May 11, 2013: Don't dally with Salvador.

As always, at this time of year, this is a day with a too many things going on: Lawrence County High School Choir Follies, Kentucky Christian University Graduation, Kentucky State Tennis Sectionals, Morehead State University Graduation and the grass desperately needs mowing. All we can do is keep moving forward. The first night of Follies was sold out so if you want to go tonight you’d better get there real early if you don’t already have seats.

On this date in 1904, Salvador Dali was born in Spain. Dali is one of the great surrealist painters and he considered Walt to be a surrealist artist in his own right. When we went on a Disney Cruise in 2008 we have two really special experiences, one was meeting Harlan Ellenshaw, the other was a special viewing of Destino; a collaboration between Dali and Disney in 1945 and 1946. The film was abandoned due to financial considerations but was released in the 21^st Century. Walt and Dali remained lifelong friends and there was definitely mutual admiration. In the spirit of surrealism, let’s go to Muppet 3D and enjoy some definitely bizarre humor.

Sgt. Bilko was a stalwart of early television and Phil Silvers was Sgt. Bilko. Silvers also did some Disney work including The Strongest Man in the World and The Boatniks. Silvers also starred in 40 Pounds of Trouble, which was shot at Disneyland. Silvers was born on this date in 1911 and we should honor him by taking The Studio Backlot Tour, which features a couple of sets where Sgt. Bilko would have felt right at home.

One of my favorite characters on The Andy Griffith Show was Briscoe Darling, the patriarch of the musical Darling family. The boys in the family band were actually a bluegrass group, The Dillards. Briscoe Darling was played by Denver Pyle; born on this date in 1920. Denver was in a couple of Disney productions: Escape to Witch Mountain, Return from Witch Mountain and Disneyland TV episodes Hog Wild and The Boy Who Talked to Badgers. Later, Denver Pyle became famous as Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard. The Duke Boys loved fast driving and stunts so let’s go to Hollywood Studios and enjoy the Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show. You need to see it at least once.

Finally in 1929, Margaret Kerry was born in Los Angeles, California. Kerry was the model for Tinker Bell in the feature film, Peter Pan. Kerry acted out all the motions required for Tinker Bell in the movie so the animators could use her as a model. She was, and still is, an awesome lady. As always, enjoy Peter Pan’s Flight but get there early, the line is always long.

Quickies:

1969: The Monty Python comedy troupe forms. Go to the Imagination pavilion at EPCOT and enjoy Eric Idle and Figment.

1912: Foster Brooks was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Brooks made a career out of being a lovable lush. Have a drink and toast to Foster while you’re there.

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your dreams to come true.