Somebody's Gonna Pee in a Cup, West Coast - Link to new TR 1/21

[SarahDisney]

(Warning: I'm too lazy to quote anything)

Educational as always, Andy!

I actually never knew that the corn I eat on a regular basis was different corn than corn meal. It does make sense ... for corn meal you'd definitely want something more starchy. What kind is microwave popcorn? (I'm guessing sweet ... but those kernels are harder than the corn I get from a can ... they're probably dried out somehow)
I also didn't know that soybeans don't come out of the ground basically as edamame ... although that was probably a hefty dose of stupid on my part. Really interesting stuff.
Although ... I'm guessing you don't approve of my eating corn on the cob this time of year (not that it'll stop me)
I did know that you're supposed to rotate crops, but I never really knew why, so I definitely appreciated that explanation as well!

Also ... here's an interesting Sarah tidbit ... my people had cows back in the day. I think. In the early 1900's my ancestors owned a dairy farm. We also had a carousel, but this was all long before I was born.

It's interesting to see that the corn is growing, even though you thought it was dead. I guess corn resurection is a real thing? But it's pretty cool, and a nice lesson in never giving up hope! (Sorry, I'm feeling a little inspirational today)

 

[franandaj]

I changed into swim trunks and an Under Armour shirt to go ride GRR first. I enjoy water rides, but I just don’t really like to walk around in wet clothes all day. Since we were in GCH and the entrance to the ride was literally steps away from the GCH entrance, it was only slightly farther to walk here than it was to walk to the pool anyway.

That's smart. We did that the first time we rode it way back when. Now I just skip it, not a big water ride fan.

I headed back out to the hallway and saw about 6 Disney security people standing there. They were escorting the man they had been talking to when I came back in, down the hallway. I’m not sure what happened, but I could overhear one of the security people talking to someone else through a radio and it sounded like he was informing the person on the other end that they were going to be leaving the hotel to escort this guest off of the property.

Definitely curious of what he did, but not enough to test it and find out!

It was finally time to see the show, and I really enjoyed it.

That's a do every couple years sort of attraction for us. We like it, but don't make it a point to hit every time we're out there.

I walked on towards Adventureland and holy cow!!! The Dole Whip line was wrapped around the building and back towards Aladdin’s Oasis.

It's always like that. I usually see the Tiki Room show to get one if I'm going to. Glad you knew about that option.

It was about time to ride ToT so I headed for the exit and crossed back over to DCA. I walked to ToT and arrived right at the beginning of my FP window. I handed them my FP and basically walked straight into the library for the pre-show.

The ride itself was fun, but definitely a much different experience from WDW. There’s really not a dark ride element to the ride that you have at WDW with the elevator moving down the hallway. You basically have some video elements and then the drops. It is definitely a lot of fun, but I don’t think I’d have missed much if I didn’t ride it.

It's a fun ride if you have a FP, I wouldn't wait long for it. DHS's version is definitely better.

Most of what we grow is dent corn. This is actually the most common corn grown in the US. If you drive across farmland and see cornfields, the vast majority of what you see will be dent corn. This corn is more starchy and less sweet than the corn we eat on a cob or from a can. When we harvest it, the kernels are hard. It can be ground up to make corn meal, corn flakes/corn chips/tortillas/etc , used for high fructose corn syrup, used to make ethanol or used for animal feed.

I did know this fact about corn, but didn't know it was called dent corn.

I'm a corn snob. I'm used to fresh corn on the cob and I refuse to eat it out of season or order it at a restaurant. It is always horrible. Most farmers around here probably do the same.

I can see why you would feel that way. When we were in Ohio and Indiana last summer, we had some of the best corn dishes at restaurants. We didn't have any way to cook it, and you didn't invite us by the farm!

I mean if you're spending over $100K on seed, what's a couple hundred dollars worth of sweet corn seed to them? Just about everybody plants an acre or 2 of sweet corn like we do. Which is more than enough for a family.

I was curious what kind of budget operation this was. Not that I'm being nosy into your finances, but had no idea how much seed costs, nor irrigation or tractors. As they say, "It takes money to make money."

First, rad accent

What accent?

I had the same thought as Alicia!

You can see that the growth was definitely stunted, but the dead corn appears to be making a comeback.

That's cool that it's coming back!

 

[MissMaryQC]

I'm glad the corn came back! Its amazing what difference a week makes.

Its funny you should say that about the rain. I just read that this has been a very wet year for our nation, just some parts (namely California) have been in a drought. Mother Nature is an interesting woman!

 

[pkondz]

Hey Andy. I read with interest your reply to Sarahdisney. Soooo.... Can I come over when the sweet corn is ready?

(I'm avoiding TRs with updates since I can't quote... And typing with one finger on the iPod is a pain!)

 

[afwdwfan]

for the corn coming back.

We would gladly send you some of our rain if you wish it. If it's not raining, it's 40 - 50 degrees here...in JUNE!

I'm glad things are looking good for you guys.

What we got Monday was a big help! This weather really has been crazy though. We've been cool too which kind of helps with the lack of rainfall. Sounds like we could hit 90 today though.

Zombie corn! That's awesome. And now I have a better understanding of what happened to your Little League team mom.

It was close... I thought the corn was mature enough that the growing point was above the soil surface. Had that been the case, there wouldn't have been any kind of a comeback. We lucked out, I guess!

The last time I visited Disneyland, when I was about 5, I apparently loved the Mr. Lincoln attraction....so Walt passed his admiration for Abe on to a young Glennbo.

I can think of far worse people to look up to and admire.

Too bad you couldn't have just hung out in the hallway for a while; sounds like a very interesting show was happening there.

Oh yeah. It could have been interesting. But probably not as interesting as the things in the parks.

 

[afwdwfan]

What kind is microwave popcorn? (I'm guessing sweet ... but those kernels are harder than the corn I get from a can ... they're probably dried out somehow)

Well, actually that's a third kind... popcorn. Completely different from the first 2 kinds. And there are other kinds as well, but dent, sweet corn and popcorn are probably the 3 big ones that most people are familiar with.

And as for drying out and becoming hard... sweet corn will do that as well. We let dent corn and popcorn mature to that point before harvesting them, but sweet corn is harvested while the plant is still green and the kernels are juicy. If it stays in the field, it will eventually dry down, but when sweet corn dries down it just gets really nasty. It isn't something you can really do anything with.

Although ... I'm guessing you don't approve of my eating corn on the cob this time of year (not that it'll stop me)

No, it's getting to be a good time of year for it. The stores are getting some fresh corn from the south. If you get corn in the store that is still in the husks and take it home and cook it yourself, it is usually good. Not as good as the stuff we raise ourselves, but not bad. The problem is corn that sits in storage for a long time before you can eat it. Like you find at a restaurant. Then it just gets kind of chewy. That's not good.

Also ... here's an interesting Sarah tidbit ... my people had cows back in the day. I think. In the early 1900's my ancestors owned a dairy farm. We also had a carousel, but this was all long before I was born.

Cool! Cows and a carousel? Interesting combination. Where was it located? NY?

It's interesting to see that the corn is growing, even though you thought it was dead. I guess corn resurection is a real thing? But it's pretty cool, and a nice lesson in never giving up hope! (Sorry, I'm feeling a little inspirational today)

Well, actually, corn's growing point is below the soil surface until it reaches a certain stage of growth. When this happened we were right on the edge of the growing point being below or above the surface. Had it been above, the corn probably wouldn't have been able to come back. It must have still been below the surface, so that protected it and let it get a second life.

That's smart. We did that the first time we rode it way back when. Now I just skip it, not a big water ride fan.

I don't mind water rides, but I've just got to be in the right mood. And dressed appropriately. I mean, I don't want to walk around in wet jeans and sneakers or something like that.

Definitely curious of what he did, but not enough to test it and find out!

Exactly!

That's a do every couple years sort of attraction for us. We like it, but don't make it a point to hit every time we're out there.

Definitely makes sense. I'd probably look at it the same way if I go there often.

It's always like that. I usually see the Tiki Room show to get one if I'm going to. Glad you knew about that option.

That line was definitely crazy every time I walked by!

It's a fun ride if you have a FP, I wouldn't wait long for it. DHS's version is definitely better.

That's exactly what my take on it was after riding it.

I did know this fact about corn, but didn't know it was called dent corn.

Well, it can be called dent, yellow, field corn... there's all kinds of names for it. Dent is probably the more commonly used name in the grain business.

I can see why you would feel that way. When we were in Ohio and Indiana last summer, we had some of the best corn dishes at restaurants. We didn't have any way to cook it, and you didn't invite us by the farm!

All you need is a microwave... there's all kinds of ways to cook it!

I was curious what kind of budget operation this was. Not that I'm being nosy into your finances, but had no idea how much seed costs, nor irrigation or tractors. As they say, "It takes money to make money."

Well, to give you an idea, it costs around $100 per acre just for seed to plant corn. This doesn't account for fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, fuel, equipment, land cost, etc. For soybeans, seed cost alone is around $75 per acre.

I had the same thought as Alicia!

Well... thanks. I guess.

That's cool that it's coming back!

I lucked out. I thought the plants were a little bit more mature than they actually were. Had I looked closer I'd have probably noticed.

I'm glad the corn came back! Its amazing what difference a week makes.

Especially when you get a little rain and then some warm weather. It should really grow a lot this week.

Its funny you should say that about the rain. I just read that this has been a very wet year for our nation, just some parts (namely California) have been in a drought. Mother Nature is an interesting woman!

Definitely. Even in Indiana, the northern part of the state has been probably a little too wet, but the southern half of the state has been missing a lot of the rains. The specific area I'm in is behind on our normal rainfall by quite a bit. We've at least been getting it when we need it to keep things green so far.

Hey Andy. I read with interest your reply to Sarahdisney. Soooo.... Can I come over when the sweet corn is ready?

(I'm avoiding TRs with updates since I can't quote... And typing with one finger on the iPod is a pain!)

Sure. It's in the corner of the field just north of my house. Just try to get to it before the raccoons do. They LOVE sweet corn. And it is darn near impossible to keep them and the birds out of it!

 

[pkondz]

Awesome. So if I take it, you'll think it was raccoons.

(Evil plot hatched)

 

[SarahDisney]

Cool! Cows and a carousel? Interesting combination. Where was it located? NY?

Yep. Queens, NY ... not too far from where I live, actually. I don't know how they ended up with a carousel ... I really don't know that much about my family history (I always want to look into it but I'm much too lazy)
There's actually a carousel on the land where the farm used to be ... but it's not the same one (we've asked - ours no longer exists).

 

[afwdwfan]

Awesome. So if I take it, you'll think it was raccoons.

(Evil plot hatched)

Just be careful. The best ways to keep the raccoons out of it are with an electric fence or a shotgun.

I don't have an electric fence.

Yep. Queens, NY ... not too far from where I live, actually. I don't know how they ended up with a carousel ... I really don't know that much about my family history (I always want to look into it but I'm much too lazy)
There's actually a carousel on the land where the farm used to be ... but it's not the same one (we've asked - ours no longer exists).

Wow. That would actually be something cool to have some pictures and information on. A farm in Queens at the turn of the century. That's really kind of cool that you can trace your roots back to that. And that there's actually a carousel there now. Too bad it isn't the original one.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

At least you had a great CM to entertain you during the RSR downtime. Although there are a few bad apples, Disney does hire some really great people.

That Autopia experience sounds so aggravating. I refuse to do the Tomorrowland Speedway for the same reason.

I think I would really enjoy Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (since I also enjoy the Hall of Presidents). I think the hallway after the attraction would be fun to see, too.

You wouldn't have seen me in the Dole Whip line - I love many Disney snacks, but a Dole Whip just isn't one of 'em. It's too bad you missed out, though.

Although it wasn't as exciting as the WDW version, at least you had a chance to try the Tower of Terror.

I love being able to just wander around a section of a Disney park (or resort, or whatever). It gives you a chance to spot details that you've never noticed before.

 

[pkondz]

Just be careful. The best ways to keep the raccoons out of it are with an electric fence or a shotgun.

I don't have an electric fence.

eep!

 

[MEK]

Good for your for getting a little solo time. Glad your enjoyed the DL version of ToT. But no pics????? Come on????

I really want to try the Grizzly River Run. I've heard good things about it.

I can tell just by the name of it that Denny would be a suck for the Lincoln show.

Bummer that the kids never took a nap. Your poor DW. I guess she got the next solo lap around the park.

 

[SarahDisney]

Wow. That would actually be something cool to have some pictures and information on. A farm in Queens at the turn of the century. That's really kind of cool that you can trace your roots back to that. And that there's actually a carousel there now. Too bad it isn't the original one.

The carousel being there now is a little less cool if you know that that particular area is now a park...
My great grandmother grew up on the farm, which is really the only way I know anything about it. My father (who knew her very well) has told me some stories from her. I assume she moved off the farm when she got married, and I don't know what happened after that.
There's definitely got to be more information about the farm out there, I just haven't really had the time to figure out where to look. For now it's just a fun tidbit to break out when talking about farms.
It's also pretty cool because I come from a community where most of my friends are children or grandchildren of immigrants, and I'm one of the only people I know who has roots that far back in America.

 

[afwdwfan]

At least you had a great CM to entertain you during the RSR downtime. Although there are a few bad apples, Disney does hire some really great people.

Definitely. In most cases they're phenomenal. I was frustrated at DL, because I was having trouble getting answers about the races. And then we never had any negative CM experiences, but we also never really had any that spread that extra little bit of Disney magic we're used to. Thankfully that changed on our final day.

That Autopia experience sounds so aggravating. I refuse to do the Tomorrowland Speedway for the same reason.

I don't have enough patience to begin with. We were about to have a road rage incident go down in the middle of Tomorrowland.

I think I would really enjoy Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (since I also enjoy the Hall of Presidents). I think the hallway after the attraction would be fun to see, too.

It is one of those things that I think every Disney fan should make sure they take some time to do if they're in Disneyland. It's really a great show and display.

You wouldn't have seen me in the Dole Whip line - I love many Disney snacks, but a Dole Whip just isn't one of 'em. It's too bad you missed out, though.

I enjoy them. But it isn't just something I have to have. I think I prefer the orange swirls in the MK anyway.

Although it wasn't as exciting as the WDW version, at least you had a chance to try the Tower of Terror.

It was a fun ride, and I'd do it again. But not worth a long wait in line. It didn't appear to have the big exterior queue through the hotel grounds like WDW (although the lobby is still excellent) and it just isn't quite as good of a ride. You do have the scene showing the elevator getting hit by lightning and some effects like that. But it misses that whole hallway into the Twilight Zone part.

I love being able to just wander around a section of a Disney park (or resort, or whatever). It gives you a chance to spot details that you've never noticed before.

Good for your for getting a little solo time. Glad your enjoyed the DL version of ToT. But no pics????? Come on????

I'm sorry. Next time I'll try not to smash my phone.

I really want to try the Grizzly River Run. I've heard good things about it.

It is a great ride.

I can tell just by the name of it that Denny would be a suck for the Lincoln show.

Let's see... you guys go on weekend trips to Williamsburg and always hit historic sites in your detours off property at WDW??? Yeah, I think he'd enjoy it.

Bummer that the kids never took a nap. Your poor DW. I guess she got the next solo lap around the park.

Yeah... about that.

The carousel being there now is a little less cool if you know that that particular area is now a park...
My great grandmother grew up on the farm, which is really the only way I know anything about it. My father (who knew her very well) has told me some stories from her. I assume she moved off the farm when she got married, and I don't know what happened after that.
There's definitely got to be more information about the farm out there, I just haven't really had the time to figure out where to look. For now it's just a fun tidbit to break out when talking about farms.
It's also pretty cool because I come from a community where most of my friends are children or grandchildren of immigrants, and I'm one of the only people I know who has roots that far back in America.

Hang onto those stories! There are a lot of people who don't have those kinds of details about their family history. I think it is great that you have those stories and that information to pass on!

 

[Ladyfish77]

OK, I'm super late to the party. Not a big quoter either, but I'm enjoying the WDW and DL combination. I grew up in AZ and we went to CA every year to visit family, so I went to DL once a year when I was growing up (back in the "E" ticket ride years). I haven't been there since 1983, so it's interesting to hear about all the changes. Carousel of Progress and Mr. Lincoln were two of my Dad's favorite things (I'm sure a good part of that was the air conditioning since we always went during the summer). It was great taking Dad to WDW when we lived in GA since they had moved COP and he got to see it again.

DL is sooo different. They built the second park in the original parking lot, so I wonder where people park now?

Also, I thought when your DD got those dresses for her 3rd birthday, you could recreate the dress changing scene at A&E next time you are there (NOT!).

Thanks for the tour of the "new" DL and DCA. Maybe we'll get out there again some time.

 

[Steppesister]

First of all, there are more than 1 kind of corn

This is the single most accurate and awesome piece of work showing an excellent grasp and command of English I've seen in a while! Very nicely done!

Thanks for the lovely explanation of corn and soy etc... I was thoroughly geeked out by that!

Looks like I have a fair way's back to go in your TR.... back to read.

 

[jedijill]

Catching back up again! Love the farm updates! I hope you guys have a bumper crop and the prices are high this fall!

I love your RSR story. Too bad the ride broke down again but I love the CM. It's the people that make me keep going back to Disney! Love your afternoon too. I hate GRR since I hate getting wet but sounds like you had a great time!

Jill in CO

 

[SarahDisney]

Update on my farm (because I think you might actually find this interesting):
I asked my dad about the carousel, and he said that on Sundays, people used to come to the farm and picnic ... they sold milk and people brought food and picnicked and rode the carousel. It was a place for families to spend time together, and I guess the carousel just encouraged more people to come.
Also, he said he thinks they lost the farm in the depression. Which is sad, but not surprising.

 

[pkondz]

Update on my farm (because I think you might actually find this interesting):
I asked my dad about the carousel, and he said that on Sundays, people used to come to the farm and picnic ... they sold milk and people brought food and picnicked and rode the carousel. It was a place for families to spend time together, and I guess the carousel just encouraged more people to come.
Also, he said he thinks they lost the farm in the depression. Which is sad, but not surprising.

That's fascinating.
So sad about losing the farm in the depression, but like you said, not surprising.

 

[afwdwfan]

OK, I'm super late to the party. Not a big quoter either, but I'm enjoying the WDW and DL combination. I grew up in AZ and we went to CA every year to visit family, so I went to DL once a year when I was growing up (back in the "E" ticket ride years). I haven't been there since 1983, so it's interesting to hear about all the changes. Carousel of Progress and Mr. Lincoln were two of my Dad's favorite things (I'm sure a good part of that was the air conditioning since we always went during the summer). It was great taking Dad to WDW when we lived in GA since they had moved COP and he got to see it again.

Better late than never. Welcome to the party!

Oh wow... you need to get back to DL! I know a lot has changed, but there are parts of it that just seem like they're almost frozen in time. I'm sure you'd really love reliving the memories.

DL is sooo different. They built the second park in the original parking lot, so I wonder where people park now?

Don't ask me about parking there. Seriously. I'm more confused than anyone after our experience there.

I saw a big lot south of the Disneyland Hotel. There were some others in other spots and some garages. But I really don't know what was public guest parking and what was CM parking.

Also, I thought when your DD got those dresses for her 3rd birthday, you could recreate the dress changing scene at A&E next time you are there (NOT!).

I'm sure they'll go on our next trip though if she can still wear them by then.

Thanks for the tour of the "new" DL and DCA. Maybe we'll get out there again some time.

I hope you do. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't know if/when we'll get back out there, but I'd do it again if I had a chance.

This is the single most accurate and awesome piece of work showing an excellent grasp and command of English I've seen in a while! Very nicely done!

Well, thanks! I hope that at least makes up for some of the many, many instances where I've butchered the English language.

Thanks for the lovely explanation of corn and soy etc... I was thoroughly geeked out by that!

I'm glad to share. And even more happy that someone actually gives a crap.

Looks like I have a fair way's back to go in your TR.... back to read.

Ok, I'll be here. And you can't get much farther behind than you are now... I mean I've only got maybe 2 or 3 more updates at the most.

Catching back up again! Love the farm updates! I hope you guys have a bumper crop and the prices are high this fall!

Thanks!

I love your RSR story. Too bad the ride broke down again but I love the CM. It's the people that make me keep going back to Disney! Love your afternoon too. I hate GRR since I hate getting wet but sounds like you had a great time!

The CM was great and made the wait go by fast. She alone redeemed Disneyland CM's to me. I just kind of felt like, in general, they just didn't care based on a lot of the interactions I'd had up to that point. It wasn't that they were rude, or didn't do their job well. They just didn't seem to go that extra mile and convey the sense of magic that I'm used to seeing from CM's on a regular basis. She definitely turned the tide.

Update on my farm (because I think you might actually find this interesting):
I asked my dad about the carousel, and he said that on Sundays, people used to come to the farm and picnic ... they sold milk and people brought food and picnicked and rode the carousel. It was a place for families to spend time together, and I guess the carousel just encouraged more people to come.
Also, he said he thinks they lost the farm in the depression. Which is sad, but not surprising.

I do find it interesting. Thanks for sharing!

Sounds like they were kind of pioneers in agri-tourism. There are a lot of farms now that offer activities and host events to bring people in to buy some farm raised products and learn about agriculture. It is a shame that they lost it in the depression, but a lot of farms suffered similar fates.