This isn't my original work, but some of these are pretty funny so . . .

You know you’re a Cast Member when:

Last night was Brady’s “orphan” Christmas party (a recurring theme at Disney where all heroes are orphans and Cast Members work through the holidays regardless of religion view or family obligation), and it was off the charts. We were instructed to dress as our fav’rite orphan – step aside Annie and Webster. Make way for Esther and Harry Potter!

I chose Bruce Wayne, a controversial decision since technically Batman is part of the Universal family, but everybody was so punch drunk/pill giddy/ old-fashioned inebriated that they wouldn’t have cared if I came as Walt’s warm corpse.

In 1973, Disney produced an educational film about STDs. Called VD Attack Plan, it featured a sinister general leading his troops, Gonorrhea and Syphilis into battle against Mankind. This short film was ahead of its time, recognizing the role of condoms, birth control pills and same sex unions. Wade Sampson from Mouse Planet has put together an exhaustive report here.

Maybe I wear too much black. Maybe I sketch too many skulls or obsess over E.A. Poe and Morrissey. Or maybe I'm just in a spiritual cul-de-sac right now, looking for double chocolate relevance in a vanilla circumstance.

Fantasia, created in 1940 is arguably Disney's most powerful work of art. State of the art animation set to classical compositions performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski. Every time it's remastered and released, I marvel at the simple beauty. But there's a dark secret as well.

One of the most Magical encounters a Cast Member can have is with a child from the Make A Wish Foundation. Disney does a lot of work with the Foundation to provide final wishes for kids with terminal diseases. Not surprisingly, these wishes often include meeting a favorite Disney character, and Disney goes all out to accommodate them, rushing them to the front of the lines, giving them full VIP status. Mickey and Minnie are favorites, as are Pooh and Tigger, but all the characters give extra time and energy to the "Wish kids."

After being kicked out of Indonesia, Lou Perelman is back in the States to face bank fraud charges. You remember him, don't you, the guy who created Backstreet Boys and N'Sync?

I would have happily died never knowing that name, if it weren't for my roommate, who wants to be Lou Perelman.

Click on the photo of Brooke Nipar to see some of Chenman's Hidden Mickey pics...

A friend of a friend figured out a way to detach from his harness in the middle of the ride. This photo was shot right before the big drop. Big surprise: even though Disney budget cuts have eliminated most of the photo screener positions, this one still ot caught. For full story, go to http://gostbrand.com/blog/?p=2100

The greatest thing about being a Disney Cast Member is the non-stop entertainment. No matter what time of year, you can always find a parade or fireworks show or Cast Member Appreciation night at one of the local bars. And there's always a sexy party right around the corner.