tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10787310589735047852024-03-14T01:03:35.465-07:00Wonders of Life, EternaOnce upon a time, the great golden dome taught us about the inner workings of the body, in many interesting ways more than one. This blog brings you attraction history, reviews, and also possible Imagineering theories on how to bring the pavillion back to its former glory (one way or another). A source of memories, or a chance to look forward into the future... call it what you will!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-83870638457314656192019-01-03T22:00:00.003-08:002019-01-03T22:01:58.885-08:00Unprecedented Disppearance Alert...A lot has happened since the last post, and the last update of the Wonders of Life pavilion as of now. When word of the pavilion being the center of a Marvel-centered attraction during renovations in Future World East, Epcot Center, things on the blog happened to slow down, meaning the dream of life and health fully returning to the park ias slowed down to a crawl. And a crawl it did. But it is through several unprecedented events that something has happened to one attraction, almost destined to be preserved and archived, but a second too late.<br />
Most of you may have read the articles on this site, especially one from <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com/2012/10/possibility-8-neural-befixery.html" target="_blank">Possibilities Article 8</a> and especially the <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com/2011/10/battle-of-cortexes.html" target="_blank">Battle of the Cortexes</a> speciation of the long lost Captain Cortex. Most of you have wondered where oh where Captain Buzzy would be by now. But alas, something happened in August, and it has been brought to the attention of an ally, now filling my shoes for the time being...<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
BREAKING: Buzzy Audio-Animatronic from Cranium Command Attraction Stolen at Epcot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveBuzzy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveBuzzy</a> <a href="https://t.co/koPSMy9btK">https://t.co/koPSMy9btK</a> <a href="https://t.co/CcnRiwqoSi">pic.twitter.com/CcnRiwqoSi</a></div>
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDWNT/status/1076499343698526209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
Honorable Twitter broadcaster, to which I can gladly disclose as <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cblockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22%3E%3Cp%20lang=%22en%22%20dir=%22ltr%22%3EBREAKING:%20Buzzy%20Audio-Animatronic%20from%20Cranium%20Command%20Attraction%20Stolen%20at%20Epcot%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveBuzzy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22%3E#SaveBuzzy</a> <a href="https://t.co/koPSMy9btK">https://t.co/koPSMy9btK</a> <a href="https://t.co/CcnRiwqoSi">pic.twitter.com/CcnRiwqoSi</a></p>%E2%80%94 WDW News Today (@WDWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDWNT/status/1076499343698526209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>" target="_blank">WoLFanbase</a> for bring the news, has also managed to bring attention to the rescue of Captain Buzzy, mentioned to be stolen from the pavilion and, if recent developments have happened, had all his clothes sold from him on the black market. Police are currently searching leads, but believe it or not, it’s through the hashtag #FindBuzzy that has gotten the issue to each and everyone as humanly possible. And having started this blog since April of 2010 as approximate as possible, with the intention to research and publicly hypothesise how the pavilion should have been fixed, well, it’s the biggest issue since <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com/2012/02/stop-press-discrimination-chews-fat-on.html" target="_blank">the fiasco for Habit Heroes 1.0 blew up the blog back in February 2012</a>.<br />
And I bid everyone to keep their eyes peeled, to be on alert, and to keep pressing on for the day that Buzzy is rescued, or at least reconstructed and restored, to be safe in the arms of the Archives once more.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="und">
<a href="https://t.co/nt0vYWI4dv">pic.twitter.com/nt0vYWI4dv</a></div>
— Wonders of Life Fanbase (@WoLFanbase) <a href="https://twitter.com/WoLFanbase/status/1076308953750007809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
Many blessings.<br />
#findbuzzyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-2804327855794761752017-01-28T17:46:00.001-08:002017-01-28T17:49:50.006-08:00These Are Trying Times...<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">An awful long absence has been broken, and in these trying times, we are shocked to see what is becoming of the US under a new notorious president. Science and human rights have been threatened. History has taken a back seat to potential repetition. And adding to the start of a Second Cold War, we wonder...</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">...how will Epcot Center survive the next four years? Will it be able to survive the next eight years?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hence this is why WOL4EVA is inviting many of our readers to come over and discuss in the comments section</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><blockquote>If the President were to have control over Epcot, what exhibits or attractions will he put up? Whats the worst thing that can happen?</blockquote></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While all we can do is speculate, this is what this post is for. In fact, WOL4EVA has decided to open up discussion because the right way is to unite. However, it's best to discuss in civility as always; hate only breeds hell.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So hang in there, all.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><img alt="" id="id_a6da_f19d_eeb_dcff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cRzv-XRIEMs/WI1JfjBsgDI/AAAAAAAABF8/HBGctjcI6d8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-24442577634581806352016-08-16T08:40:00.001-07:002016-08-16T08:40:59.939-07:00HELLO RIO!!!Just kidding. No, Wonders of Life Eterna isn't reporting in Rio, as much as I wish I were. But in fact, I'm writing with regards to one particular advertisement posted in the lead up to the most global sporting event of the season. Right now we are listening to many records being broken, and many dreams realised, throughout the course of the Games. And along with the buzz, there is some advertising joy to come along with it.<br /><br />Alas there is one little consequence I have to warn you before watching this: since the visuals appear very lifelike, anyone nauseous or prone to fainting from wounds: skip the video section. But those who are intrigued by the star organ: the heart, you will be in for a treat.<br /><br /><object width="555" height="342"><param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/https://youtu.be/A5zFYqQWX54&showsearch=0&rel=0&fs=1&autoplay=0&ap=%2526fmt%3D18" name="movie" /><param value="window" name="wmode" /><param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /><embed width="555" height="342" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/https://youtu.be/A5zFYqQWX54&showsearch=0&fs=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&ap=%2526fmt%3D18"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://youtu.be/A5zFYqQWX54&fmt=18" target="_blank">View on YouTube</a><br /><br />But you see, I wondered for a while about how well they did the advertisement, which explained the symbiotic illustration of Visa's payment systems, and the heart of our athletes, being the most reliable system for life. I too wondered just how much effort went into making this advert, which was shown in theatres (oh wait, cinemas) in the British and Previous Kingdom areas (BREXIT! HISSSSSS!), almost five months before the time of the Games, and at the time of writing. Did they use an actual heart and camera to film the heartbeat? How come it looks so... lifelike? (And now that I've now exposed my raw squeamishness to the open, why have I become so soft and shaken by the euphoric chills from the advert that robbed me of such sleep?)<br /><br />Of course there is a making-of! Judging by the <a href="http://www.jordibares.com/2016_03_18/visa-the-heart/">article from Jodi Bares</a> focusing on the advert, it took lots of innovation to render the heart and it's numerous structure inside. In fact, the studio responsible for the heart scenes actually had a medical division: Glassworks is in charge of Heartworks, which boasts the most accurate model of the heart ever in the virtual realm. The rendering was highly detailed, at 12K (about three times the normal 4K cinema resolution), and for all that is good and holy, there is a lot more to the advert as well, especially in the crowd scenes.<br /><br />This is all I am going to say for now, as soon as I try to regain my bearings. Of course, anyone who would like to write to WOL4EVA is welcome to send a comment expressing interest; whether it's about memories or which exhibits you would like to see in the pavilion, or some other interesting similar exhibits you have found outside Wonders, let me know!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-31855668918493914082016-06-14T01:25:00.001-07:002016-06-14T01:32:09.043-07:00For Orlando...The events of June 11 in recent days have shocked the city of Orlando, and the whole world in turn. Fourth nine souls have been lost in the terror massacre, and what officials confirm, a hate crime. But if there is one force that can help heal a wound from hurt, it is solidarity. Numerous people, gay or straight and anyone in between, now standing in solidarity for the fourth nine souls taken too soon, even less than a year after same-sex marriage was approved nationwide on June 26th last year.<br /><br />And as Wonders of Life Eterna knows, solidarity is genetic. Together we will be a step stronger.<br /><br /><div><img id="A DNA strand in the rainbow colours of the gay pride emblem, tagline reads Solidarity is genetic." src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErpvDuaTtKw/V1_ASTJD6BI/AAAAAAAABEw/FkANMhQiCqM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-49413174008452369192016-05-14T04:22:00.001-07:002016-05-14T08:11:10.353-07:00A Personal Reflection After Absence...It's been a surprising long time, and the progress of life and health has surprisingly steadied on so much. But you see, there are many things going on that have inadvertently wedged into Wonders of Life Eterna's blogging progress so far. So, consider this to be a 'welcome back' post.<br /><br />Sure I haven't updated on the Operation: Imagineer sections and Attractions Toolkits as much as I wished to so far. But there is one major aspect of life and health that has brought to my attention, and definitely which will be considered an issue of its own as well.<br /><br />Come to think of it, in today's day and age, we are bombarded with advertisements and announcements themed on the many aspects of living: the best foods to eat, the right medications, how to exercise and when, what diseases we need to battle against, and so on. Even Wonders of Life Eterna had a blog, still running, titled <a href="http://wol4eva-psas.blogpot.com">HELP</a>, dedicated to said announcements as well. But I would like to share you one in particular, that not only shook me to the core... It would too.<br /><br />And yes, I hid it under the jump, because if it made my skin crawl, it would too. Careful.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We all know that organ transplantation is a medical procedure that is not as new as we usually think of. It took numerous experimentations, even the development of new medicinal drugs to suppress immune system response (in turn, preventing rejection of the donated organ), new mechanical innovations that help the transportation of donated organs, and especially in turn, the attraction of the public to reserve their organs for donation after their death. Yes, we know of many organisations that aid in the last part, through advocacy and appeals of all walks.<br /><br />Yes we all know the spiels... "Give life for someone else" is the usual theme, but there was this public service announcement that I saw the other day, back then in September '15, and it was during the hunt for more PSAs to be featured on the other blog I mentioned. Believe me, it deeply engrained the message deep into my heart, and left me speechless... I speak no ill this advert, but if the visuals do not unsettle you, then the chilling speech will...<br /><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=POzMvpHe_gk">You have been warned.</a><br /><br />I speak no ill of the agencies who put all of their efforts in building, filming and editing this important announcement – given the subject matter, it is perhaps not very easy to do so. This was the work of SCPF, an advertising agency based in Spain, and this was done for an organ donation organisation, ALCER (Association for the Fight against Renal Diseases) in Spain. research has it that it won a Silver Plato de Sol, and a Silver Cannes Lion in 1998.<br /><br />Considering the important issue being driven home in this public service announcement, I have no words left for me to explain... Perhaps...<br /><br />Perhaps the only way to heal such unprecedented haunting would be to ask for the reassurance of others, and after inspiration, the assistance of those who have subscribed to this blog to help brainstorm the message of organ donation in a manner where Wonders of Life would have presented it in an engaging yet sacred and empowering manner.<br /><br />Comfort, hugs and help are encouraged, and any assistance to Wonders of Life Eterna will be grateful. There will be more posts after this.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-31960684306191841692015-10-10T02:53:00.001-07:002015-10-10T05:26:06.348-07:00Anatomical Advert of the Moment - Males Know This...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78GIbIWfXDI/TiAJKHIQrfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/LSm68Ab92bM/s1600/wolWhiskeyTango.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78GIbIWfXDI/TiAJKHIQrfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/LSm68Ab92bM/s1600/wolWhiskeyTango.png" /></a></div><br /><br />YAWWWN! It's good to come out of the most awkward hibernation period for this blog, and judging from the steady traffic for the blog's latest post (focusing on how to immortalise Inside Out somewhere in the Wonders of Life pavilion), it's still pretty much business as usual for Wonders of Life Eterna. But so far, funny things – especially in public service announcements and advertisements, some teeming with anatomical references of interest (and humour!) – have all been happening since our unexpected hiatus. But a word of warning to some readers: you may need another crash course in the Making of Me before you step further into this course.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The advert in question, to date, has picked up lots of views, more than 100,000+ views, and it is set to become even more viral. For such subject matter, being undergarment matters, it is an ideal section for What the WT- to finally wake up from hibernation with this offering.<br /><iframe width="500" height="350"<br />src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8KuQ3nhpctA"><br /></iframe><br />It's a very tongue-in-cheek focus on the anatomical aspects (and even pratfalls) of what makes men, well, men. Most of these are very relatable... the surge of hormones when meeting a member of the opposite sex, the unfortunate awkard itching moments, and yes, the dreaded misguided football shot from a sporting ball (we assume) with a mind of its own... depending on what sort of man (well, if you happen to biologically be one), it's all relatable from here.<br />Yes, this is very obvious, but humanised symbolism that explains that, yes, this is an advert for a brand of undergarments, tailor fit to keep men comfortable. This is very clever for an undergarments advert, and especially in a day and age where we are beginning to see the trend of humanizing our body's processes (much like we saw the humanising of the mind's nooks and crannies.)<br />I guess the Cranium Command cadets are now being subjected to this form of acquaintanceship with this short film as a guide... though we can only wonder how this advert's virality could spur a trend, somehow. A trend of somehow getting to know the other organs of the body, much like Captain Buzzy did with the rest of the crew.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-68292554889964492942015-07-27T06:11:00.001-07:002015-07-27T06:11:21.274-07:00Clear! #ZAPDue to unforeseen shifts in priorities, Wonders of Life Eterna wishes to assure its readers that there will be new content to arrive soon.<div><br></div><div>Just as soon as we try to get whoever it was hitchhiking from our upcoming Footsteps article to keep its <b>nose</b> out of the blog archives.</div><div><br></div><div>Emphasis on the <b>nose</b> intended.</div><div><br></div><div>That is all.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-48057315040719084902015-06-28T23:50:00.001-07:002015-08-24T00:41:57.936-07:00Attractions Toolkit Special - A Wave of Emotions<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgpScvm5qfc/T8b3ighDFdI/AAAAAAAAATo/Tji7tplMTrA/s1600/wol4eva_attractionsToolkit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgpScvm5qfc/T8b3ighDFdI/AAAAAAAAATo/Tji7tplMTrA/s1600/wol4eva_attractionsToolkit.png"></a></div><br />Greetings readers as this blog finally wakes up from its unprecedented slumber, but it is with absolute emotional joy to pay congratulations to the already well-received film, Inside Out. Of course, I am very apologetic for the unexpected absence (I will write an in depth post on it soon, please stand by), but it is with great regard that I will explore some possibilities for bringing the emotional journey from the big screen to the big dome.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGxHJV_heo/VJAbWPQJr4I/AAAAAAAAA8A/YEvwvUBMvVw/s1600/Untitled.png" height="169" width="320"></div><br />For those who are literally in the new, Inside Out follows on the five emotions - Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust, as they manage the many facets in Riley's mind - memories, personality, dreams and the like. Of course, it is also an adventure in itself, as the dominant emotions, Joy and Sadness, inadvertently find themselves outside of Headquarters and throughout the world of Riley's mind and its divisions. Where and how it ends, nobody wants to spoil, but the subject of growing up and facing new challenges - moving house, new relationships, etc. - is well orchestrated and approached.<br /><br />As many people have realised, for those who have been looking at past EPCOT and Disney history, Inside Out has some uncanny links – as I have cited in <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com/2014/12/soapbox-brainy-connections.html">the previous article Brainy Connections</a>, Pete Docter is known to have worked on Cranium Command as the animator, and hence apart from extensive research with psychologists, and also his family experiences, has added to the influence of the exploration of the mind, and judging from how well received the film has become to date, the whole team has successfully done it excellently.<br /><br />But let us consider the previous following food for thought (555!)... we know that Cranium Command focuses on the brain-body relationship, while Inside Out purely focuses on the mind... it seems that in the context of the Wonders of Life attraction, the two might be able to unite, crossover permitting, but already there is some talk on when and how to fully incorporate Inside Out for a possible ride in EPCOT Center.<br /><br />Wonders of Life Eterna has been researching possible technologies, as well as individual thoughts on which new attractions or concepts would be considered useful to resurrect, or even renew in today's day and age. But already many, many people on the web are happily discussing many interesting possibilities. Although Wonders has previously written many strategical articles for Cranium Command's return (here, here and here), it's time to review forum talk going on the WDWMAGIC thread, <a href="http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/inside-out-being-the-focal-point-on-the-now-defunct-wonders-of-life-pavilion.892991/">"Inside Out Being the Focal Point on the now defunct Wonders of Life Pavilion"</a>, for starters. Of course, there are more, but let's say they are points for mind-stimulating discussions for fleshing out the attraction, but in this case, let's have <b>Wonders of Life Eterna</b> walk through each location, and figure out which Emotion, or even which location in Riley's mind, would fit excellently.<br /><br /><h2>The Scope</h2>When planning either a revival or a restructuring of a pavilion, especially in the context of an Epcot attraction, it is important to consider the scope of our nominated new settlers, the Emotions. In short, how much golden dome would we allow them to settle and occupy (but let's be democratic here). Some say that we leave Inside Out limited to only one attraction (which would be usually Cranium Command, due to the relationship with, yes, the head), while some believe that due to current success, that our fellow Emotions deserve full reign of the pavilion. But it all depends on the context of the attractions, and especially the desired focuses on each part of the movie, or better yet, which parts would emphasise the theme of, let's say, exploration of the human mind, or tying it to life and health somehow.<br /><br /><h2>The Entrance</h2>In the Wonders of Life pavilion, the first thing anyone would likely notice back then would be the iconic Tower of Life DNA strand monument - the visual draw to attract visitors through the pavilion's main two attractions - Cranium Command and Body Wars. But suppose that Inside Out became settlers of the entire pavilion, or maybe one attraction thereof. How would we attract people to the pavilion and invite them on a journey on the human mind? Or better yet, how would we sum it all up to be enticing enough to invite?<br /><br /><object width="450" height="353"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1"><param name="flashvars" value="id=536188753&width=1337"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="353" flashvars="id=536188753&width=1337" allowscriptaccess="always"></object><br /><a href="http://xelku9.deviantart.com/art/Epcot-Exploring-the-Mind-with-Inside-Out-536188753">Epcot: Exploring the Mind with Inside Out</a> by <span class="username-with-symbol u"><a class="u premium username" href="http://xelku9.deviantart.com/">Xelku9</a><span class="user-symbol premium" data-quicktip-text="Premium Member" data-show-tooltip="1" data-gruser-type="premium"></span></span> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">DeviantArt</a><br /><br />One visual example, as I included from a very visually imaginative armchair imagineer, has decided to imagine how the entrance is going to be. The main object focus, synonymous with the film, are the memory spheres from the film, and as the image provided shows, the entrance sign definitely fills the void of the entrance archway used in Wonders, many many years past since '89, before the pillar sign. In a visual sense, I find it rather appealing, and it would definitely be a visual draw and identity of the pavilion, had the Emotions moved in.<br /><br /><h2>Which Attractions?</h2>With the entrance covered, we need to figure out what attractions deserve to share the space at the Wonders of Life pavilion. Given that Wonders already has an assortment of attractions to attract and entertain guests, here are the types of attractions that best suit Inside Out making the pavilion their home.<br /><br /><h3>Frontiers</h3>In its previous incarnation, Frontiers paid tribute to the many advancements in medical innovations. But suppose we took the next leap forward into exploring the mind. We know of many aspects of the human mind, such as feelings, communication, ideas and anything else that makes us human. But that will not stop there. In fact, there are many aspects of psychology, especially in the medical terms - from neurodiversity (the autism and aspergers spectrum) to clinical conditions (depression, bipolar, and other related) or even technologies that can interact with our brainwaves and thoughts – the list would go on, and it would hopefully make for an interactive and intellectual companion for the other at actions as well.<br /><br /><h3>Cranium Command</h3>And it's inevitable for me to admit that, yes, Cranium Command, sharing its influence and its theme with the film, is sadly not safe from the invasion of the Emotions. But I'm not going to be pessimistic about it either. There are a couple of ways that Cranium Command could find new life somehow with the Emotions in the pilot's seat. One way would be to retool Bobby's head into Riley's - to have it entirely into Headquarters, and to have Joy at the helm of the controls. Joy would likely pilot Riley through many of the numerous adventures, and even call on at least one or more of her friends through the numerous screens. <br /><br />But another way would not only fuse the mind-body relationship a little higher, but let's say that Captain Buzzy (or a female counterpart!) would still be at the helm, looking after Riley, and even calling on the Emotions for help (on second thought, the Left/Right brain theory by now is no longer commonplace or plausible... sorry purists!). While Docter didn't want to focus on the actual "neural-flesh-and-blood" aspect of the mind (sorry, Docter), it is nice to see a potential crossover with Buzzy and the Emotions pilot Bobby or Riley (or whoever) happen in the theatre.<br /><br />And with regards to these little thoughts on how our Emotions will make it quick to settle at least a part of Wonders of Life, however suitable for its worth, and hopefully give it the revival that might be of good use. But how it happens... let's say that Disney is hard at work looking at the numerous ways of potentially making this possible. So if anyone has some suggestions or thoughts, or even some opinions on their own, feel free to post in the comments below!<br /><br />Until then, a good friend, whom I shall refer to as @robjyeo, has put together a brilliant infographic describing the schematics of Riley's mind as portrayed in the film, which will hopefully jog some of yours, too! Cheers!<br /><img src="http://i.imgur.com/BDIhILh.png" width="500"/><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-84795480562329434332015-03-31T04:50:00.001-07:002015-04-02T01:11:04.151-07:00Big Move Ahead for Wonders!Apologies for the unforeseen absence, but I have spectacular news with respect to the fate of the Wonders of Life pavilion... there is no official word on what's happening, but someone sent me news on the big move, in which I have happily pictorialised below:<br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-piKvtjtpuks/VRqJ4IfEioI/AAAAAAAABD4/F-3vM2fa5d0/s144/WoLCopter-01.jpg"/><br /><br />Which begs me the question, which countries are interested in having the Wonders of Life pavilion as their new home? I wonder if cities such as Melbourne and Hannover are interested. And even wackier, how in the hypothalamus are we going to acquire fifty military helicopters to do the heavy lifting? The drop will probably be painful, too.<br /><br />Feel free to discuss matters on this blog. You can also spark a discussion over on Twitter with the tag #WoLCopter. And be sure to check the new mirror of the informational site, <a href="http://wol4eva.uhostall.com">WOL4EVA on uHostAll</a> if you would like more information! <br /><br />Keep an eye on the blog for further updates as it appears.<br /><br /><br />UPDATE: Wait, it seems that I have received another message pertaining to the massive relocation program, and it turns out that I misread it dramatically. It turns out that the news was meant to say the following: <I>Due to its weight and absolute support on Epcot property, it is not possible to relocate the Wonders of Life pavilion primarily by helicopter alone.</I> As the news was meant to be announced on April Fools day to boost morale, misreading the news just makes it a lot more humiliating.<br /><br />But all in all, there is still hope in having the pavilion live on, worldwide, without having to lug it around the continent on helicopter (in which it would find it very heavy!) on a non-stop basis. Blogs and websites dedicated to keeping the pavilion's memories alive, even on social media, help to share the memory and discuss possibilities.<br /><br />Possibilities, in which I will happily revive and keep running the blog, for the purpose of not only keeping the pavilion alive, but also share a little fun every once in a while.<br /><br />I hope you had a safe and joyful April Fool's season!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-75175378675795093922015-03-12T21:02:00.000-07:002015-06-04T21:58:01.162-07:00Soap Box: Epidemic in the Freezer<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pih-PDTr3Q" width="560"></iframe><br>
<br>
<br>
Greetings again, from the blog currently in the freezer due to unforeseen priorities, but a lot has happened while Wonders of Life Eterna last posted during the holiday season. Some of us have heard of the day when the measles epidemic was first reported in Disneyland (Anaheim, California), and due to a surplus population of the unvaccinated, an epidemic is projected to be dramatically high.<br>
<br>
And the debate is ever so high. Debates along the lines of vaccines being the root of debilitating diseases through to conditions (the autism-vaccine link has yet been destroyed thanks to safer vaccine developments), through to parents being overprotective of their children for the above reasons, and through to religious reasons. And with all this hitting the fan, as well as the world well fighting the war on Ebola (which has since ravaged, but remains contained in West Africa), this leaves Wonders of Life Eterna wondering...<br>
<br>
How on planet Earth will Wonders of Life ever spread the message of vaccination? In this case, it would be a good idea to backtrack to the glory days of how Disney educated the masses on how to keep clear of infectious diseases, in the quest for better health. In this case, I might embed a few videos as cases in point.<br>
<br>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mi5SULz4c5k" width="560"></iframe>
<br>
Earlier (if my memory serves correctly), I have made mention of the early film "How to Catch a Cold", which focused on two characters - the Common Man, who is infected with the common cold, and Common Sense, the human conscience equivalent of none other than Jiminy Cricket, who educates Common Man on many aspects on the common cold - how a worn out body means someone is susceptible to catching a cold, through to how a cold can infect a neighbourhood in minutes, and how the body can fight off the cold, provided it is able to rest. Up in the 80s, the film was remade, this time with Goofy being the primary conscience for the young boy seen battling the common cold. Although campy by today's standards, I believe that the message remains the same... we are no match to common colds... or worse.<div><br></div><div>With regards to what would Wonders of Life would do on the subject of immunity, as well as the ongoing fight against disease, the more fitting question would be... what would B229 do? Body Wars could have expanded from being just a thrill ride to a whole-scale institutional exhibition on body systems and biomedical technologies (even though we have Frontiers in Medicine) to help open up the message to everyone. Also the premise of watching the immune system at work could be a great backstory for Body Wars as well; if the white blood cells dissolving a splinter on the ride were a sight to see, wait till we start watching them eat, attack and eventually build up resistance against attenuated (weak and useless to cause harm) viruses and pathogens from an effective vaccine treatment. Now that would be a thrill ride worth boarding (and being sick all over again). Even Captain Buzzy would be welcome to introduce us to the immunity crew as part of an open day exhibit, what do you think?</div><div><br></div><div>If you have any more ideas that would give Wonders of Life the immune boost it needs, you are welcome to leave a comment below. But since the vaccination debate is already heated up as it is, please be nice.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-74159610616739037242014-12-24T19:00:00.000-08:002014-12-24T19:00:03.974-08:00Merry Christmas - Advent Badges<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d8P-E2-NDPw" width="540"></iframe>
</div>
A very happy Christmas season to everyone involved, but not with a few hiccups. Since the informational website has currently gone down, I am very happy to announce that I still have some of the badges saved direct to hard drive (backups work!) So, for anyone who has missed them, here are some of the advent badges used in the advent calendar. Not any of them have the captions attached, but feel free to have a look at your festive leisure!
<br />
<br />
<table padding="5px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfwtT2aohdo/VJAdcwTIFeI/AAAAAAAAA_4/B8FT2V1aF9s/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfwtT2aohdo/VJAdcwTIFeI/AAAAAAAAA_4/B8FT2V1aF9s/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-01.png" height="250" width="250" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><b>Up Comes the Tree</b><br />
The obligatory first day in the advent calendar would be to bring down the tree from storage. Or cutting a fresh one, wood, sap and all. You are faced with the brainstaking task of untangling the lights and counting all the baubles and ornaments that are still in shape from last season. Maybe you're staying traditional and consistent, with the same decorations year by year. Or maybe you're changing tree fashions year after year. But hey, it's your tree. Just don't forget to check that all the lights are working, and that they're plugged to the power supply.<br />
<br />
<b>If Wonders of Life were still around... </b><br />
The Tower of Life would have been decked with fairy lights. Obliviously a star would have to sit on the top of one of the top of the four strands.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L_FdmY5kO4/VJAdc0eIKsI/AAAAAAAABAA/MbNLuxwYvj8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L_FdmY5kO4/VJAdc0eIKsI/AAAAAAAABAA/MbNLuxwYvj8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-02.png" height="250" width="250" /></a></div>
</td>
<td><b>Counting Down The Days</b><br />
Counting down the days until the big day is one of the usual traditions during the holidays, and love them or loathe them, the advent calendar is commonplace at this time of year. They come in different shapes and makes, from the decorative ones with miniature cupboards counting down the dates, through to the interactive ones passed around on the social media. And for those wanting the sugary taste of endorphins, there are prepackaged ones with a chocolate a day.<br />
<br />
<b>If Wonders of Life were still around... </b><br />
There would have been a small calendar structure counting down the days until the holidays.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoX2kh8uGmU/VJAdc8dHPtI/AAAAAAAAA_0/otFrBkn2y3Q/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoX2kh8uGmU/VJAdc8dHPtI/AAAAAAAAA_0/otFrBkn2y3Q/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-03.png" height="250" width="250" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><b>Messages of Good Cheer</b><br />
Communication is key during the holidays. The holidays are great times for people to show up on family doorsteps for the festivities, whether next door or halfway around the world. Others who meet through the superinfo highway are happy enough to send an email message, or at least a social networking wall post. But amongst all these, nobody can go past a handwritten message of hope and well wishes in a holiday card.<br />
<br />
<b>If Wonders of Life were still around... </b><br />
Cards would have been offered along with gift shop purchases, and also as a token of thanks on every ride.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB7B5CF0yw4/VJAdeK6Kc9I/AAAAAAAABAI/4A1q-rA5Xts/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB7B5CF0yw4/VJAdeK6Kc9I/AAAAAAAABAI/4A1q-rA5Xts/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-04.png" height="250" width="250" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><b>Lighting Up Joy</b><br />
Fairy lights are just one of many glimmering wonders the holiday season has to offer. Every neighborhood home uses this to their advantage to showcase their illuminating image (a little too bright) to their street, while streets and shop windows attract customers and bystanders on their magical displays. As far as some of us can recall, even Disney World takes advantage of such wonderful lighting magic indeed (which I wonder, if anyone still remembers the Osborne Lights Spectacular.)<br />
<br />
<b>If Wonders of Life were still around...</b><br />
Either the Tower of Life monument, or the dome would have a fairy light decoration around it. It could be purely from aesthetic holiday patterns, through to messages of goodwill.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QxD6zsVaOU/VJAdesCcJgI/AAAAAAAABAM/r5SJDRxF2io/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QxD6zsVaOU/VJAdesCcJgI/AAAAAAAABAM/r5SJDRxF2io/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-05.png" height="250" width="250" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><b>Snowflakes - Sight for Sore Eyes</b><br />
Love or hate the cold weather, snowflakes are an astonishing sight to watch. Their minuscule size and unique pattern for each one makes snowflakes the most beautiful icon for the holidays. Of course, even in places where snowfall isn't commonplace, icons of the snowflake garnish places everywhere.<br />
<br />
<b>If Wonders of Life were still around... </b><br />
The snowflake icons would be hung on the main pavilion mobile, able to glimmer and glow in a shining light direction.</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
So far, my hairbrained composure was too frazzled to backup the rest of the quotes for the rest of the advent, but I will hopefully be able to keep an open eye on the rest of the quotes, however they may arrive. Here's to happy holiday season, and a healthy one too, love WOL4EVA!<br />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhFZ_KfLJ08/VJAde2YPCSI/AAAAAAAABAo/Luwszwr1sOA/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhFZ_KfLJ08/VJAde2YPCSI/AAAAAAAABAo/Luwszwr1sOA/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-06.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sT3aVHskef8/VJAdfbQ5-6I/AAAAAAAABAY/AqpKi-7e4b8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sT3aVHskef8/VJAdfbQ5-6I/AAAAAAAABAY/AqpKi-7e4b8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-07.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_XmzcZeJ74/VJAdgApY6dI/AAAAAAAABAg/PN97lixSJdk/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_XmzcZeJ74/VJAdgApY6dI/AAAAAAAABAg/PN97lixSJdk/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-08.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K75w4FcI8fU/VJAdhGLeIYI/AAAAAAAABAw/7NJ2UBW2AtI/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K75w4FcI8fU/VJAdhGLeIYI/AAAAAAAABAw/7NJ2UBW2AtI/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-09.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXe_tRKLtFQ/VJAdh7jvzFI/AAAAAAAABA4/Nd_O7e0Ce9U/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXe_tRKLtFQ/VJAdh7jvzFI/AAAAAAAABA4/Nd_O7e0Ce9U/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-10.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNQUUCXQVl8/VJAdiMeyjZI/AAAAAAAABBE/GiwT5f1CoC4/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNQUUCXQVl8/VJAdiMeyjZI/AAAAAAAABBE/GiwT5f1CoC4/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-11.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr6fdyTe8U/VJAdiubf1cI/AAAAAAAABBA/LUruzrANXcY/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr6fdyTe8U/VJAdiubf1cI/AAAAAAAABBA/LUruzrANXcY/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-12.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DR8AoXxKa1k/VJAdjzDeMRI/AAAAAAAABBM/bApg2ZOZ-t8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DR8AoXxKa1k/VJAdjzDeMRI/AAAAAAAABBM/bApg2ZOZ-t8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-13.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPR0m3IjXJU/VJAdlBJ7wII/AAAAAAAABBo/MYMv53CuMwI/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPR0m3IjXJU/VJAdlBJ7wII/AAAAAAAABBo/MYMv53CuMwI/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-14.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIWt62yRVr0/VJAdlW7mKSI/AAAAAAAABBc/O_Y9SvYtvzM/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIWt62yRVr0/VJAdlW7mKSI/AAAAAAAABBc/O_Y9SvYtvzM/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-15.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVuv-ygJ7RI/VJAdlQo0t2I/AAAAAAAABBg/P6YWIma1Ta0/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVuv-ygJ7RI/VJAdlQo0t2I/AAAAAAAABBg/P6YWIma1Ta0/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-16.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMcOIrFFKtQ/VJAdmrxuDgI/AAAAAAAABB0/uMJ4NrPh8e8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMcOIrFFKtQ/VJAdmrxuDgI/AAAAAAAABB0/uMJ4NrPh8e8/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-17.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHFCWLgd6AY/VJAdnNmAjWI/AAAAAAAABCo/bQbkuxx4vVw/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHFCWLgd6AY/VJAdnNmAjWI/AAAAAAAABCo/bQbkuxx4vVw/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-18.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGkqsa8kMO4/VJAdnCWJsII/AAAAAAAABCc/tXzAC2aEwug/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGkqsa8kMO4/VJAdnCWJsII/AAAAAAAABCc/tXzAC2aEwug/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-19.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOczqksKTj0/VJAdoCi8TzI/AAAAAAAABCA/e_3eWSA0KQM/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOczqksKTj0/VJAdoCi8TzI/AAAAAAAABCA/e_3eWSA0KQM/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-20.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOmLgsSE9bo/VJAdoeypMGI/AAAAAAAABCM/fN-EH_jyDtk/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOmLgsSE9bo/VJAdoeypMGI/AAAAAAAABCM/fN-EH_jyDtk/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-21.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dzi1OQK3Ao/VJAdoyNPDkI/AAAAAAAABCk/mBffKNkv_jU/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dzi1OQK3Ao/VJAdoyNPDkI/AAAAAAAABCk/mBffKNkv_jU/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-22.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEqsyTQb1GY/VJAdplyvaeI/AAAAAAAABCQ/EOe7ojltSR0/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEqsyTQb1GY/VJAdplyvaeI/AAAAAAAABCQ/EOe7ojltSR0/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-23.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbOEGLdW1Yg/VJAdqM0dg5I/AAAAAAAABCY/w2Z7fzYmZhY/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbOEGLdW1Yg/VJAdqM0dg5I/AAAAAAAABCY/w2Z7fzYmZhY/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-24.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jbEF5BAdFE/VJAdr9nYM4I/AAAAAAAABCs/Fo4g64yhDF4/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jbEF5BAdFE/VJAdr9nYM4I/AAAAAAAABCs/Fo4g64yhDF4/s1600/wol4eva_badges20_blog_-25.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-27915628757155701582014-12-22T05:15:00.003-08:002014-12-22T05:15:55.834-08:00Soapbox - Brainy ConnectionsWelcome back readers, and yet some sincere apologies as I have literally been brain drained due to external influences, that have gotten in the way of maintaining the blog.<br />
<br />
( - "Melbourne?")<br />
<br />
DRAT!<br />
<br />
It's not being easy when reporting from a city as interesting and ever changing every year. But as this is a Wonders of Life centric blog, I'll try to refocus my mind back onto the things that literally matter, so let's consider this as a "welcome back", and just in time for the holiday season. So for anyone demanding an apology for the delay, then in this case, I'm sorry, and will hopefully try to regain some energy into the project. Actually, in the event that I too run into another blank, ring me up again in the comments or on social media.<br />
<br />
On a better note, let's keep on dusting the blankets of dust that has covered the blog since the mid year, to reduce any chance of sneezing. And for this reason, there is some mind boggling news of interest for this blog, but it'll take forever for me to compact it into a nutshell, so hence this is how I'm going to summarise it...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGxHJV_heo/VJAbWPQJr4I/AAAAAAAAA8A/YEvwvUBMvVw/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OGxHJV_heo/VJAbWPQJr4I/AAAAAAAAA8A/YEvwvUBMvVw/s1600/Untitled.png" height="169" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Some of you may have known when the news of Disney•Pixar's "Inside Out" trailer broke out, and the commentary it generated amongst circles after circles of the social networking world. Even some of us has also noticed the uncanny similarities to one of Wonders of Life's main attractions, Cranium Command, especially with the film's main setting of exploring the inner workings of the mind. Interestingly, according to a social networking "ask me anything" session with director Pete Docter, some interesting facts have been published, as seen in the embedded tweets, immortalised in image form below for further perusing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ce7uD_c-aZs/VJA8J9CoQ7I/AAAAAAAABDU/uJXGojlD_lc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ce7uD_c-aZs/VJA8J9CoQ7I/AAAAAAAABDU/uJXGojlD_lc/s1600/3.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What is interesting, with regards to the embedded tweets in this post, the notable contrast between Cranium Command and Inside Out is the setting. While Cranium Command dominantly focuses on the brain-body relationship, Inside Out is more focused on the psychological, right brained aspect of emotions and thought. It's quite fascinating to notice just how broad the concept of the human mind has been thought about, even for both attraction and film especially. I'm not here to thumb their decision to undertake the squeaky clean route to fully ignore the bodily aspect (well, much like Cranium Command almost brushed itself against), but I guess the mind is far more complex and fascinating to focus.<br />
<br />
Another uncanny similarity, as far as I have checked, is the age gap between hosts (but with the sexes being broadly opposites). The primary protagonist host of Inside Out is a pre-pubescent girl, Riley, who is faced with the challenges of growing up and change, while in Cranium Command, an adolescent boy faced with the hour-to-hour challenges in high school. Respectively, each of the challenges are faced through the perspective of the five personified emotions - Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear and Sadness - all fighting for dominance and control; whereas our brain pilot, Buzzy, has to seek advice and also direct the various organs and areas of the brain in reaction to those areas. The remarkable difference is that it's almost two separate jobs and concepts, come to think of it.<br />
<br />
While I have also previously mentioned Jerry Rees as the primary director behind Cranium Command, as well as his previous interviews from external sources (as well as some information I have managed to compile on the informational website, to be viewable as soon as it returns online), one thing I didn't literally know is Pete Docter's involvement in animating Cranium Command - one takes a good knowledge of spotting Docter's head in the preshow, so I recommend anyone with quick eyes, do so.<br />
<br />
With the little things out of the way, the final question relates to one thing in particular. If Inside Out becomes a phenomenal success, will this mean a revival of the Wonders of Life will finally be possible? Some people may predict that Cranium Command could be totally be given either a replacement or a refit to bring the show up to par. In my humble opinion, I think the quintuo of emotions would definitely be a reasonable panel of right brain managers for Buzzy to keep in touch with - considering all that Cranium Command would need is the slight update of the footage (I recommend you check under previous blog posts such as <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/possibility-8-neural-befixery.html" target="_blank">Buzzy himself</a>, and the <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/battle-of-cortexes.html" target="_blank">Cortex Development</a>), it would be easy to consider, but only time will tell.<br />
<br />
Should the five emotions take control of the new attraction? Should Buzzy retain the seat? Should they cooperate? Feel free to decide in the comments <sub>BELOW.</sub><br />
<br />
Until next time, readers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-52292534418761209062014-10-10T03:39:00.001-07:002014-10-10T03:57:56.010-07:00Soap Box - There's a Storm ComingTo the readers worrying about me and other WoL related ideas currently gathering dust, do not worry, and do not fret. Okay, some of you may be fretting for different reasons, but I'll explain two sides of the story, and chances are you are really familiar with them. One is happening globally and at home, and the other a significant blow to Epcot, depending on how you interact with it.<br /><br />So let's start with the lesser significant blow to Epcot. Many visitors from mid-1988 recall the World Showcase thrill ride Maelstrom - a tale of Norwegian trolls and spooks, along a whirlwind tour of what makes Norway, well, Norway, with mystical awe. For some reason, Wonders of Life would be home to Body Wars, the second thrill ride in Epcot (but the first ever in Future World), but in comparison, Maelstrom outlasted Body Wars, 25 odd years to 17 respectively. After the confirmation of the Kingdom of Ariendelle given full reign to represent and take care of the Norway pavilion, the ride now said farewell and attracted scores of people, to be the last to pass through this adventure. Never mind the scores of people looking forward to new developments from the beloved ice-princess sisterly duo, bigger circles had the opportunity to deliver an emotional farewell to an Epcot classic, where Wonders of Life sadly never did.<br /><br />And now, to sadder, distraught and frightened news on a disease outbreak. Yes, outbreak, one topic which could have been brought further to attention by Wonders of Life. Since around August and September, the infamous Ebola outbreak has held Central and West Africa in crisis, with hundreds facing infection, and tragically dying so soon. Even now, there is word that after volunteering to care for the infected and assisting in healthcare matters, little by little, some volunteers managed to get infected too. I know some of you readers are frightened by the news of another outbreak setting foot in your country, but specialised disease control procedures will hopefully be effective enough to isolate the disease.<br /><br />Which brings me to some thoughts... had the Miniaturised Exploration Technologies lab been around to see the outbreak, chances are Dr. Cynthia Lair would have broadcast a speech mourning the tragic losses and championing those who are risking their lives in fighting the disease. In the worst cases, Body Wars would have closed out of respect (but sadly meaning that even MET is not even immune to such infectious diseases either), and probably in memoriam to those suffering and far gone. <br /><br />Our soul.<br /><br />But there is another bright light, especially with word of a vaccine and prevention plan to curb the spread of Ebola, and if feasible, even eradicate it. Had Frontiers remained open along with the pavilion, that would mean a greater insight in isolating, weakening and eradicating infectious diseases before they strongly wreak havoc around this planet.<br /><br />It is a somber realisation in the coming wake of the Wonders of Life memorial anniversary of 25 years, but that doesn't mean the blog has reached its end. Not with loose ends and unfinished chapters and so little bubbles of discussion willing to expand and spread the word. No, Wonders of Life Eterna is not nearing its end in the wake of the storm, but will forever salute those who are weathering it, and urging others to stay safe, and study, gather, learn a lot. A lot.<br /><br />And don't forget, Halloween is not very far away, but only time will tell how WOL4EVA could try to mark the occasion.<br /><br />At ease, readers. If you have any words or thoughts, please discuss and I'll catch up shortly.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-11857060154440309752014-07-24T17:38:00.002-07:002014-07-25T03:43:17.294-07:00Soap Box - MH17, 7/17/97 - 7/17/14.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCj8-zNO67A/U9GYeYy0JoI/AAAAAAAAA48/hG6SbEfPiuY/s1600/14543775998_94caa225ab_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCj8-zNO67A/U9GYeYy0JoI/AAAAAAAAA48/hG6SbEfPiuY/s1600/14543775998_94caa225ab_h.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federation Square, 7/24/14. The flags at half mast correspond to the nationalities of the passengers who perished in the plane crash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
While this blog is not the centre of very sad news, we are all too soon touched by the news of the downing of flight MH17, and the many related issues connected to the flight. As of the date of this photo (taken from the 16th floor of a building miles from Federation Square, Melbourne), people are fixated on the many news and issues, tempers and tears shared in the midst of the crash. As observed, many countries and organisations have lowered their flags at half mast out of tribute to the many people killed in the flight, and memorial services for the victims were held.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With regards to <b>Wonders of Life Eterna</b>, and its focus on the incident, the news of the 298 passengers killed were due to attend the <a href="http://aids2014.org/" target="_blank">AIDS 2014</a> conference in Melbourne (current reporting city for <b>Wonders of Life Eterna</b>) is not just a tragic blow to the health community, but also the whole world. Add to the 1.6 million people who have died from AIDS-related complications in 2012 to date (<a href="http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/globalreport2013/factsheet/" target="_blank">UNAID, 2014</a>) and we now know how important a health issue has become escalated for the following reasons</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>To quell the HIV epidemic through education - safe sexual practices is one area of focus.</li>
<li>To improve recovery and resilience in the lives of those living with AIDS</li>
<li>To build and deliver awareness of medical innovations against HIV and AIDS</li>
<li>To pay tribute to those who have died of AIDS, year by year.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All eyes are now on Melbourne as the conference is running underway, discussing solutions and tackling issues of the disease and loosening its grip on society. With regards to Epcot Center, had the <b>Wonders of Life</b> pavilion been operational, nurtured and updated (instead of left to ruin in New Years' 2007) to see the event, it would have closed out of respect, and remained closed until mourning day. As blogmaster, I remember the last time Epcot had responded in tribute to a recent traumatic event, where cast members of the Norway pavilion in World Showcase have presented a temporary shrine in tribute to those killed in the Oslo bombing and Utoya shootings on July 22nd 2011.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://liberaler.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://liberaler.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/img_0305.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Documented by a CM from the Norway Pavilion; image found on an archived website (<a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20130109095407/http://norwaypavilion.com/2011/07/">http://web.archive.org/web/20130109095407/http://norwaypavilion.com/2011/07/</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
I can imagine a small shrine in memory of those the passengers who perished on the flight - families, young couples, students, businessmen, friends, doctors and important leaders - starting their holidays or going home from them, going to work or attending wonderful events - the six delegates and activists destined in the AIDS 2014 conference, many internationally known, would have been honoured.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So on behalf of Wonders of Life Eterna, breaking the writer's block in the midst of a saddening current event, we deliver condolences and support to grieving families and populations of the horrific crash; we also hold a minutes silence to remember those who have died of AIDS - famous and civilian - as we gain resilience to not only combat the disease through education and innovation, but in tribute to the six who were lost too soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Signed, the blogmaster, due to update soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
:')</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
References:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
UNAID, 2014. Fact sheet. [ONLINE] Available at: <a href="http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/globalreport2013/factsheet/">http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/globalreport2013/factsheet/</a>. [Accessed 24 July 2014].</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-28997487467925244742014-07-10T08:56:00.001-07:002014-07-25T03:43:30.288-07:00WE INTERRUPT THIS BLOG TO BRING YOU: Soccer FeverGreetings, yet again, followers. It's a long time between posts, and yes, it's probably because of all the football fever gripping the world yet again this year. The World Cup in Brazil has finally reached centre stage for the Grand Final, but why oh why am I writing on this blog? Let me explain further.<br /><br />Epcot Center has just taken advantage of the Odyssey restaurant and showplace space (it was formerly a counter service eatery operating at the park's early years, and definitely before Wonders of Life showed up in 1989), to take advantage of the tournament game showings. Of course, there appears to be no hope in having the opportunity to reintroduce the crowds to Buzzy and the road map to the human brain, or let alone anything health and life related in particular. Sigh.<br /><br />But alas, I'm very happy, despite being practically thousands of miles away, to allow others to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime presence should you want to be in Epcot for the World Cup Grand Final. And the first destination would be to show up on social media. While you may be occupied with the game progress, chances are you may be clouded with memories, and would want to spark the conversation of the pavilion's past somehow. Person-to-person conversations can work too. If you are stuck, try hashtags <a href="http://twitter.com/hashtag/wondersoflife">#WondersOfLife</a> or perhaps even say hi to <a href="http://twitter.com/hashtag/wol4eva">#wol4eva</a> if you would like to interact or send a message!<br /><br />If you appear clouded in nostalgia, yet a little bored with the goal drought, how about a social networking game? Simple, with the little hashtag <a href="http://twitter.com/hashtag/WOLCup">#WOLCup</a> where you can happily discuss how Wonders of Life would have hosted the worldwide soccer tournament (or any sporting tournament) if it were still with us today. You can be frank, or imaginative, or even go crazy if you like.<br /><br />Or maybe you can happily dress the part (as long as it complies with park regulations, so no fancy stuff here). Perhaps a tshirt playing mention of the pavilion and its attractions (try searching online) could be interesting to wear, and can spark some interesting conversations, particularly with previous visitors of the pavilion and other CMs. Maybe smuggle the famous WOL insignia and pin it conspicuously if you are brave enough to be patriotic about a pavilion gone by. I don't know – go crazy.<br /><br />I hope everyone has a wonderful soccer season, and I am very happy to hear your ways of sharing your creative ways of keeping the pavilion's memories alive. <br /><br />And now returning to normal transmission in three, two...<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-84334894187438782522014-04-17T02:47:00.001-07:002014-07-25T03:43:02.168-07:00Bet You Didn't Know... What's in a Logo?Welcome back, readers, and my apologies for the inevitably long delay. While the blog focused on the many thoughts and hypotheses on the Wonders of Life pavilion's possible revival strategies that could prove useful, this however carved a new path academically for me. Being involved in graphic design study, you may remember some of my previous posts in Operation Imagineer involving a little brainstorming in this area, and demonstrates the importance of how it all fits in developing a better Wonders of Life in the near future. On the subject of which, let us fancy a think about this cute little graphic that is the pavilion insignia...<br />
<br />
<div align="Center">
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OZ62Am9SdJ8/UyzwW5uSBdI/AAAAAAAAA3M/nmUd3UA3j-Y/s800/WOL_CarDecal.png" /></div>
<br />
It looks rather simple enough to the eye, but ask anyone who has been to EPCOT in its early prime in the 80s would have noticed: the insignias used in the Future World pavilions are a little more geometrically different compared to what the Wonders of Life had for a logo. Of course, like all the other insignias before, the Wonders of Life insignia has a story, and some collective theories.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The best way to explain the story behind the Future World insignias would be to explain their purpose first, and explore the backstory later. In the context of mapping the attractions, giving each Future World attraction an insignia not only serves as the “introductory wax seal” of the pavilion, but also a very simple marker of the pavilion's theme and subject matter. You may be familiar with the geometrically simple Universe of Energy insignia with its ringed circles emphasising the radiating nature of energy, as well as the simple curved sail-like elements in the Living Seas insignia, as maritime as the sea it focused on itself. With respect to the early Epcot insignias, they could be traced to a sole designer as explained by <a href="http://progresscityusa.com/2013/11/26/smokey-and-the-figment/">an article from Progress City USA</a>, in which he cites that the insignias were designed to be the following...<br />
<blockquote>
...consistent throughout the park, giving the entire enterprise a sleek, clean, and futuristic feel. While each pavilion would have its own visual style, and its own specific logos, it would still fit into the overall color design and visual vocabulary of the entire park.</blockquote>
<br />
Future World was all designed with consistency and unity in mind, and the insignias were just apart of that. The insignias of the first five initial Future World pavilion insignias were the brainchild of Norm Inouye, who was also involved in a lot of signage work in the rest of Epcot as a whole. In this case, he was responsible for the elaborate signage design for the Imagination pavilion, among other pavilions.<br />
<br />
And now we fast forward a little as time progressed for Epcot, especially with the addition of new pavilions, and especially to the Wonders of Life pavilion, the latest in Future World at the time in 1989, and the last to receive an actual insignia. Of course, you may suspect that the logo does not necessarily fit in very well with the rest of the logos, and even worse, just like a sore thumb. Some say that it lacks the simplicity that the earlier Future World pavilion logos strongly had. In fact, some wonder that the pavilion would've benefited significantly from the simpler emblem of a DNA strand than a human figure. But you may wonder, why a human figure?<br />
<br />
There is a great mystery behind the choice of a human figure over anything else simpler to symbolise the concept of life and health in its diverse aspects. Some reckon it was to do with the Virtruvian Man of Da Vinci fame, in its homage to the human figure and its mobility.<br />
But there is a true story that one day on the social networking front, that I came across that one person wondering about the insignia's significance. I make apologies for revealing the identity, but what I do know is that he hosts a great podcast and deserves some recognition and the odd hello. Here is his question below:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Can anyone tell me what the Wonders of Life logo represents? <a href="http://t.co/UXjmXcpVt6">pic.twitter.com/UXjmXcpVt6</a><br />
— John Corigliano (@JohnETTW) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnETTW/statuses/433421921922068480">February 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
As I too am in the same boat, wondering about the insignia, I too pitched it to other users who may have some idea about the insignia's significance. Imagine the discussions that took place, hypothesising about the insignia subject matter...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JohnETTW">@JohnETTW</a> I think it's supposed to be like the fundamentals of the human body: hence the two halves of the human, inside white, out orange.<br />
— ―Dʏʟᴀɴ ★ D Bᴀʀeɴzυ― (@TheDarkOfNightD) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDarkOfNightD/statuses/433422157436043265">February 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
As well as the more sublime...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JohnETTW">@JohnETTW</a> I believe the pentagon represents the 5 senses<br />
— Skipper Ryan (@PKFoxy) <a href="https://twitter.com/PKFoxy/statuses/433428440067239937">February 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
...and unintentionally unifying.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JohnETTW">@JohnETTW</a> "Ebony and Ivory"?<br />
— Andrewpetersen (@Andrewpetersen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Andrewpetersen/statuses/433442956595318784">February 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
But of course, one user of interest who has done plenty of research to finally reveal the origin and its true significance of the insignia finally came forward and explained. It finally came together.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/WOL4EVA_Rios">@WOL4EVA_Rios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnETTW">@JohnETTW</a> It was designed by Julie Rogge and its the human body inside a carbon ring (the primary building block of life)...<br />
— E82 The Epcot Legacy (@EpcotLegacy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EpcotLegacy/statuses/433631266357784576">February 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
In this case, the story finally checks out. The insignia has <a href="http://www.roggedesign.com/identity.html">managed to sum up the pavilion's focus on life </a>in its simplest terms – incorporating the human figure within the structure of the carbon ring. Well, not everyone knows much about the carbon ring structure, but with respect to the scientific homage, carbon is one of the molecular elements that make up our bodies. In fact, the designer behind the insignia, <a href="http://www.roggedesign.com/cv.html">Julie Rogge</a>, contributed to Walt Disney Imagineering at its HQ in Glendale, CA, within the years 1988 and 1989 as a show designer, and hence contributed to the design of the insignia.<br />
<br />
Signed and sealed, the Wonders of Life insignia is unique in its own way, and especially with regards to how other people interpreted the insignia. On another note, it's a rather interesting story on one of the pavilion's aspects in identity, and especially found in the most unexpected areas.<br />
<br />
On a different topic, I just noticed that this article is close to coincide with the Easter season, synonymous with many things – from the spiritual visitations of the Gospel, of man and his Savior, through to the more informal and juvenile pasttime of chocolate egg hunts. I gladly close this article wishing you all the best and good health during the Easter season, and yes, don't forget to brush your teeth, and know your limits. (LOL)<br />
<br />
Until next time, readers!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-74002782273082679612014-03-31T17:49:00.000-07:002014-07-25T03:47:19.799-07:00April Fools Day of the Year, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78GIbIWfXDI/TiAJKHIQrfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/LSm68Ab92bM/s1600/wolWhiskeyTango.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78GIbIWfXDI/TiAJKHIQrfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/LSm68Ab92bM/s1600/wolWhiskeyTango.png" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Documentation from an undisclosed source has advised members of the council that the Wonders of Life pavilion will take a different way to advertise its future attractions in an unconventional manner. Believe it or not, as focusing on healthy living isn't well received by guests as it used to, the pavilion will focus its efforts on focusing on the morbid aspects of life. However tasteless as it sounds, it will much rather demonstrate the most uncanny (and unbearably stupid) ways to lose life.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>One spokesperson quoted he happened to have viewed a viral video which explained just that, and noticed just how surprisingly successful the theme of "epic fail expiration" could be used to refresh new life on an aging pavilion on life and health. Perhaps in today's day and age, to embrace how not to "expire" could help others learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Despite being all stitches and giggles, one example he cites, would be to retrofit Cranium Command with beer goggles, in which Trousedale would be forced to pilot a drunk, from night out to hangover, as penalty for his possible misdeeds in training.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There will be details after the cut as provided...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, there are no details to recount on the plans to "put a smiley face on death" for the purposes of life and health...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...because such a campaign similarly and already exists!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yhJJws3kgzY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
April fools. Welcome back readers, and for some reason, a hectic schedule is the reason why I haven't been posting recently as I once did, but hopefully I'll rectify the schedule drop by following loose ends as quickly as I can muster.<br />
<br />
Of course, looking back at another blog, WOL4EVA's HELP! database on advertising campaigns, there is a reason why the shown advert is a very interesting feature that deserved first place on the April Fools post. In the circle of public transport (starting success in Melbourne, Australia), there is a public safety campaign that crawled from the depressingly graphic to a much rather amusing method, especially in the world of safety and its link to healthier living (as in not getting hurt and avoiding injury).<br />
<br />
To my knowledge (who doesn't?), Dumb Ways to Die is unconventional, and entertaining in delivering the safety message to the masses - demonstrating the possibly stupid ways to die, with irresponsible or mishap behaviour around public transport (such as crossing rail tracks between platforms instead of designated crossings) being the most stupid (and preventable) way to die. One can only browse online and find just how successful the campaign is, which makes me wonder a little... perhaps Wonders of Life may have a few guts left to have somehow honoured its contribution to safety awareness - one component to a safe and sane life. At least in this decade, for now.<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
And we will return to normal programming in three, two...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-46213851763066594742014-01-06T03:56:00.001-08:002014-01-06T05:19:39.902-08:00Campaign Soapbox – Where Life Begins, Shoulders ShrugAfter the warm glow of the holiday seasons and the closing of 2013, welcome back to the blog, even during the fight against ideas exhaustion. Of course, one advantage during this time is that Wonders of Life Eterna has taken the next direction in supplementing the site using video for artistic purposes. Here's the next video, highlighting the significance of New Years Day in a somber light, at least for the pavilion.<br /><br /><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tCV9T5naPo0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Many of you readers, especially those who enjoyed the pavilion's final seasonal operation at the end of 2006, may recall the fact that the pavilion closed its doors on New Years Day, and for those who cherished the pavilion and its memories (for better or worse!), that hit the hardest. But alas, let me bring up an issue that has been making the rounds in science news (especially the theory in the origins of life), and following this (albeit unrelated) streak, a possible brainstorm on what's the worst the pavilion would be forced to host.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />You may have heard of the story about how (inter)nationally renowned scientist, Bill Nye, has accepted a mano-à-mano debate on life's origins against another, Ken Ham, of the Creation Museum fame. The reasons for this debate? The origins of life – where did we come from? Were our universe, environment, and us living beings, created from a higher deity in a span of time as little as a week? Or were they formed as a result of multiple mutations and adaptations, from single called slime pools through to the last ice age? <br /><br /><div style="padding:5px; float:left;"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gHbYJfwFgOU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Many people have been fighting over this debate, even figuring out which one is correct, and if so, who is correct in this debate. Historians cited the Scopes monkey trial, disputing Darwin's theory that humankind's closest family consists of (gasp!) primates, as well as debates relating to whether textbooks should cover either theory (intelligent design? evolution?) in the best interests of (sob!) schoolchildren. I have no say in this, but I am stating how much debate and controversy the origins debate has attracted.<br /><br /><div style="padding:5px; float:right;"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JxX11c1cSWU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>You may remember bumping into the online videos, in which Bill Nye has questioned whether the creationist theory (heralded by the Biblical community) has any use to children, and even praises the evolution theory as the pathway to real scientific breakthroughs. What nobody expected is that Ken Ham has joined the bandwagon not to support, but to rebuke Bill Nye's opinion on how useful evolution is, and even then, accusing Bill Nye of promoting a "pro-evolution agenda" targeting kids, at the expense of creationism. Hence the live debate, held at where else but the Creation Museum. Feeling that a big fight is going to happen, and NOT in a positive way (yes, I cannot watch), I guess it's best for me to leave this debate to your own opinion.<br /><br />Which brings me to the hashtag campaign, #WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions, which serves to joke around ideas for attractions that nobody would want to see open at the Wonders of Life pavilion (if it were open, at least!) Such brainstorming would help to kickstart the campaign, "What's the worst that could happen for Wonders of Life?" Given the touchy and icky nature of health and the human body (it's not always healthy eating and exercise!!), there have been some interesting contenders; feel free to peruse and imagine just how terrible if would be.<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/WOL4EVA_Rios">@WOL4EVA_Rios</a> HIV: Ride It! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions&src=hash">#WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions</a><br />— Mark Diba (@Dibadisney) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dibadisney/statuses/419488140601327616">January 4, 2014</a></blockquote><br /><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions&src=hash">#WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions</a> "Vomit Comet" <a href="https://twitter.com/WOL4EVA_Rios">@WOL4EVA_Rios</a><br />— Rich K°o°ster (@DisneyEcho) <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyEcho/statuses/419524760939552768">January 4, 2014</a></blockquote><br /><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/WOL4EVA_Rios">@WOL4EVA_Rios</a> Joys of a Colonoscopy: Journey into the nether regions. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions&src=hash">#WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions</a><br />— CommuniCore82 (@Communicore82) <a href="https://twitter.com/Communicore82/statuses/419532061322391552">January 4, 2014</a></blockquote><br /><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/WOL4EVA_Rios">@WOL4EVA_Rios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions&src=hash">#WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions</a> Halitosis Hero Honestly that could get pretty creative.<br />— Mick (@MickBrege) <a href="https://twitter.com/MickBrege/statuses/419602908905095168">January 4, 2014</a></blockquote><br /><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />So far, these four tweets have formed the best of a likely campaign to get people to discuss how Wonders of Life's future attractions should be, even if it means brainstorming what it should NOT be. I can add more imaginative guesses to this campaign to give it more steam, but if by any chance you have a Twitter account, you can add your vision on what would constitute a terrible attraction under the hashtag <a href="twitter.com/search?q=%23WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions&src=hash">#WorstWondersOfLifeAttractions</a>, and hopefully you would provide an even more imaginative (or scarring!) answer! Also, feel free to discuss both issues in the comments, including who you think might win the debate, or maybe if there are some sinister motives evident.<br />And now returning to normal transmission in three, two...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-16253029088000120902013-12-23T17:16:00.001-08:002014-07-25T03:45:07.071-07:00Happy Holidays from Wonder of Life Eterna, 2013<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d8P-E2-NDPw" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
Welcome back again, readers, and there are some wonderful things going on this holiday season as we speak. Families are uniting, even worlds apart, to cherish every moment the season has to offer, and some have taken the liberty to enhance its magical appeal at... where else, Walt Disney World, packed with people taking the holidays to the next level.<br />
<br />
Of course, you didn't stop to think that the end of 2006 was the final holiday season the Wonders of Life pavilion opened to guests, and it was a short holiday treat for those who stopped by as a kid – a lot like stepping into a time capsule of memories we may never see again. New Year's Day in 2007 confirmed it, a quiet reminder that due to tough times, life and health ended up a vulnerable target.<br />
<br />
But not so. 2013 proved a great year for medical innovations and findings, even retweeted on @WOL4EVA_Rios to hopefully share them, and even the legacy and influence of the Wonders of Life lingers without anyone's knowledge. Remember when Habit Heroes reopened, despite mixed reviews, with a more sensitive and humane approach to health habits, and enthralled guests, even gaining the endorsement of Iron Man.<br />
<br />
Alas, as the year closes, Wonders of Life Eterna looks forward to another year of joy, good health, resilience and opportunities to move forward. However, if Wonders of Life Eterna can admit, it's not possible to do it alone, and what a great turnout of support it has attracted. From discussion opportunities through to brainstorming, there will be opportunities to discuss, and even if the group is brave enough, to get Epcot to put Life and Health back on the table, healing the wound left behind on New Years Day 2007.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to all the readers who stopped by this blog, as well as the informational site, and if there are some good people out there with the liberty of sharing memories of the pavilion, thankyou and keep the memories alive :)<br />
<br />
Happy holidays!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-51706856226811928642013-12-01T01:02:00.003-08:002014-07-25T03:44:23.511-07:00Running On Dry<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CI2wJZdrCj8/UO1VXxlSTLI/AAAAAAAAAm8/HoSVEDHYQ_s/s0-I/SleepyBuzzy-WhatDidIMiss.jpg"/><br /><br />Apologies for the long absence, as right now most of my ideas banks have run dry, and all in the middle of the holiday season. Many would think the blog may be a step closer to shutting down or gathering dust, just like the pavilion (don't worry, it won't.) But there is hope, and there will be a snowstorm coming for this blog, in a festive turn of events.<br /><br />A little since Thanksgiving, I have been developing an advent calendar accessible from the informational website... yes, I hear your groans, but there are me some thoughts on how the Wonders of Life pavilion would have celebrated the holidays, especially now in this day and age (just remember, it's all speculative, but you'll see.)<br /><br />Each advent entry contains a little description of a holiday activity or issue, as well as a thought on how Wonders of Life would tackle such, as well as an advent badge icon.<br /><br />On a functional note, there may be some bugs on the advent page, so if there are some, let me know, but I'll be constantly checking and tweaking it for your enjoyment, and hopefully I'll start work on each advent. Spoiler alert, to date, four consecutive adverts are done, and I'll try my best to keep up with them, so as not to leave you with nothing in your stockings.<br /><br />And we return to normal programming in three, two...<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-87442811337347673662013-10-26T01:14:00.001-07:002014-07-25T03:44:46.662-07:00How Not to Have a Healthy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78GIbIWfXDI/TiAJKHIQrfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/LSm68Ab92bM/s1600/wolWhiskeyTango.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78GIbIWfXDI/TiAJKHIQrfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/LSm68Ab92bM/s1600/wolWhiskeyTango.png" /></a></div><br />In another surprising episode of What the WT-!, Halloween sees a spike in candy consumption and sharing, not just at doorsteps of houses, but at every party in any house and community hall (and cosplay pageant if they exist). And because at the time of this blogpost, once again, toothpaste and dental health companies don the message of sharing the sugary joy responsibly and consuming candy moderately (because face it, teeth are the diamond encrusted silverware of the human body – too expensive to lose or damage). Without being too preachy with the "healthy things are better than candy", Crest and OralB decided to put together an ad campaign with this in mind, capturing the kids' reactions to healthy Halloween options gone terribly wrong.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cnzbZ2RA4qQ" width="490"></iframe><br /><br />Sure, the advert is not meant to offend anyone who chooses to eschew candy products in favor of healthy fruit and vegetables, but reaction wise it is meant to be a comedic lampoon on how healthy options may be exploited too commonly for the dollar. Okay, okay, On the topic of which, <b>Wonders of Life</b> really did have a healthy options bar, <b>Pure and Simple</b>, and you may remember it selling salads and wraps through to yoghurt and waffles and the odd fruit. According to the advert, there is a high likeliness the bars' Halloween would feel like a (admitted it) drabby Helloween.<br /><br />You can feel free to express your views on the advert, both on the source video page, as well as on this blog post comments section. And if anyone is gearing up for a Halloween season like no other (either a quiet night of delivering candy, or hosting a party, or going out trick or treating in your finest garmentry), I leave you with some words of wisdom the time trick or treaters come: sites like <a href="http://spoonful.com/halloween/best-halloween-recipes-gallery">Spoonful's article on doing your own healthy Halloween treats</a> could be of help if you like to cook and create. Supplying for trick or treaters? Don't be afraid to check the labels if you Offer sweet fruits such as apple slices and carrot sticks (always a winner with kids) but hey, it's Halloween, and moderation ensures happy celebrations!<br /><br />I wonder if, you too, would be interested in <a href="http://wol4eva_psas.blogspot.com">watching a collection of healthy public service announcements</a>? There are some scary and unsettling ones, word of warning, and apt for the night of fright to come! Hopefully, the Wonders of Life Eterna blog will be returning back into gear, open for suggestions and recovering from bloggers' block as we speak!<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-26562907647917431842013-09-11T05:52:00.001-07:002014-07-25T03:45:57.229-07:00Possibility 9 - The Memorial Pause<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVUxPt8FW5Y/Tmba5kuZVEI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GjuQR3jYBOg/s1600/PossibilityBox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVUxPt8FW5Y/Tmba5kuZVEI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GjuQR3jYBOg/s1600/PossibilityBox.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>First of all, I would like to deliver my apologies for my long period of blogging absence, due to a clogged up schedule and current state of mind already exhausted beyond cognitive awareness (sigh). For some apparent reason, there was a reason why I chose to post this article on a day of rememberance, as it has given me fresh inspiration to help with the Possibilities article. My heart goes to everyone whose lives have been changed, as well as the countless heroes who saved precious lives as well - from firefighters through to paramedics, and even ordinary people who gave their lives to save others.</i><br />
<br />
Memorials, in the context of extinct attractions, are a very controversial topic in the eyes of many people – who supports the idea, who opposes it – but there is no universally correct answer of having one exist, to pay homage to many rides and experiences gone by, yet allowing room for others to move on. The Wonders of Life pavilion, one of the numerous examples of the extinct attractions worthy of a memorial, will likely be the typical candidate, but this post will be open to discussion in the comments section. In today's Possibilities, we will explore and brainstorm the many ways that the Wonders of Life pavilion could be given a tangible reminder of its existence – from events to attractions that once captivated our joy and wonder – but also to debate on which kind should be considered, and even where to draw the line.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/insidethemagic/5054039981/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mr. Toad in Haunted Mansion pet cemetary by insidethemagic, on Flickr"><img alt="Mr. Toad in Haunted Mansion pet cemetary" height="180" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4128/5054039981_a76bb542e3_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A notable subtle memorial to Mr Toad's Wild Ride, as seen <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/insidethemagic/5054039981/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before we get started, chances are some of us may have encountered memorials before. In the context of Walt Disney World, there are subtle, but clever memorial nods to attractions that are no longer there. Until the mid 90s, one could enjoy a wild ride with Mr Toad in the Magic Kingdom, and a notable mini-memorial (or the 'five legged goat') paying homage to the attraction (Mr Toad's bust) can be seen in the Pet Cemetery section of the Haunted Mansion. This gives us the scale of how we describe any possible attraction memorials – all the way to the massive and monumental, but such memorials of this scale might not receive positive reception by some people.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/webmikey/1019437102/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Leave a Legacy monument by WEBmikey, on Flickr"><img alt="Leave a Legacy monument" height="180" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1223/1019437102_24a3bd4e6f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Leave a Legacy monoliths, as found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/webmikey/1019437102/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
and <a href="http://www.epcyclopedia.com/2012/04/10/leave-a-legacy-and-the-wands/" target="_blank">article</a> from the Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia site </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With regards to some opinions, a memorial may mean to them anything you would find in a cemetery – any tributes to souls gone by and dear to them (examples are the military or event memorial monuments scattered around the country) – and to have a memorial of this intention doesn't do the theme parks justice. Now I consider that the theme park is meant for enjoyment and not purely for lamentation and longing of something lost (well, save for a few), so we would not want anything massive or conspicuous to get in the way of the theme park experience. Case in point, the Leave a Legacy monoliths at Epcot's entrance, designed as part of the Millenium Celebrations to record visitors, notable or not, of the park, but come a decade later, there are mixed reviews for the millennium monument dedicated to family members, including confusion that this may be a memorial site for those that may have died somehow.<br />
<br />
On the small end of the scale, one idea I have brainstormed for micro-memorials would be a small plaque embedded in the garden beds, adjacent to the pavilions where the attractions were located. Take for instance the long lost attraction Horizons – beloved by many, a small inconspicuous plaque embedded in the garden, resembling its original sign (before Mission: SPACE's initial reign over its land) would be partially hidden in the garden. I could picture it reading, <br />
<blockquote>
"In loving appreciation of Horizons, which gave us all a wonderful view of the future to come, on land, sea and outer space; we dreamt it, we did it, here's to many more",</blockquote>
but there are many possibilities.One podcast I usually keep in touch often is Communicore Weekly, and one of its sections is the Five Legged Goat, a guide to many interesting components and tricks (and even the cultural gags, starting with the Mary Lair mosaic in the Contemporary that harbored its name) hidden in each of the attractions and locations, even subtle tributes to past attractions, and notable Imagineers as well. But it is stressably important that there may be visitors willing to understand the message conveyed in the memorial, and there are cases nowadays that not every visitor to the park has been to the extinct attraction in question.<br />
<br />
On the topic, given that Wonders of Life has some room left for gardens and rock pools, it might be possible to consider them if an external memorial site may be possible. Notably, one can recall the Tower of Life DNA monument that once towered 25 feet at the head of the pavilion, and as of now it is sadly dismantled for scrap (give or take accuracy). One can consider the Tower of Life to be a likely candidate for a subtle memorial garden that pays tribute to the pavilion's former glory, but where do we draw the boundary for an extinct attraction memorial? Shell of a Wondercycle? Door panel from a body probe vehicle? Buzzy's tomb? The latter three may have made you cringe, hence making my point in reducing the creepy factor for a memorial.<br />
<br />
But consider this; with respect to the pavilion's past, there is much likelihood for a small memorial near the building, with intention to pay tribute to the previous attractions that captivated us. But in case a tangible object cannot be decided, perhaps it would be sufficient to conclude that the best memorial would be in the form of anecdotes - short but sweet tales of the fun experiences that would remain in our hearts.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
PS: This article was finalised, intentionally to coincide with the US' day of loss, in which the epicenter of the day's events are now immortalised into a memorial, attracting tourists and families by the day. It was this that inspired me to write a Possibilities topic on memorials, not to capitalise, but as part of the brainstorming process of the pavilion. But twelve years on, we recognise the pain and shock from the day's events on Sept. 11th, 2001. Our hearts go to those whose lives were changed, and to the heroes who saved precious lives - from the firefighters to the paramedics and ordinary human beings in between. {:')<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-83560153670293441912013-08-27T21:23:00.000-07:002014-07-25T03:47:19.803-07:00Footsteps - Medical Inflatables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWxpi3VysTI/Tma_Xz5YrCI/AAAAAAAAAGI/op1QKGahDyM/s1600/footstepsBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWxpi3VysTI/Tma_Xz5YrCI/AAAAAAAAAGI/op1QKGahDyM/s1600/footstepsBanner.png"></a></div>
Another faithful welcome back, and with another Footsteps article with regards to some of the most interesting, yet similar exhibits that some of us might enjoy, that is if you enjoyed Wonders of Life. Of course, while we covered some interesting and state of the art external exhibits beyond Epcot's borders, there is a class of external exhibits in which they are considered visually unusual at first glance (well, to the point they might qualify for a <b>What the WT-</b> article), but on closer inspection, this kind of exhibit has already developed a large traveling footprint, and it is successful in both message and visitor attraction.<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medicalinflatables.com/Portals/0/heartXL/heartXL-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.medicalinflatables.com/Portals/0/heartXL/heartXL-2.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As found in the <a href="http://www.medicalinflatables.com/MEGAHeart.aspx" target="_blank">Mega Heart official page</a> (<a href="http://www.medicalinflatables.com/MEGAHeart.aspx">http://www.medicalinflatables.com/MEGAHeart.aspx</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
Believe it or not, this article is covering a unique travelling exhibit - it is a group of inflatable models of the human body, under the name MEGA. These inflatables are designed to present the many areas of the human body or organ in an exploratory manner, both to exhibit their roles and functions, and deliver awareness of the many diseases associated with the organ itself. These inflatable model exhibits are often rented out for venues, ranging from school incursion visits, through to charity awareness events (heart disease organisations , and some are even hired for parties.<br>
<br>
To date, there are four inflatable exhibits currently functioning are the heart, the lungs, the brain and even a stylised representation of a human body (the whole set, including the digestive tract). The advantages of such inflatables would be their portability, where one inflatable model (plus the necessary air) would take one mode of transport, as compared to other exhibits designed for migration with multiple museums requiring more, and requiring part assembly on arrival. With regards to their complexity, the inflatable models have been regularly maintained to ensure they are ready for their next stream of visitors, either for a day or a week.<div><br></div><div>In their relation to Epcot's Wonders of Life pavilion's exhibits past, there sadly is no equivalent other than Body Wars (far different and more mechanical), but both in comparison highly emphasise the need to explore, but different respectively... while Body Wars tended to run on "scheduled missions" programmed on the rides, the MEGA Inflatables are a 'wander at your own place' type of exhibit, where guests can make their way around the model, even with the option to return to a spot they may have otherwise missed. There is an underlying health message in them too, one that Body Wars only leaned on a touch – showcasing the many diseases and conditions (albeit physical) experienced by the organ in question might help motivate people to manage their health better, even prevent the condition. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On further thoughts, if Wonders of Life were still around, or if it had any room to spare for temporary exhibits, chances are these inflatables would have stopped by, either for events or promoting the pavilion to crowds on a slow visits day. Somehow, Wonders of Life could have taken advantage of opening a showroom for those not fit enough to travel the LGS-250 B229 probe, and built an equivalent exploratory exhibit (blood vessel gymbaree anyone?) to keep them happy. </span></div><div>
<br>
Chances are you might want to look up some more information on the exhibits, or maybe you have opinions with the exhibits of this kind, which you can leave in the comments below. Here is the link to the exhibits in case you are interested in reading more:<br>
<br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Medical Inflatables, 2013. <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Inflatable Heart | Heart Exhibit | Brain Exhibit </span>[ONLINE] Available at: <u><a href="http://www.medicalinflatables.com/HOME.aspx" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.medicalinflatables.com/HOME.aspx</a></u>. [Accessed 19 December 2013].</span></div><div><br>
Until next time, readers!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-45133160268029371452013-08-27T20:53:00.000-07:002014-05-24T21:10:40.702-07:00Attractions Toolkit - Body Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgpScvm5qfc/T8b3ighDFdI/AAAAAAAAATo/Tji7tplMTrA/s1600/wol4eva_attractionsToolkit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgpScvm5qfc/T8b3ighDFdI/AAAAAAAAATo/Tji7tplMTrA/s1600/wol4eva_attractionsToolkit.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.fastcompany.com/upload/body-wars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://images.fastcompany.com/upload/body-wars2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Welcome back to <b>Attractions Toolkit</b>, the section selecting one attraction from the pavilion, and figuring out which parts can be added, subtracted or replaced. But first, there had been a flurry of rumors and updates pertaining to the current state of <b>Body Wars </b>before we begin today's brainstorming. From an anonymous witness, word has it that demolition of the interior may have happened, with the simulator shells removed completely. In an uncanny way, this somewhat freed up some thought possibilities pertaining to how <b>Body Wars</b> would have been updated, or even by now, replaced.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a>It is important to note that <b>Body Wars</b> was a headliner attraction since the pavilion's opening in October 1989, which catered to adrenaline junkies looking for a hit somewhere in Epcot. However, let's weight up the pros and cons with regards to three categories - the idea, the technology, and overall reception.<br /><br /><table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="width: 500px;"><br /><br /><tbody><br /><tr bgcolor="#dddddd"><th width="250">Pros</th><th width="250">Cons</th></tr><br /><tr><td><b>IDEA WISE</b><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Extended the target audience to include teenagers and young adults (commonly associated with thrill rides)</li><br /><li>Provided excellent opportunity to educate riders on various locations of the body </li><br /></ul><br /></td><br /><br /><td><ul><br /><li>Excluded the expectant, the elderly, or those with heart problems due to safety concerns</li><br /></ul><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td><b>TECHNOLOGY</b><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Innovative technology used to its advantage (Epcot was the centrepiece for innovation and the technology was ideal at the time)</li><br /></ul><br /></td><br /><br /><td><ul><br /><li>Not very immersive and innovative compared to its Omnimover incarnation (its predecessor, <i>The Incredible Journey Within</i>)</li><br /></ul><br /></td></tr><br /><tr><td><b>RECEPTION</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Overall memorable experience for riders; has inspired/motivated riders into the bioscience and medical profession</li><br /></ul><br /></td><br /><td><ul><br /><br /><li>Contributed to motion sickness in the majority of riders</li><br /><li>Subject matter may not settle well with some people (some are squeamish or prone to nightmares)</li><br /><li>Can prove tragic [for example, the infamous <a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1995-05-17/news/9505170076_1_disney-world-epcot-ride-module">loss of a girl in May 94</a> and the <a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1995-05-18/news/9505170840_1_body-wars-walt-disney-baker">aftermath article</a> from Orlando Sentinel]</li><br /></ul><br /></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These are just a sliver of thoughts pertaining to the positives and negatives pertaining to Body Wars (any more thoughts to further fill in the gaps are appreciated), and in this case, it would be a good idea to keep these in consideration. Moving on from opinions, let's move into the physical aspects of improving the attraction (or replacement thereof).<br /><br /><h2><br /><br />Analysis</h2><br /><br /><br />First up, Body Wars was Epcot's first ride system built on flight simulator technology, in the form of the ATLAS simulator, bearing the capacity to seat 40 passengers in one sitting. As you may have heard, this technology is also used in Star Tours, and it was state of the art for its time, allowing the rides to transfer passengers into imaginable worlds which would prove complicated to recreate into an actual rollercoaster or OmniMover (this was true as <i>the Incredible Journey Within</i> was designed to be an OmniMover ride, but it would prove painstakingly expensive and irritating to maintain any moving parts of the ride). Of course, while the visuals and graphics were convincing during the brink of the 90s, it seems by now it may have seen better days. This means there is some room for improvement in this area (doubtable by time of the article being written). In this article, there will be three ways of how this would be carried out.<br /><br /><h2><br /><br />Updating the Ride</h2><br /><br /><br />While this may not necessarily be possible by now, here are just a few ponderings with regards to how Body Wars would have been updated to a much more modernised format. Here are some of a few points pertaining to the update.<br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><li>As cited in previous blog posts, update the ambience and visual theme of the queue; consider a change in colour scheme or interior style to not only help describe the attraction's medical theme, but also add a few things to the queue to further back it up.</li><br /><br /><br /><li>Consider updating video and graphics footage (for instance, the preshow clips, by having a new set of stars, or adding new information of the organisation (perhaps continue on with the attraction's history), also the footage as seen from the ride can be updated (yes, computer animation has really come a long way since the brink of the 90s, especially to achieve the lifelikeness of the experience)</li><br /><br /><br /><li>Expand the amount of possible destinations much like the case with Star Tours; in fact, the splinter-to-rescue-mission has been done to death and has remained the same for about 15 years (including dropping a few seconds responsible for making people fall ill from motion sickness), and it could be a pick-and-mix situation with the addition of different locations in the body. Also room for demonstrating different conditions and diseases (such as an up-close look on smokers lungs, or a microbial look on food poisoning and the digestive process, etc.) would have been the case.</li><br /><br /><br /><li>Additions such as 3D vision, much like Star Tours has employed, could be possible, but it could aggravate motion sickness in some riders.</li><br /></ul><br /><br /><br />For some reason, it is most likely that the ATLAS units might be replaced with a more updated unit, such as the Kuka Arm <a href="http://wol4eva.blogspot.com/2011/11/possibility-6-running-through-veins-and.html">mentioned in this blog earlier in Possibilities.</a> If this is possible, the units could be either retrofitted or built to accommodate up to 6 people per cabin, as with Test Track 2.0 recently. It could be tempting to follow Test Track 2.0 with regards to a customised ride experience, and if Body Wars could benefit from this, this could mean a far better ride experience – the ability to customise the ride itinerary, such as picking which body systems might be of exploration interest, as well as entrance and exit strategies (uhm, with caution), as well as whatever diseases that might be encountered on the way. In fact, the pick-and-mix option of a customisable nature can happily add variety to the ride.<br /><br /><h2><br /><br />Development of a New Ride</h2><br /><br /><br />Of course, in the event that Body Wars couldn't be brought back, either retrofitted or updated and mechanically overhauled, it could be somewhat possible to bring in an entirely different ride. In hindsight, there could be two possible options for a different kind of ride system – the OmniMover system (a slow dark-ride system, such as Horizons and Universe of Energy) and the roller coaster.<br /><br />Should the OmniMover system be in favor, it would be a helpful idea to consider looking back at the predecessor that is <i>The Incredible Journey Within</i>. The limitations to the OmniMover system would probably be with ride mechanics, such as notably trying to have a model of the heart's valves pulsing almost all the time without failing (note that was during the pavilion's planning years of the 70s and 80s). Thanks to the advancements of audioanimatronic and engineering technology, this could lead to some more efficient developments in the world of dark rides. Sometimes, three dimensional displays using models, through to simulated additional virtual scenes displayed on screens (such as in the transportation-themed dark ride <b>World of Motion</b>) can be used to their advantage to immerse guests into each of the scenes.<br /><br />However, should the option for a rollercoaster be preferred (this could make some adrenaline-junkies happy), this could mean the equivalent of <b>Space Mountain</b>, but given the importance of immersing guests into the scene (that is, the illusion of, for example, gliding through red blood cells), this wouldn't feel like an inner body experience, unless the track is properly themed corresponding to the scene. Barriers between scenes can be set, much the same way as dark rides are, and the plotline for the ride would typically be adventure based, ranging from a battle within the immune system, through to a rapids ride through the digestive system (...uhm, nope?), or even what's it like to be a message travelling down firing neurons in the brain.<br /><br /><h2><br /><br />A Different Attraction Altogether</h2><br /><br /><br />In some cases, especially currently, there is a less likely chance that the pavilion may even have room for a ride. In this case, this could open up more room for many possible alternate attractions. Perhaps a space for travelling interactive exhibits (typically those you'd find in most science museums), considered lowbrow if you take into consideration of the Disney experience, but this could work wonders if the pavilion were to host convention events pertaining to a health cause. Not to mention, that could open up numerous opportunities for external companies (for example, in medical, health and pharmaceutical sectors) that might be interested in demonstrating their latest advancement to the public, and in this case, this could lead to company relationships being developed via public interaction. Or tongue-in-cheek wise, probably home grown exhibits somehow demonstrating health topics with a little magical help. (Which reminds me, "Psst, Calhoun! Yes you! Are you qualified to shoot down the common cold virus?" But I better stop now.) <br /><br />But all in all, there would be a lot more possibilities for a possible addition (or replacement to fill in the gaping hole in the dome). While Body Wars may be no more, to the dismay of some fans, let us just say that there could be other ideas left open to either follow the legacy of the long gone adventure, or even blaze a new trail altogether. Even the sister blog carrying out the study, "What's Next for Wonders of Life", has a variable series of results on what participants think could be for the next attraction. Anyways, if you have any ideas or suggestions, or something of interest pertaining to Epcot's Wonders of Life, feel free to leave a comment, or leave an email if it's confidential.<br /><br />Until next time readers, and belated holiday wishes, especially in the first part of the new year.<br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078731058973504785.post-62148322013185288592013-07-23T22:52:00.002-07:002013-07-23T22:53:46.429-07:00In Bed with Imagination, Currently Ill<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CI2wJZdrCj8/UO1VXxlSTLI/AAAAAAAAAm8/u1c9QabrCqM/s1600/SleepyBuzzy-WhatDidIMiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CI2wJZdrCj8/UO1VXxlSTLI/AAAAAAAAAm8/u1c9QabrCqM/s320/SleepyBuzzy-WhatDidIMiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Massive yawn at this hour, and after a rollercoaster of uncertainty for this blog, there is a rumor going hot off the press about the <b>Wonders of Life</b>'s right brained ally (yes, I meant ally in a sense), the <b>Journey into Imagination</b> pavilion. Of course, you may wonder why a <b>Wonders of Life</b> centered blog is writing about the Journey into Imagination pavilion, but out of respect, there are a lot of issues at stake in which I will provide one of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=498203326920351&set=a.344323182308367.77837.126045394136148&type=1" target="_blank">Epcyclopedia's articles</a> explaining what's to come.<br />
Apparently, the renovation job is not due until somewhere in 2014, but already, there is a discussion in both sides pertaining to the fate of the pavilion; it is asking a whole lot of questions altogether - what should go into its place? Who should run the show? Is Figment coming back? Dreamfinder? Unfortunately, no answers are revealed at this point, but there is another question that is bugging us too: will it end up being abandoned?<br />
As scary as it may sound, some pavilions and locations within Epcot have actually been abandoned for many reasons - sponsor walking out, maintenance problems or just too few to stop by - and to have <b>Wonders of Life</b> (as a pavilion in this case) hanging in the balance between closure and its status as a festival center apparently stuffs the situation right into its seams.<br />
While things may as well yet to be finalised on what will take the place of <b>Imagination </b>later on (to the Imagineering department, we hear you! Good luck!), there is likely a different story pertaining to the <b>Wonders of Life</b> pavilion. While it is too soon to speculate, there is a reason why the <b>Wonders of Life Eterna </b>blog exists in response to events like this. It is in inspiration of the various memories held by many guests who have actually been into the pavilion - young and old - and it is in the interest of these people, no matter how variable they are, who would be interested in <br />
If you are brave enough to look back, it is quite interesting to figure out how many possibilities (even from my own thoughts, as well as the thoughts of others) exist if the pavilion were to actually come back. However, the only (and likely, futile) way would be to <a href="http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/epcot-walt-disney-company-update-refurb-the-wonders-of-life-pavilion-2" target="_blank">put the pressure on management</a> to finally look into brainstorming different ways to treat an ailing patient in <b>Future World East</b>. And, yes, I meant that as an architectural metaphor.<br />
On a different side, for some odd reason, one of the servers for the informational site appear to be down, so the most likely thing to do is open up a mirror site to serve as a backup operator in case. However, some interactive components are building up offline, especially the pavilion articles and the interactive map. (Did you hear that? An interactive map!) So hopefully, as soon as the site situation is rectified, then expect the site to return with these wonderful features.<br />
So until next time, if you have any possible thoughts on whether management (whether they are done with the Imagination refurbishment or not) should focus on Wonders of Life, feel free to leave a comment (it's always moderated), or even feel free to <a href="http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/epcot-walt-disney-company-update-refurb-the-wonders-of-life-pavilion-2" target="_blank">share the petition</a>, or <a href="http://wol4eva-survey.blogspot.com.au/p/languages-page.html" target="_blank">complete the survey online</a>, or even <a href="http://wol4eva-survey.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">view the results</a> corresponding to the pavilion. I'm all ears!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0