and then suddenly become "utterly pointless" when used to challenge it.

The head snacking should be for the lame attempt at rewriting what people have said. That Iger repaired relationships Eisner soured is simple fact. That no person is universally liked is also a simple fact and nobody has argued that Iger is universally beloved.

That's what makes some things so hard to take seriously - that folks can't make their arguments without misrepresenting what others have said at the same time. Presuming everyone who does not hate must love is just political rhetoric.



As to WDW1974's post - first, thank you for sharing. I have a question, though. You were not clear in your posting - at one point you have quotes from what appears to be an official itinerary. But then there is an awful lot of what appears to be opinion and presumptive interpretation on what happened as it goes on.

Are you alleging that that entire document was leaked to you by someone inside Disney, and that those are the official internal documentations of the opinions of the company? I'm not asking for you to reveal a specific source, obviously - and I'm not questioning that indeed that was the interpretation (and translation, as you mentioned, presumably from another language?) of someone, but I'm not clear on who those interpretations belong to.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I find it interesting that you would even be concerned with the opinions of the naysayers. Their arguments are not very compelling.

Rule Number 1: Never read the comments.
Rule Number 2: They hate us because they ain't us.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

If you dont understand the difference between a New York Strip and Pot Roast, we can't be friends.

I'm not saying "what's the difference between pot roast and NY strip," I'm saying "what's the difference between NY strip at Prime Time and NY strip at Sci Fi?" You can still get a NY strip at DHS in post-DDP world (it's on the current Sci Fi menu) so I reject your premise that DDP has killed all the good choices.

 

[The Mom]

Even Jesus ****ed people off.

Just a reminder, per the rules and terms of use:

2. Please do not attempt to circumvent the censoring options we have set up. Abbreviations or the use of symbols to mask inappropriate language is not permitted.

There is a link on the bottom of the page.

 

[lazyboy97o]

What does one thing have to do with the other? The issue is that Disney opened the store with a single representative (who was a last minute philin -- sorry, I had to!) and kept their Big Guns away.

It was an act of hostility and not one of friendship or simply cooperation.

The store is supposed to be Disney's. ... Even as I write this, Disney/CCP continue to mask the crowds at the location by limiting its capacity to no more than 50 customers at a time. All billed in the largest Disney Store in the world. Imagine, if WoD only let in 50 or 100 ... or even 200 (and I wrote this exact same thing once or twice already) in at a time ... but it's getting late and I've had a long and tiring day, so let me end my MAGICal night with some joy and laughter from one of the funniest human beings who ever lived -- Aladdin's Genie himself, Mr. Robin Williams.

From a performance after the announcement of Shanghai Disneyland Resort:

It'll be cool. It'll have characters like Mickey Mao.
There'll be duck xiaoping.
You go down Main Street -- there'll be 12 Donald Ducks. ... It's funnier when he does it, naturally!

It has to do with the narrative of hostility. It seems that would be made better by making your partner send a functionary while you send all of your big names. Instead the CCP also sent a functionary.

 

[asianway]

No, truth is stranger and more bizarre than anything I could even make up while drunk (which Angie says I never get with her ... but she is German and we all know how they can drink!)

But I'd appreciate it, if you could spread this thru your Twitverse Community (some people are too hating on me or too passive aggressive to not realize that they just may be throwing away a chance at helping bring about real CHANGE at a company they profess to love in order to not help get this out!)

Asian prediction: new members join this thread today to derail and push that bombshell back 20 pages

 

[lazyboy97o]

Asian prediction: new members join this thread today to derail and push that bombshell back 20 pages

What bombshell? Nothing substantially new regarding issues of political climate, persons involved or motivation have been answered. You know what would have been an incredibly effective and powerful way of keeping Bob and Tom away? "Clerical issues" with their visas.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Well, it wouldn't take much of a journalist to take on this story and verify it, if it is verifiable. I'm not saying it isn't, but, the thing that even "Spirit" seems to lose sight of is that this is a concern to about a handful of his followers and no one else. There is so much going on in the world, such as people being burnt alive or beheaded by terrorists, earthquakes, volcano's, climate change, wars in the middle east, and most of all Bruce Jenners transformation to Caitlyn.

It is only news worthy to those close to it, and there are incredible numbers of contradicting predictions and degrees of concerns. What most news organizations understand that seems to miss most of this discussion is that they cannot make opinionated news. They cannot, like us, go on line and spew forth massive amounts of mental diarrhea. No Chinese official, for example, is going to go all verbal about whatever is happening in China unless they are tired of breathing. All the speculation of ruin for both Iger and Disney are just that speculation. Anyone that has the ability to actually see into the future would be very much in demand by the public.

So with all this intelligent conversation and facts(?), there is no story there and there will never be one that is anymore believable then everything else we have read. If they broke the headline tomorrow in the New York Times... "BOB IGER SCREWS UP IN CHINA" the initial reaction of the vast majority of the U.S. public would be... 'Bob who? And what do we care about what Bob does in China?' It basically has a limited amount of public concern and since speculation is big around here, I'd have to say less then 1% of the public gives a tinkers damn.

 

[Rteetz]

The talk of Twitter this morning is a mongello piece on how we should move on about the poly lobby and how great it is...

 

[pax_65]

I think the difference is the stupid price. That is not a $32 steak. (At least the last time I tried it).

^THIS. Without the meal plan, I'd look at the quality of the food and the price and likely eat elsewhere. With the meal plan, you're locked in. So now I'm paying a high price for mediocre food. Even if I come out ahead (vs what I would have paid for the food without the meal plan), this is not a win in my book.

Things were different when the meal plans first started, because the quality of the food was so much higher. Not the case today...