First up, Kelly T. writes in to ask:
Whatever became of Roger Colton? I used to really enjoy his “Ruminations” column. But it’s been months now since you last published anything from Roger. Is everything okay?
Kelly T.
Everything’s fine. It’s just that — after almost four years of writing for JHM — Mr. Colton finally decided to strike out on his own. And just last week, Roger got his very own website up out of the ground: The Blue Parrot.
If you’re a fan of the stuff that Mr. Colton used to crank out for this website, I’m sure that you’ll be very pleased with what Roger has been posting over at the Blue Parrot. Just in the past six days, this entertainment & popular culture site has featured a transcript of John Lasseter‘s recent appearance on KGO-Radio as well as some vintage views of Disneyland.
And I’m sure that there’ll be lots of other great stuff posted on the Blue Parrot in the weeks ahead. So be sure to bookmark Mr. Colton’s new website, so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
And speaking of things that are missing, Bwana Bob writes in to say:
I was just vacationing in Orlando. And after reading all of those entertaining stories that Jeff Lange had written about MouseSurplus, I decided that I finally had to see this place for myself. So I drove out to 1500 Tradeport Drive, only to find the warehouse locked up tight.
Based on what the people across the street told me, MouseSurplus has been out of business for at least a few months now. What happened?
Truth be told, MouseSurplus did NOT go out of business. Okay. So the two gentlemen who co-owned this business had a falling out. And — as a direct result of that event — MouseSurplus (the physical store) did wind up closing. But the online version of MouseSurplus still exists. You can visit its eBay store right now by clicking on this link.
But where this gets interesting is that the original Disney theme park salvage center now has some competition. You see, Brian Ramsey (I.E. The guy who thought up & then set up MouseSurplus) has just started another company: SurplusKingdom.net. Which also has an online store where you can buy rare Disney collectibles.
Based on recent conversations that I’ve had with Mr. Ramsey, he hopes to someday open another showcase store in the Orlando area. One where WDW visitors will once again be able to view Brian’s amazing Disneyana collection as well as personally check out some of the items that he’s harvested out of the theme parks. Though — that said — it may be quite a while before that particular dream comes true.
So I’m sorry that you made the trip out to 1500 Tradeport Drive for nothing, Bwana Bob. In its day, Mouse Surplus really was something to see. A truly fun & funky place to shop. With all these great items from Disney history tucked away in various corners. Here’s hoping that Brian Ramsey and / or the folks who now own MS can get a physical version of their online store open in the Orlando area again sometime very soon.
And — finally — Useless Information Fan writes in to say:
I think that it’s really great that you talk up stuff like Charlie Ridgway’s upcoming appearance at the World Chapter meeting of the N.F.F.C. But where’s the love for JHM’s West Coast fans? How come you never give us a “heads up” about fun Disney-related event out here in California?
Er … Um … Maybe it’s because I don’t actually live in LA. I mean, I may sound like I’m this industry insider. But — truth to be — I write all of these columns from a log cabin that’s just off of a dirt road out in the woods of New Hampshire. So if I fail to mention intriguing events like that “Peter Pan” panel that Don Hahn hosted at the El Capitan last week … Well, that’s because I’m geographically challenged.
But let me see if I can make it up to you, UIF. How’s about I clue you in to an event that’s being held this coming weekend at LA’s Shrine Auditorium Expo Center? Something that I’m sure all of you animation, Oz and/or Jim Henson fans out there will want to check out.
On Sunday, February 11th, the Los Angeles Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention will be presenting J.M. DeMatteis & Mike Ploog. Now fantasy fans may recognize these two from their work on Hyperion’s best selling “Abadazad” series (I.E. The third volume — “The Puppet, the Professor, and the Prophet” — is due to hit store shelves next month). But film fans will undoubtedly know Ploog from his design & storyboard work on such acclaimed motion pictures as “The Black Cauldron,” “Return to Oz,” “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” “Ghostbusters” and “Shrek.”
Mike & J.M. will be appearing on stage at the Shrine starting at 11 a.m. They will first discuss their work on the “Abadazad” series, then take questions from the audience. After that, Ploog & DeMatteis will stick around ’til 4:30 p.m. to meet with fans as well as sign copies of their books.
And — This just in ! — for all of you West Coast types who are still upset because you missed out on your one & only chance to see “Finding Kraftland,” I am pleased to report that Richard Kraft & Adam Shell’s film has just been selected for the Sonoma Valley Film Festival. What’s more, this upcoming screening of Kraft & Shell’s quirky little documentary (Which will presented on April 14th) will precede that fest’s tribute to John Lasseter.
For further information on this movie’s appearance at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, I suggest that you go check out http://www.findingkraftland.com/.
Okay. That pretty much clears the deck for tomorrow’s “Why For.” Thanks for helping me to clear out my in-box.
Your thoughts?