RayvenLeave a commentTechtalkRadio, TTR Website, , , ,

One More Disney Day-saster

February 29, 2012 marked a epic day in Disney history. Disneyland and Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme parks announced on New Years Eve that they will be remaining open for a full 24hours for guests to bring in the Leap Year with a full day of Disney Magic. Beginning 6am on Wednesday and closing at 6am the following morning guests could pul an “all-nighter” in either resort park. It was advertised as a 24 hour par-tay. Along with their experience, guests would be greeted by characters dressed in PJ’s , all night DJ parties, and special foods and merchandise for purchase as only Disney knows how.

The line up began the prior evening around 9:30pm. Yes, people actually stood in line from 9:30pm until 6:00am to get into Disneyland. Was I there? Not a fat chance in … errrr… Mr. Toads Wild Ride that I’d wait that long; but I’m a passholder so I can go whenever I want. Believe me, those people were serious about getting in because that night had to be one of the coldest nights I remember in a long while out here in So. Cal. Why were they lined up? To get exclusive Mickey Ears and Commemorative Pins for the first 2,000 guests. Trouble was, there were over 3,000 guests lined up by 10:30, so not everyone received their freebies. Not to worry, there were special hats available for sale inside as well.

From what I could gather by social media terms the day of “ One More Disney Day” portion was rather calm. Cue lines were average for a typical February weekday. People seemed to enjoy themselves rather fondly for the most part. The park even did some filming of ABC’s television show “ Modern Family” throughout the park.

The first sign of crowds didn’t show up until the after work crowds began attending the events. After social media reports from Twitter and Facebook came about the short lines and overall crowd indexes being rather calm, annual passholders began pouring into Disneyland. So much so, that around 10:30pm Disneyland turnstyles stopped and the parking structures were at capacity. For those of you who aren’t quite up on Disney knowledge that’s 85,000 people. There were so many people waiting to get in, the lines extended around the promenade and looped back under the monorail gates (easily a couple thousand people). They even stopped selling tickets at one point. These long lines continued and the park opening and closing off and on until 6am the following morning. What a nightmare for the guests and castmembers. There weren’t even lines at this point, just mobs.

Lets cut to inside the park; these are the hidden tales that Disney doesn’t want getting out. Inside the crowds were so thick it was hard to make out castmembers or security. As the evening grew into the wee hours of the morning, reports on social media outlets told tales of underage drunkenness and bottles of alcohol being thrown into Rivers of America. I am sure it was quite a scene and Walt was probably turning in his grave. They clearly were not ready for this 24 hour charade and needed to beef up security instead of chili dog menus.

Overall, reports were that everyone had fun and ‘twas an overall experience to be had by many. You couldn’t pay me enough Disney dollars to deal with the crowds but that’s because crowds aren’t my fortay. Maybe next time Disney decides to do a day of fun in the park, they may decide to presale tickets or some type of lottery for passholders. The One More Day of Disney Day-saster may be avoided and people may not leave feeling left out of the mix.

On yeah, as of 8am on March 1, immediately 2 hours after the park closed, Ebay had merchandise for sale from the Leap Day celebrations. Currently, a hat and pin combo are going for around $50.00 ; about half the price of a one day ticket. So maybe if you missed out, you can say you saved yourself the hassle of the crowds and cut your costs by purchasing them there. 

RayvenLeave a commentTTR Website, , , ,

Happy Caturday Everyone!

Ok, that phrase was used what?? In the 2006’s? Anyhow, welcome back to a new year and a new collection tech related reviews!

There’s no doubt that there are a plethora of cat toys and trinkets at ThinkGeek.com . From automatic cat feeders and automatic lazer toys, to treat mazes and wearable digital cameras, there is a company that stands out above the rest. The “Catit Senses” brand offers a variety of linkable feline fun that will get your little kitty purring in no time.

Here is the finished product. Very sturdy and simple.
Here is the finished product. Very sturdy and simple.

I recently received the “ Catit Senses Massage Center” to review. The box was very simple and all of the information was on the outside. It has a gum stimulator on the top that the cats can chew on (instead of your computer wires and cables) and some ridges on the outside for them to rub against and scratch themselves. I was kind of surprised there wasn’t a scratching post part which would’ve fit nicely at the base, but they added comb-like brushes there instead.

It was very simple to put together, just a matter of snapping the top onto the white base, and setting the rubber no-skid mat on the bottom. It came with a small cup of catnip to sprinkle on it as well. Now to get the cat to check it out!

I set the Catit Senses Massage Center out in the walking path of El Capḯtan Negro, our feline friend, to see what he would do. At first he circled it a few times just checking things out. I thought about the catnip aspect, so I added some to the gum stimulator cup and around the base to see if that would get him to explore. He immediately went for the gum stimulator and chewed it a couple gnaws and that was the extent of that. He walked over to the counter where the box was ant began rubbing his cheeks onto the corner of the box! I immediately thought of my grandmother “ Those kids would rather play with the package than the expensive toy inside!” she used to say when we were young geeks.

The next day, I relocated the Catit Senses Massage Center to the floor figuring maybe location change would suffice. I also added the rest of the catnip around the massage center thinking that more is better. He walked over to it after a while, rubbed his cheek on the nubs at the top, then walked away and I’m sad to report has not played with it since. “How in the world am I going to review a product that my cat isn’t interested in?”, I thought.

El Capitan Negro testing out the gum stimulator feature

A few hours later, I put it outside thinking that the playful stray cats outside would enjoy the feeling of a massage. Nothing… not a one of them even sniffed at it. I don’t know if it were because it scared them or they just plain weren’t interested. I figured if any of them would play with it would’ve been the smaller stray cats because they always play with leaves, sticks, etc. Nope.

So basically, my review is this: it was not effective with my cat nor stray cats. The product, however seemed to me very well made and user friendly. I wish I would’ve got El Capitan to use it more. Maybe in the future I will have an update. Let us know if you have tried other cat toys like this and what worked for you. Happy Caturday!

Andy TaylorLeave a commentTTR Website

TechtalkRadio Comes to RadioExiles

Photo of Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor - TechtalkRadio Host

(Tucson, Az) TechtalkRadio begins production this week for a RadioExiles weekly version of the latest in Tech and Gadget News in short form for Podcast. The new TechtalkRadio Radio Exiles Show will be available for Free Download at RadioExiles.com on Thursdays.

The TechtalkRadio show created by Andy Taylor and Mike O’Brien has had homes on KPSI Palm Springs, KTKT Tucson, KJLL Tucson and Clear Channels KNST Tucson and also featured as a regular weekly segment on Broadcast Television with the KOLD TV Morning News.

Over the years various show host have joined Andy Taylor for a lighter look at the world of computers, technology and the Internet on the weekly broadcast and internet webcast of the show in what usually amounts to an hour or two of technology. The current show webcast on Saturday Mornings with Slick, Justin and Broadway and features a version of webcast which airs in Grafton West Virginia on WLMN Radio.

According to show creator Andy Taylor, “the Radio Exiles version of TechtalkRadio will still look at gadgets but also provide links and fun sites that can get lost in the muddle of all the news that is available” His show is hoping to make it a fun experience while learning about some cool sites and tricks to use on both the PC and Mac. “Not having to stick to a clock timed one hour format will allow me to share the most relevant information in a shorter time span.”

Don’t let the name fool you, TechtalkRadio is not just for Techies. The show is for anybody who loves the gadgets.