This past weekend I flew to Miami, FL to see one of my favorite artists, The Dave Matthews Band, perform a sold out show at the Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach on July 12.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing him the night before which I was pretty disappointed about (7/11 set list).  He played a good amount of songs that every DMB fan loves to see at his shows (7/12 set list)

DMB opened with the dark and driving "Don't Drink the Water” straight into “The Dreaming Tree,” both from 1998's Before These Crowded Streets.”  As the crowd danced and swayed in the most harmonious way imaginable, I hoped he would hit us with another classic, “Pig.” 

From there Matthews guided the audiences mood through familiar territory: the ever-so melodic “One Sweet World."  DMB played a number of hits from the mid-90’s including radio hit “Crash Into Me,” and “Crush.”  What was to come, only the diehard fans had an idea.

As sound started pouring through the speakers after Dave had a little rant, it didn’t take long for the audience to catch on.  The infamous opening bass beat from Pink Floyd’s “Money” brought the crowd to an all-new level.  It seemed like Pink Floyd could have been on stage.  Then, just as I was thinking how incredible this cover sounded, they went into "Money That's What I Want," the Motown hit that was also covered by bands like the Beatles (Click Here to see a video of the cover).  They really stepped it up a notch and jammed in a completely new way that I had never seen before.  Man, what a difference guitarist Tim Reynolds makes! All of his musical grooves and solos were impeccably played and seemed to unfold in perfect procession.

The band closed out with the classic “Pantala Naga Pampa” into “Rapunzel.”  However, the DMB had one last trick up their sleeve for the audience.  They did an incredible performance of Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," which confirmed an implausible encore choice as Dave had the crowd participation like I’ve never seen at a show before.  You could also tell how much fun he was having with the crowd.  I couldn’t find a video from the show I saw, but here is an idea of what I’m talking about:

Dave Matthews Band Leroi Moore was injured in the end of June from an ATV accident at his home just outside of Charlottesville.  He is now out of intensive care and apparently is improving, but it sounds like it will be a while before he comes back on the road.  They’ve already announced that he will not be back for the rest of the 2008 tour. 

Stepping in for Leroi is Jeff Coffin, saxophonist from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.  I think the DMB audience has realized that Coffin is an outstanding musician.  What’s amazing is how he has suddenly come on the bill with the rest of DMB and not only plugged in to all the different DMB songs, but if you’ve ever been to a Dave show before, every show differs.  Whether they mix up the set list or tweak each song into a different jam each night, which DMB is known and respected for, Coffin has done an incredible job with his improvising. 

All in all, after being at this for over 10 years, it is certain that these guys know how to jam, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

-level

A rapunzel do mundo da moda, como era conhecida, nascida no Cazaquistão e que estrelou campanhas e editoriais de peso ao redor do globo parece ter acabado com sua breve carreira e vida, aos 20 anos.

Nenhum sinal de violência e posts depressivos em sites de relacionamento pontuam ainda mais uma investigação que não deixa de fora a hipótese de acidente ou mesmo assassinato.

'I'm So Lost. Will I Ever Find Myself?' foi um dos comentários que a modelo postou recentemente.

One of the critiques for " Rapunzel" can be the passive female protagonist. Does Rapunzel contribute to her own punishment? Is it is so, then is it because she is "good?" Is being "good" the same as unquestioning obedience to elders? What is, then, implied to the children who read this book and sympathize with Rapunzel? Is this story teaching inappropriate morals? When asking such questions about the message of a fairytale, one should keep in mind the following two ideas. First, children do not always interpret a text in the same way as adults. Without having been "educated" on the idea of "female obedience" and the baggage that comes with it, a child might simply view Rapunzel's actions as entirely individualistic. It is possible that by interprellating Rapunzel as "the obedient female," critics, in turn, create the situation of "the obedient female." That is, she is not of a category until she is put under a category. Rapunzel is thus generalized as one of the many "instances" which illustrate a patriarchal society. One should not assume that just because most adults see the evidence in the text for messages such as "female obedience," that a child would also see and interpret the message.

Second, if one puts oneself in Rapunzel's shoes, would any of her actions truly seem out of the ordinary? Is so, then it would be easier for adults to explain away these "unusual" actions such as categorizing the character under the "obedient female," or "stupid female," or "inexperienced youth." However, from Rapunzel's point of view, does the enchantress ever mistreat her? She has been deprived of her parents since birth. The tale does not explain how the enchantress treats Rapunzel for the twelve years before she locks her in the tower. The captivity itself, however, is an neglect and abuse. This is similar to situations nowadays when certain parents or guardians abuse their children and lock them in the closet, or basement, or attic. Are the children accomplices to the abuse because of intrinsic faults? No. The children are the victims of a crime. They might have responded with obedience, or stupidity, or inexperience, but they were made to believe that they had no choice in their actions, or what was happening to them was "normal," or that they "deserved" their punishments. No matter what strategy the abusers choose, the result is that the victims are kept in place, in the basement or closet, in the state-of-mind, with no attempts or concepts of escape. As a victim of abuse, Rapunzel does not know anything else but the life that the enchantress has allowed her. Her actions should not be judged by the standard of a healthy, socially-conscious person, but by the limits of her situation.

The appearance of the prince changes her situation. One could argue that this perpetrates a sexist message, and relates an image of the knight-on-the-white-horse. Besides keeping in mind that adults cannot fully understand how children interpret a text, one should also remember that the prince is the only person to overcome the barrier into her world. It is not fated that he should come rescue her. Rather, "it came to pass that the king's son rode through the forest and passed by the tower. Then he heard a song, which was so charming that he stood still and listened" (Grimm). Whether it be curiosity, lust, or the magic of pheromones, this chance encounter sent him into the tower, bringing in with him the perspective of outside world. Rapunzel is shocked to see him, but "lost her fear" when he "began to talk to her quite like a friend" (Grimm). The prince, therefore, is not "there to rescue her," but presented to her as an opportunity of change. She could have accepted him and could have rejected him, but the decision has always been on her side. In this story, Rapunzel accepts the change, which initiates the rest of the story. Also, considering the previous discussion about her abused state of mind, her courage of interacting with the outside world is extremely admirable.

Since the prince proposes immediately after seeing her, there could be argument that appearance is overvalued in this story. However, remember that he has been enchanted by her song and the allusiveness of her situation. To him she is an enigma. He tells Rapunzel that "his heart had been so stirred that it had let him have no rest, and he had been forced to see her" (Grimm). His proposal should be contributed more to, if not lust or love, then at least obsession. When Rapunzel accepts the proposal, she "saw that he was young and handsome" (Grimm). However, she does not equate looks to superficial desires, but to an internal condition: "He will love me more than old Dame Gothel does" (Grimm). No matter how disconnected or twisted this logic seems, the conclusion is that "he will love me more," which is the reason for her acceptance. Another example of why this story is not a promoter of vanity is that after they understand that they would love each other, the prince and Rapunzel do not care about each others' appearances. The enchantress cuts off Rapunzel's identifying trait of "beautiful tresses," yet the prince still loves her (Grimm). In a way, this devalue appearance, not only because the loss of her hair has no sway in the prince's love, but that the hair has served as a function-as a rope-and not as an item of décor. When the prince lost his eyesight and wandered blind in the forest, he "did naught but lament and weep over the loss of his dearest wife" (Grimm). After a few years, the couple meets again. How they identify each other is not by superficiality. The prince recognizes Rapunzel because of her voice. When she sees him, even in his "miserable," blind state, she "knew him" immediately (Grimm). Despite their wretched states, they continue love each other and rejoice in their situation. Just because the prince is handsome and Rapunzel has beautiful hair, does not mean that the story glamorizes appearance.

Another objection to this story could be that it romanticizes life, or even romanticizes an abused life and the notion of the "damsel in distress." Would this story build up unrealistic expectations? The answer is not definite, however, consider the ending. The antagonist, in this case the enchantress, is overcome, but she is not punished. Mistakes of the past, such as those made by Rapunzel's mother and father, are not justified. The protagonists' sufferings are not recognized or rewarded. The happiness of the ending is only achieved through internal self-reward, and not through validating exterior recognition. This story does not "educate" readers in the right thing to do in a specific situation. Rather, it allows a space for relatability. To those who identify with Rapunzel, this becomes "a story of hope and the endurance" because they feel that they are "sharing a common situation" (Psychoanalysis and the Fairytale). The best that a text could provide for its readers is this space for communication, for reflection, and for the possibility of initiating a heart-to-heart.

Works Cited:

Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, "Rapunzel." Grimms' Fairy Tales. 2001. The Project Gutenberg. 25 Jun 2008
<http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext01/grimm10.txt>.

"Psychoanalysis and the Fairytale: Bruno Bettleheim's Take on Rapunzel." Rapunzel. 25 Jun 2008
<http://www.gwu.edu/~folktale/GERM232/rapunzel/fairy.htm>.

Au détour d'un site je tombe sur ces photos.

Photos qui me plaisent (texte + image, référence rétro, accumulation, couleurs sourdes, travaillées, référence au Velvet Underground, nature >> meules de foin, spleen en filigrane, et d'autres choses dont je sais qu'elles titillent mon sens aigu du "j'aime/j'aime pas")

Et puis la dernière photo. Là, avalanche de détails aimés (montagne, fuite (drop out), glycine (Nature encore), étrangeté de la scène, et un je ne sais quoi de germanique dans le ciel bleu sombre et la robe de la fille, un peu alpestre... bref.) Et je m'emballe, je cours même. Les motifs de la grille, je les vois sur le mur et aussitôt je pense à des maisons à colombages.

Colmar

Ce qui me fait penser à l'hiver.

La Jungfrau, Suisse

Mais revenons à l'image d'en haut. Je pense à la fois aux maisons à colombages ET grâce à la jeune fille qui s'enfuit, aux contes de Grimm

Rapunzel

Interprétation de Hansel et Gretel, sur le site du New-Yorker

Et le dénominateur commun entre les contes de Grimm, l'hiver et les maisons à colombages?

L'Allemagne bien sûr. Ou plutôt ma vision très personnelle, romantique et passéiste.

Caspar Friedrich, Elena Ruin, 1825. (Caspar Friedrich, la tragédie du paysage)

Donc je fonctionne par association d'idée. Comment ca fait de fonctionner autrement? J'aimerais bien savoir!

Qui a dit "tordue"? Silence, dans le fond! Et merci Google images, comme toujours!

The week I discovered a new author Sarah Beth Durst.  Her book, Into the Wild  looks at the world of fairy tales in a whole new way.  Rapunzel, the seven dwarfs, and Cindy ( also known as Cinderella)  have all escaped from the fairy tale world, know as The Wild. In The Wild , everyone  doomed to repeat the same story over and over again. Everyone that has escaped is trying to live a normal life.  Unfortunately, The Wild escapes and captures all of the  former residents.   Julie, the daughter of Rapunzel, that has to keep everyone from being trapped in the stories of the wild forever.

Put a copy on hold now!

We took the grandchildren to see Tales last night and have a picnic. The program started indoors because a rain cloud was passing overhead but Janet Ivy was very resourceful as well as talented. She started staging Rapunzel, getting volunteer children to play the parts and before we even realized what was happening, Spencer was the Prince, with a proper Prince hat upon his head - a major role befitting his stature as a thespian.  The story started with the parents to be getting on the wrong side of the terrible neighbor who extracted the promise of their first born for food. When the baby was born, the neighbor hid her away in a tall tower. Her singing (and the girl did sing!!) attracted our hero, the prince (Spencer). He repeated his lines very well, climbed the tower using the girls long hair ( a very big blond wig provided by Janet), met Rapunzel and played some games (bingo was one choice) and then left, promising to return and take her away to live in his castle. The terrible neighbor discovered this plan and took Rapunzel's place the next day. When our hero, the Prince (Spencer) climbed up the golden hair, he shrieked when he discovered the ruse!! And our hero, the Prince (Spencer) really did shriek - it was pretty funny. Anyway, the two lovers did get together, even though Janet did away with the mushy stuff and they lived happily ever after.

The program then moved outdoors to the park area where there was a real tower for Rapunzel (not used for the play, however). The show was quickly recast, and presented again. This time the girl playing the terrible neighbor was terrible which was very good - she did an outstanding job! Bravo!

Spencer then wanted to go for a hike, so grandpa and he took out to seek whatever might be found in the vast park setting. Well, we hadn't gone to far when rounding a corner on the path, a 'boy' deer stood just a few feet from us. Who was more surprised was hard to say but a magnificent creature. Spencer was pleased. Then two large rabbits came hopping by and then a vast number of fireflies, which were quickly part of Spencer's catch and release program. So it was a great hike. 

Ellie and Gracie sat quietly watching as each group presented the story.  Finally, the three year olds got their turns.  Gracie volunteerd to be the wicked neighbor and Ellie was cast as the father.   Both repeated their lines beautifully.  Gracie got totally into character and really told the father (Ellie) off in fine form.  Ellie was suddenly distracted (along with two others in the cast) and went to catch fireflies while Gracie continued performing in her best drama queen role yet.  Janet Ivy said, "Wow! We have a born actress here!" 

Next week - Three BIlly Goats Gruff and we promise pictures.

Kids of any age love to read fairy tales because the storyline never limits the possibility that anything could happen. Curses, spells, and handsome princes reign in worlds beyond the reader’s imagination.

But are the most magical moments from some of our favorite stories actually possible? Basic physical principles and recent scientific research suggest that what readers might mistake for fantasies and exaggeration could be rooted in reality.

So suspend your imagination for a moment, and look at the following fairy tales as a hard-core scientist might.

In the Brothers Grimm story of Rapunzel, a witch holds a beautiful young woman captive in a tower. Rapunzel is blessed with a lovely singing voice and long, long blond hair. One day, her voice enchants a prince passing through a nearby forest. They fall in love, and Rapunzel lets down her hair so that the prince may use it to climb the tower to meet her. This chain of events begs readers to ask a question. Can human hair support the weight of another person?

On average one strand of hair can support about three and one-half ounces, or about the weight of two candy bars. Each strand of dark hair is generally thicker, and therefore stronger, than blond hair.

But, alas, Rapunzel must make do with blond locks. Given that blondes generally have about 140,000 hairs on their heads, her hair should easily support the weight of many, many princes. However, there is more to this story.

If Rapunzel simply let down her hair and the prince started climbing immediately, her hair would not break, but it might rip out. Also, the rest of her body might not be able to support the weight. Thankfully, there are strategies that she can use to help reduce the strain on her head and body.

Nathan Harshman, Assistant Professor of Physics at American University in Washington, DC, suggests Rapunzel would be safer and more secure if she tied her hair around something before lowering it. “The whole idea is that you can use the friction of the hair against itself in the knot, and whatever it is tied around will support the weight of the prince.” That is a much better idea than making Rapunzel’s scalp the anchor point.

 - wig anyone?! -

I kind of ignored it, even though it was on her birthday wish list because I like long hair on little girls. BUT, she gave us no choice.

She whacked her own hair off Edward Scissorhands style so we were forced to finish it professionally. Thankfully it's not as short as I thought it would be (just past her shoulders), and it looks a lot better.

In fact, we're all happy with it because she doesn't scream bloody murder when I'm trying to brush out the tangles, and her baby sister can't yank her head around like a balloon attached to a stringy mop anymore.

I'll admit it, she made a good decision- for a five year old she's pretty stylish... but don't tell her that. I really, really, really, really, really don't want to know what she has planned for me!

The Fairy Tales of Life
Have you heard of Cinderella?
Working hard to reach the palace
All she's left is with a broken slipper.
Have you heard of Rapunzel?
Mighty girl in a stronghold
Trapped away in the tower's cold

These are the fairy tales of life
These are the fairy tales of life

Don't let your dreams go by
Don't let your wish fall short
Don't think you won't survive
Come on and seek the Lord
Don't look into your past
Your life is here to last
Not a Once Upon a Time.

Have you heard of Sleeping Beauty?
Seeking love and her cutie
Sleeping through the days of time
Have you heard of Snow White?
Lots of friends but no life
So naive she believes all she sees

These are the fairy tales of life
These are the fairy tales of life

Don't let your dreams go by
Don't let your wish fall short
Don't think you won't survive
Come on and seek the Lord
Don't look into your past
Your life is here to last
Not a Once Upon a Time.
Not a Once Upon a Time...
[You're] not a Once Upon a Time...

So, don't let your life be just another Once Upon a Time...DO SOMETHING OF YOURSELF. Don't be afraid to succeed...don't be afraid to fail. For in both situations we will learn what we are all about.

Una de las últimas campañas de los champús Pantene (¡Oh! ¡Se me va a volver a llenar el blog de personitas que buscan consejos sobre peluquería y cardados!) para "demostrar" que provocan un efecto "milagroso". La publicidad no me la creo, pero a nivel creativo es maravilloso. ¿El escenario? De nuevo Toronto...

Achei simplesmente incrível, pena que campanhas como estas não chegam nem perto aqui do Brasil, confira as imagens abaixo:

Von René Marik aus der Kurt-Krömer-Show....

So geil, danke lieber Arbeitskollege! :o

Durst has conceived of a unique fantasy villain in the Wild, and this fractured fairy tale provides a fair dose of fun, adventure and humor. However, bland characters and plot inconsistencies outweigh the positives. Overall, unique premise, poor execution.

DweebMeter: 2/5

Sarah Beth Durst's Website

Internet fairy tales.

Over the past few weeks I have been working with a talented Fashion Illustration student called Angela Keeler (www.angelfishillustration.co.uk) to produce a piece of Illustration for a local Hair Salon. This is the finished image which will be printed A1 size and displayed in Ginger Lily Hair Salon, Kenilworth.

Depois de termos apresentado AQUI os projectos Disney e Pixar Studios a estrear em 2008 e 2009, mostramos agora que surpresas nos estarão reservadas em 2010, 2011 e 2012.

Toy Story 2  (3-D) (12/02/2010)

Pixar
Realização: John Lasseter
Co-realização: Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon
Intérpretes (vozes): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Estreou nos cinemas em 1999 e rapidamente se tornou  num dos maiores sucessos do cinema de animação de todos os tempos. Munido de mais e melhores programas e computadores, Lasseter foi com "Toy Story 2" onde nenhum animador fora antes.

A história, bem conhecida de todos, começa quando Andy parte para um acampamento de verão e os seus brinquedos ficam com a casa por sua conta. Quando um obsessivo coleccionador de brinquedos sequestra Woody, estão reunidas as condições para uma emocionante e divertida missão de resgate, onde todos os brinquedos terão um importante papel a desempenhar. O filme introduziu ainda novas personagens como cowgirl Jessie, o cavalo Bullseye ou o mineiro Stinkey Pete.

Toy Story 3 (3-D) (18/06/2010)

Pixar
Realização: Lee Unkrich
Argumento: Michael Arndt
Intérpretes (vozes): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Ned Beatty

Pouco se sabe ainda sobre o argumento de "Toy Story 3" mas uma coisa é certa: Woody, Buzz e o resto dos brinquedos estarão todos de volta ao grande ecrã com uma nova aventura no verão de 2010.

Os rumores que circulam na net há meses apontam para que no terceiro filme Woody e o resto dos brinquedos seja doado a uma creche, quando Andy, o seu antigo dono, parte para a faculdade...

Disney
Realização: Glen Keane, Dean Wellins

O clássico "Rapunzel" será a aposta da Disney para o Natal de 2010. E não faltará nada a este conto de fadas... Uma torre, uma bruxa malvada, um herói galante e claro está, uma misteriosa rapariga com umas longas tranças louras à espera de ser salva.

Contudo nem tudo será igual. Preparem-se para algumas reviravoltas nesta nova versão da história. Quem o avisou foi a própria Disney recentemente...

Pixar
Realização: Gary Rydstrom
Argumento: Gary Rydstrom, Leslie Caveny

O que aconteceria se o último casal de Salamandras de pé azul do planeta fosse forçado pela ciência a perpetuar a espécie mesmo não se suportando?  É este o ponto de partida para a animação da Pixar "Newt", que só veremos nos cinemas em 2011.

Newt e Brooke, o conflituoso casal, embarcam numa aventura imprevisível e descobrem que encontrar um parceiro nunca corre como planeado - mesmo quando só há uma opção. O amor, afinal de contas, não é uma ciência exacta.

Pixar
Realização: Brenda Chapman
Intérpretes (vozes): Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson

A mítica Escócia serve de cenário para "The Bear and the Bow", filme de Natal da Pixar para 2011.  O filme conta a história da impetuosa princesa  Merida que, embora filha da nobreza, gostaria de entrar para a história como uma arqueira de sucesso. Confrontando os desejos da mãe, a princesa toma uma atitude impensada que colocará em perigo o Reino e a vida da sua própria família. 

Merida será obrigada a lutar contra as forças da natureza, da magia e de uma maldição sombria para reparar o erro cometido... A actriz Reese Witherspoon dará voz à princesa, num filme onde é esperada muita acção, fantasia e algum humor à mistura.

Pixar
Realização: Brad Lewis

O rumor já circulava na internet há algum tempo mas só na conferência de Imprensa desta semana se confirmou: "Carros" ganhará uma sequela no (ainda distante) verão de 2012.

Lightning McQueen regressa à acção com seu melhor amigo Mater a reboque - e desta vez os 2 precisarão de passaporte para correr em diversas pistas do mundo. É caso para dizer: "Cars 2 goes global".

Disney
Realização: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker

Um conto do escritor Phillip K. Dick serve de base para esta fábula sobre um jovem habitante do Mississippi que ajuda um grupo de elfos desesperados e acaba nomeado rei desses seres fantásticos.  Ao lado dos elfos e contra um ameaçador troll, o inusitado líder entrará numa jornada por inimagináveis perigos - que acabarão por dar mais sentido à sua vida.

Será o filme de Natal Disney para 2012.

 (Imagens: Disney Pictures e Pixar Studios)

Notícia Relacionada:

Hotvnews Presents... Lançamentos Disney/Pixar até 2012 (1/2)

So it's not going to be 2D?! Woe.

though, on the other hand, I think if they are inspired by Fragonard the movie will be super-pretty.I kind of love rococo.

and The whole "making it look like a painting" thing is awesome.

and the fact that they are not going with "modern day teenagers" thing makes me breathe easy. the direction they're going with sounds good.

also: Kristin Chenoweth.

I'm excited. 

I just wish it were 2D.

ok, I mean, this screentest is pretty awesome. But....it looks a little weird and plasticy. 

but this concept art is so pretty.

at least we have the frog princess to look forward to 2D-wise...

edit for like the millionth time: adklnonfo just go here because I am totally flipping out over animated movie news, OKAY?! toy story 3? what? WALL-E? hell yes. etc and so on, I AM EXCITED.

Walt Disney publicó las primeras imágenes de la aventura animada Rapunzel, a estrenarse en Diciembre de 2010, dirigida por Glen Keane y Dean Wellins, y escrita por Glen Keane y Mark Kennedy, basada en el conocido cuento infantil. De acuerdo a ambos directores, la película tendrá impresionantes gráficos generados por computadora en 3D, pero con un tratamiento especial para darle una imagen de dibujo tradicional a mano alzada. Las fotos pueden verlas a continuación.

Schedule includes 'Toy Story 3,' 'Cars 2'

By BEN FRITZ, DADE HAYES

After years of relative reticence, the Mouse House is strutting over its animation slate once again.

With Disney chief exec Robert Iger and the investment community looking on in Gotham Tuesday, John Lasseter presented an uncharacteristically detailed road map of the next four years of Pixar and Disney animation.

Two years after the pair's $7.4 billion merger, the Mouse House is eager to tout the lineup and keep Pixar's momentum going after "Ratatouille" and "Cars." Studio is also looking to pump up the fortunes of Disney's own animation unit, now under the control of Lasseter and former Pixar prexy Ed Catmull after suffering a string of disappointments, including last year's "Meet the Robinsons."

Lineup includes a Pixar film every summer and a Disney Animation Studios toon every holiday season, save for 2011, when Pixar is releasing two films and Disney Animation Studios will take a breather. All of the films starting with this November's "Bolt" will be released in digital 3-D, except for 2009 Disney toon "The Princess and the Frog," the only pic being made in traditional 2-D.

Disney studio chief Dick Cook said it was the first pure animation presentation for the Mouse House in more than a decade.

"A few months ago, Ed and John and myself realized we have a lot of stuff, and we haven't done anything like this since the Pixar acquisition," he told Daily Variety.

Among the pics unveiled for the first time were a sequel to "Cars," an adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story and two original toons from Pixar.

In addition, the studio detailed the new plan for DisneyToon Studios, the direct-to-DVD unit that has been left in an uncertain state since former topper Sharon Morrill left last year and Catmull and Lasseter brought it under their control. DisneyToon has four Disney Fairy movies starring Tinker Bell on its slate, with one set to be released each year starting this October.

"DisneyToon has a very robust slate of movies, and when (Lasseter) feels they are ready, we will be talking about others beyond 'Tinker Bell,' " Cook noted. He said the division will focus on spinoffs and original pics but won't do any more sequels to Disney classics.

Taking the stage at NYU's Skirball Center for Performing Arts, Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar, sported his trademark Hawaiian shirt ("What else did you think I'd wear?") and hugged each of the filmmakers as he brought them onstage.

Aside from 30 minutes from this summer's "Wall-E," an affecting mashup of "Blade Runner" and Charlie Chaplin, little finished footage was shown, but designs, animatics and models were presented, and significant announcements were sprinkled throughout.

The highlights:

• "Up," set for release May 29, 2009, will be Pixar's first 3-D title, and thereafter every Pixar toon will be produced in 3-D. Disney has been an early proponent of the format, starting with 2005's "Chicken Little," and all its own toons going forward will use the format as well. Lasseter noted he is such a fan that his wedding pictures were done in 3-D. Along with its new pics, Disney is also releasing Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" in digital 3-D in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
• Larry the Cable Guy, who voiced Mater in "Cars," took the stage to announce that "Cars 2" is going into production, with a planned release date of summer 2012. It's being directed by "Ratatouille" producer Brad Lewis and is the first sequel for Pixar outside the "Toy Story" franchise. Though "Cars" didn't do as well at the box office as some other Pixar titles, it has been a licensing bonanza for the Mouse House.
• Miley Cyrus will be a lead voice opposite John Travolta in Thanksgiving's "Bolt," formerly titled "American Dog." About 15 minutes of footage of the pic screened to some of the heartiest applause of the day.
• "Toy Story 3" will be released June 18, 2010. Plot details for the third part remain under wraps, though the filmmakers said it begins with Andy (owner of Woody and Buzz) about to head off to college. A Ken doll will be the franchise's newest toy.
• Anchoring the Disney side of things is the hand-drawn musical "The Princess and the Frog," from "Aladdin" and "Little Mermaid" helmers John Musker and Ron Clements, who were lured back to Disney by Lasseter. It's set for a Christmas 2009 release. Stills were shown, and star Anika Noni Rose performed a song live, as did Randy Newman and his eight-piece New Orleans combo.
• Disney's long-in-development CG version of "Rapunzel" finally has a release date: Christmas 2010. It's directed by studio vet Glen Keane and Dean Wellins.
• Pixar will have two original films in 2011: "Newt," a romantic comedy directed by Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, and "The Bear and the Bow," a magical tale set in Scotland and helmed by Brenda Chapman, who previously directed "The Prince of Egypt" for DreamWorks. The first Pixar feature from a femme helmer will star the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson.

"I love sincere fairy tales," Lasseter said.

Last release on the slate for Disney Animation Studios is Christmas 2012's "King of the Elves," directed by Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker, based on the short story by sci-fi scribe Dick.

Source - Variety

(©2002-2008 reeks, deviantart)

She was born a goddess in the form of fragile, mortal flesh. Yet here she would wither away, alone in her prison, in her ivory tower, hidden from the lecherous eyes of the world.

She remembers his musky scent, the taste of him as he grounds himself against the soft mounds of her flesh. She remembers the harsh pounding of her heart as he tells her that she is a moist rose waiting to be plucked.

He drives her unbearably mad as the dawn breaks as he leaves abruptly, his battered boots scraping against gold spun hair and the promise of freedom.