The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.
What constitutes the bulwark of our liberty and independence? It is not our frowning embattlements, our bristling sea coasts. These are not our reliance against tyranny. Our reliance is in the love of liberty, which God has planted in our bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere. Destroy this spirit, and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.
At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined could not, by force, take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, that if it ever reach us, it must spring from amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be the authors and finishers. As a nation of free men, we must live through all times, or die by suicide.
Let reverence for the law be breathed by every American mother to the lisping babe that prattles on her lap; let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in primers, in spelling-books, and almanacs; let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation; and let the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay of all sexes and tongues and colors and conditions, sacrifice unceasingly at its altars.
And let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued care of Divine Providence, trusting that, in future national emergencies, He will not fail to provide us the instruments of safety and security.
Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by the menaces of destruction to the Government nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.
Taken from Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Please move all the way to the back of the bus!
Walt Disney World is truly a vacation destination. Four parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, a campground, 23 Disney resort hotels and more to come. All of this fits comfortably on over 30,000 acres, or 47 square miles. Thats twice the size of the island of Manhattan!
Having a resort this big requires several different and unique transportation options.
Like many people who visit WDW I choose to take advantage of the Disney Transportation system. Whether hopping a bus, cruising on a Monorail, or sailing on one of the many watercraft, having someone else get me there is part of the enjoyment. It can be very relaxing, it can also be one of the biggest frustrations.
I've already touched on proper stroller etiquette when waiting for your transportation. So you should already know to have your kids out of the strollers before the transport gets there. This doesn't mean let your kids run all over while you wait. Keep them close to you, and out of the street.
Also, if you're waiting on the bus, standing in front of the yellow line won't get you back to your resort any quicker. Stand behind the yellow line! Most bus drivers won't even pull up if you are standing in front of it.
Ok, so the bus has pulled up and begins to load. Quickly get on and MOVE ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK before sitting down. This is especially true at night when everyone is anxious to get back home. Nothing is more frustrating then seeing a bus leave half full because someone doesn't walk up the stairs and fill in the space in the back. This is a big pet peeve of my wife who has no problem yelling at everyone on the bus to move back. Just squeeze on in, and make a new friend. The bus is no place to worry about "personal space".
The same thing can be said about the boats. Whether you are aboard General Joe Potter, a Friendship, or one of the resort launches. Keep loading and moving back until the pilot says the boat is full.
The Monorail is a bit different. Consisting of several small compartments, when one of the Monorails pulls up, move all the way to the far side of the car. Squeeze in tight, and don't be afraid to stand. You'll be surprised on how many people can fit safely and comfortably in each car. And alway remember to Please Stand Clear of the Doors, Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas :).
This shouldn't have to be said, but I see it too often. If you see someone holding a young child, a pregnant woman, or an elderly person, get up and give them your seat. Standing for the duration of the trip won't hurt you and it's just the right thing to do.
When your transport arrives, quickly and safely get off and move away from the exit. Please don't try to gather your party directly in front of the door that everyone else is trying to get out of.
If you are heading to a resort that has multiple stops, please give some room to the people who are trying to get off.
Finally, say hi and thank you to the Cast Member who will be getting you to your destination. Just to be nice.
So to wrap up, stay safe around any WDW transpiration, make plenty of room for everyone, and get out of the way when you get off the transport.
Follow these few steps to make your day and everyone else's a little nicer.
And if you are heading to the parks soon, remember, play nice.
Having a resort this big requires several different and unique transportation options.
Like many people who visit WDW I choose to take advantage of the Disney Transportation system. Whether hopping a bus, cruising on a Monorail, or sailing on one of the many watercraft, having someone else get me there is part of the enjoyment. It can be very relaxing, it can also be one of the biggest frustrations.
I've already touched on proper stroller etiquette when waiting for your transportation. So you should already know to have your kids out of the strollers before the transport gets there. This doesn't mean let your kids run all over while you wait. Keep them close to you, and out of the street.
Also, if you're waiting on the bus, standing in front of the yellow line won't get you back to your resort any quicker. Stand behind the yellow line! Most bus drivers won't even pull up if you are standing in front of it.
Ok, so the bus has pulled up and begins to load. Quickly get on and MOVE ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK before sitting down. This is especially true at night when everyone is anxious to get back home. Nothing is more frustrating then seeing a bus leave half full because someone doesn't walk up the stairs and fill in the space in the back. This is a big pet peeve of my wife who has no problem yelling at everyone on the bus to move back. Just squeeze on in, and make a new friend. The bus is no place to worry about "personal space".
The same thing can be said about the boats. Whether you are aboard General Joe Potter, a Friendship, or one of the resort launches. Keep loading and moving back until the pilot says the boat is full.
The Monorail is a bit different. Consisting of several small compartments, when one of the Monorails pulls up, move all the way to the far side of the car. Squeeze in tight, and don't be afraid to stand. You'll be surprised on how many people can fit safely and comfortably in each car. And alway remember to Please Stand Clear of the Doors, Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas :).
This shouldn't have to be said, but I see it too often. If you see someone holding a young child, a pregnant woman, or an elderly person, get up and give them your seat. Standing for the duration of the trip won't hurt you and it's just the right thing to do.
When your transport arrives, quickly and safely get off and move away from the exit. Please don't try to gather your party directly in front of the door that everyone else is trying to get out of.
If you are heading to a resort that has multiple stops, please give some room to the people who are trying to get off.
Finally, say hi and thank you to the Cast Member who will be getting you to your destination. Just to be nice.
So to wrap up, stay safe around any WDW transpiration, make plenty of room for everyone, and get out of the way when you get off the transport.
Follow these few steps to make your day and everyone else's a little nicer.
And if you are heading to the parks soon, remember, play nice.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Strollers: I know they won't go away, but I wish they would.
Strollers are a big issue for my wife and I while at Walt Disney World. In fact strollers are the reason behind the creation of wdwetiquetteguy. I don't think there is any other device meant to provide convenience and comfort that can also cause so many headaches. Maybe these next few paragraphs can put an end to some of those headaches.
Strollers are as common at Walt Disney World as Mickey Ears, and rightfully so. Walt Disney World is a place that the whole family, young and old, can enjoy. That's the way Walt intended it. It was Walt, while watching his daughters on a carousel in Griffith Park, that thought up the idea of a place that the entire family could have fun together. That vision created Disneyland and then Walt Disney World.
Many times those families includes toddlers that require the use of strollers. Those strollers can be lifesavers for both the tired legs of the kids and the backs and arms of the parents. Unfortunately those strollers can also cause problems for everyone around them.
Transportation around WDW property is usually the first place my stroller aggravation starts to show. Every bus, boat, or monorail stop on property is positioned in a way that you can see the transport coming for some time. It never fails that we get stuck behind the family that pushes there buggy all the way through the line and to the door of the transport BEFORE they take their child out and fold up the cart. Then when it is time to unload they feel the need to unfold the stroller and load their child directly in front of the door, blocking the rest of the people who want to exit. This laziness holds up everyone behind them. It's especially fun at night when everyone just wants to get back to their rooms.
Once we are in the parks, strollers become a whole new frustration. It's when those things get into crowds of people that they become cruise missiles homing in on unsuspecting ankles, toes, shins and the like. I've been bumped into and rolled over so many times that I'm considering suiting up in shin guards and steel toe boots next time I head into the parks.
When did strollers grow to the size of sedans? I'm amazed at this expansion. These things have everything now. Convertible tops, cup holders, foot rests, hand breaks etc.! I've seen compact cars smaller than most of these things. Not the ideal thing to try to maneuver through large crowds.
These massive things come with another problem. This goes back to WDW transportation. First, those things take more actions to fold up than those robots that change to cars in the movies. Second, once you do get them folded up they're STILL huge. Usually taking up a couple of seats or completely blocking the aisle on the transport. Of course this is if you can even get it folded up. It seems I see a lot of people who push the weight limits of there carts. Not with children, but with souvenirs, backpacks, coolers, etc. Strollers are becoming the pack mules of the parks.
All these problems can be easily solved. Parents of young kids, listen up.
First, when you're waiting for Disney transportation have your children ready to get out of the stroller. When you see the bus, boat, etc. pulling up, get your children out and fold up your strollers. This way you can load the transport quickly. Don't wait until you get to the door to unload and fold. When it's time to get off of the transport, step off and to the side to unfold your stroller and load your child.
Second, when you're pushing your stroller around property and through the crowds, be aware of your surroundings. Try not to suddenly stop and swing it around into the passers by. This will also keep strangers from falling over your children. Always a plus!
Finally, you can make it through your vacation without your massive stroller. Think small and light. There are a lot of small strollers on the market that still provide the child plenty of comfort. Trust me, there is enough going on at WDW that your kids won't notice that they aren't riding in the style they are used to. Try to avoid overloading your cart too. Small and light single seat strollers will make it easier to get through the crowds, and easier to fold up and carry on to WDW transportation. These will keep your kids happy and you from busting your butt trying to lug those giants around.
Just a couple of tips from the wdwetiquetteguy.
And if you're heading to the parks soon, remember, play nice.
Strollers are as common at Walt Disney World as Mickey Ears, and rightfully so. Walt Disney World is a place that the whole family, young and old, can enjoy. That's the way Walt intended it. It was Walt, while watching his daughters on a carousel in Griffith Park, that thought up the idea of a place that the entire family could have fun together. That vision created Disneyland and then Walt Disney World.
Many times those families includes toddlers that require the use of strollers. Those strollers can be lifesavers for both the tired legs of the kids and the backs and arms of the parents. Unfortunately those strollers can also cause problems for everyone around them.
Transportation around WDW property is usually the first place my stroller aggravation starts to show. Every bus, boat, or monorail stop on property is positioned in a way that you can see the transport coming for some time. It never fails that we get stuck behind the family that pushes there buggy all the way through the line and to the door of the transport BEFORE they take their child out and fold up the cart. Then when it is time to unload they feel the need to unfold the stroller and load their child directly in front of the door, blocking the rest of the people who want to exit. This laziness holds up everyone behind them. It's especially fun at night when everyone just wants to get back to their rooms.
Once we are in the parks, strollers become a whole new frustration. It's when those things get into crowds of people that they become cruise missiles homing in on unsuspecting ankles, toes, shins and the like. I've been bumped into and rolled over so many times that I'm considering suiting up in shin guards and steel toe boots next time I head into the parks.
When did strollers grow to the size of sedans? I'm amazed at this expansion. These things have everything now. Convertible tops, cup holders, foot rests, hand breaks etc.! I've seen compact cars smaller than most of these things. Not the ideal thing to try to maneuver through large crowds.
These massive things come with another problem. This goes back to WDW transportation. First, those things take more actions to fold up than those robots that change to cars in the movies. Second, once you do get them folded up they're STILL huge. Usually taking up a couple of seats or completely blocking the aisle on the transport. Of course this is if you can even get it folded up. It seems I see a lot of people who push the weight limits of there carts. Not with children, but with souvenirs, backpacks, coolers, etc. Strollers are becoming the pack mules of the parks.
All these problems can be easily solved. Parents of young kids, listen up.
First, when you're waiting for Disney transportation have your children ready to get out of the stroller. When you see the bus, boat, etc. pulling up, get your children out and fold up your strollers. This way you can load the transport quickly. Don't wait until you get to the door to unload and fold. When it's time to get off of the transport, step off and to the side to unfold your stroller and load your child.
Second, when you're pushing your stroller around property and through the crowds, be aware of your surroundings. Try not to suddenly stop and swing it around into the passers by. This will also keep strangers from falling over your children. Always a plus!
Finally, you can make it through your vacation without your massive stroller. Think small and light. There are a lot of small strollers on the market that still provide the child plenty of comfort. Trust me, there is enough going on at WDW that your kids won't notice that they aren't riding in the style they are used to. Try to avoid overloading your cart too. Small and light single seat strollers will make it easier to get through the crowds, and easier to fold up and carry on to WDW transportation. These will keep your kids happy and you from busting your butt trying to lug those giants around.
Just a couple of tips from the wdwetiquetteguy.
And if you're heading to the parks soon, remember, play nice.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Who is wdwetiquetteguy
I have to admit up until 2007 I wasn't a Disney nut like I am today. I mean I knew the characters and I liked to moves ok, but I wasn't consumed with it like I am now.
It all started with a trip my wife and I took in early May of 2007. At the time we had been married for roughly 7 months. At the time we were building a house and we knew that when our first anniversary came around we would probably be either working on it or moving in. We decided to go to Walt Disney World and an early anniversary trip.
At the time I had only been there for a few days when I was 11 years old. My wife had spent even less time there than I had. But we heard from friends and family that is was a fun place to visit and the people there would take good care of us. So we booked a week at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Now I'm the type of person who wants to consume as much information as I can about the place I'm visiting before I go. I began to scour the internet and reading books researching the vacation kingdom. I was amazed at the amount of detail they put into building that little resort in some central Florida swamp land. Disney was setting it's hook.
That first trip did it for me. I was hooked. We returned a few months later for Christmas and several trips since them. I've bought into DVC. I've made good friends who share my obsession. I know entirely to much trivia about every park. I even got mentioned in a book about Walt Disney World. It's safe to say that WDW has become more than just a place to take a vacation for me.
Several trips back my wife and I caught ourselves pointing out the "rookies" on property. The families to didn't plan properly. Or the ones who think they can do it all in there week at the parks. Or the ones who are simply overwhelmed by everything Walt Disney World has to offer. We saw so much of this that I started a twitter feed called @wdwetiquetteguy. I would post little, or big mistakes we saw people making. Part poking fun, part venting my frustration, all in good fun though.
I figured I would start this little blog to expand on some of those tweets. If you are a WDW fan I think you will understand most of what I'm talking about. If you happened to stumble upon this while planning a trip to WDW maybe one of my future posts will save you some head aches on your vacation.
All in all I hope you enjoy any future posts here and remember if you are heading to the parks soon, play nice.
wdwetiquetteguy
It all started with a trip my wife and I took in early May of 2007. At the time we had been married for roughly 7 months. At the time we were building a house and we knew that when our first anniversary came around we would probably be either working on it or moving in. We decided to go to Walt Disney World and an early anniversary trip.
At the time I had only been there for a few days when I was 11 years old. My wife had spent even less time there than I had. But we heard from friends and family that is was a fun place to visit and the people there would take good care of us. So we booked a week at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Now I'm the type of person who wants to consume as much information as I can about the place I'm visiting before I go. I began to scour the internet and reading books researching the vacation kingdom. I was amazed at the amount of detail they put into building that little resort in some central Florida swamp land. Disney was setting it's hook.
That first trip did it for me. I was hooked. We returned a few months later for Christmas and several trips since them. I've bought into DVC. I've made good friends who share my obsession. I know entirely to much trivia about every park. I even got mentioned in a book about Walt Disney World. It's safe to say that WDW has become more than just a place to take a vacation for me.
Several trips back my wife and I caught ourselves pointing out the "rookies" on property. The families to didn't plan properly. Or the ones who think they can do it all in there week at the parks. Or the ones who are simply overwhelmed by everything Walt Disney World has to offer. We saw so much of this that I started a twitter feed called @wdwetiquetteguy. I would post little, or big mistakes we saw people making. Part poking fun, part venting my frustration, all in good fun though.
I figured I would start this little blog to expand on some of those tweets. If you are a WDW fan I think you will understand most of what I'm talking about. If you happened to stumble upon this while planning a trip to WDW maybe one of my future posts will save you some head aches on your vacation.
All in all I hope you enjoy any future posts here and remember if you are heading to the parks soon, play nice.
wdwetiquetteguy
Awesome Potato Soup
Here's my potato soup recipe. I've gotten several requests for it, so here ya go.
You're gonna need
10 pounds of potatoes
1 large onion
3 to 4 cloves of garlic
2 pounds of bacon
8 cups of shredded cheddar cheese I use sharp cheddar
1 large can of chicken broth
milk
butter
salt and pepper to taste
Start out like you are making mashed potatoes Peel and cut approximately 7 pounds of the potatoes. Add the potatoes to your pot. Add salt and water and boil them until they are fork tender.
While you are boiling the potatoes cut the bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry in a large skillet.
When your bacon is done to your liking, spoon it out with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
Mince the garlic and chop the onions into small pieces. Add the onion and garlic to the hot bacon grease and cook until they are slightly browned.
Spoon the onion and garlic mixture out of the grease and let drain on a paper towel.
Drain you potatoes and add them pack into the pot. Add salt pepper butter and milk, mash. Your goal is to add enough milk to make runny mashed potatoes.
Add the chicken broth and the onion mixture, stir to completely combine and bring the pot to boil stirring often.
When the soup is boiling, reduce the heat and add the cheese. Stir to completely melt the cheese.
This is optional put at this point I take a stick blender and completely smooth out the soup. This will ensure there is not clumps of cheese and the onions will be dissolved in the soup.
Once the soup is blended smooth add the bacon back in. Stir, cover and let cook over medium heat.
Peel the remaining potatoes and cut them into bite size pieces. Dump the uncooked pieces into the soup. Stir and let cook on medium heat until the potatoes are cooked. Salt and pepper to taste.
Occasionally stir the soup as you are cooking it. Letting it simmer for a few hours will give you the best results.
Warning: This makes a large pot of soup. If you don't have a big family, or plan on eating this for a week you may want to cut this recipe down.
Enjoy
wdwetiquetteguy
You're gonna need
10 pounds of potatoes
1 large onion
3 to 4 cloves of garlic
2 pounds of bacon
8 cups of shredded cheddar cheese I use sharp cheddar
1 large can of chicken broth
milk
butter
salt and pepper to taste
Start out like you are making mashed potatoes Peel and cut approximately 7 pounds of the potatoes. Add the potatoes to your pot. Add salt and water and boil them until they are fork tender.
While you are boiling the potatoes cut the bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry in a large skillet.
When your bacon is done to your liking, spoon it out with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
Mince the garlic and chop the onions into small pieces. Add the onion and garlic to the hot bacon grease and cook until they are slightly browned.
Spoon the onion and garlic mixture out of the grease and let drain on a paper towel.
Drain you potatoes and add them pack into the pot. Add salt pepper butter and milk, mash. Your goal is to add enough milk to make runny mashed potatoes.
Add the chicken broth and the onion mixture, stir to completely combine and bring the pot to boil stirring often.
When the soup is boiling, reduce the heat and add the cheese. Stir to completely melt the cheese.
This is optional put at this point I take a stick blender and completely smooth out the soup. This will ensure there is not clumps of cheese and the onions will be dissolved in the soup.
Once the soup is blended smooth add the bacon back in. Stir, cover and let cook over medium heat.
Peel the remaining potatoes and cut them into bite size pieces. Dump the uncooked pieces into the soup. Stir and let cook on medium heat until the potatoes are cooked. Salt and pepper to taste.
Occasionally stir the soup as you are cooking it. Letting it simmer for a few hours will give you the best results.
Warning: This makes a large pot of soup. If you don't have a big family, or plan on eating this for a week you may want to cut this recipe down.
Enjoy
wdwetiquetteguy
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