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Walt Disney, whose imagination and creativity profoundly shaped American culture, would have celebrated his 111th birthday on Dec. 5. What began with his initial interest in drawing as he grew up in Marceline, Mo. led to the creation of Mickey Mouse and to what is now a major entertainment enterprise consisting of feature films, television programs, costumer products and tourism.
According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences database, Disney received 26 Oscars and 59 nominations, more than any other person. Beginning with 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney Pictures has released several classic animated features including Pinocchio, Cinderella and The Lion King. On the small screen, Disney entities include popular shows such as Lost, Desperate Housewives and Modern Family.
Disney dominates land and sea tourism. The company runs six theme parks in the United States and has international presence with parks in Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Themeit.com reported that in 2009, 119.1 million people visited Disney Parks, the most in the theme park industry. Disney Cruise Line, founded in 1996, has an armada of four ships that travel to destinations such as Alaska, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Disney also has a relationship with football. The company owns both ABC and ESPN, the two networks that have broadcasted Monday Night Football games. Beginning in 1987, football players have declared their desire to go to Disney World after winning the Super Bowl.
In honor of the innovative film making and storytelling developed by its founder and the legacy his company holds in popular culture, the Week 14 predictions theme is Disney.
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Denver Broncos (9-3) at Oakland Raiders (3-9)-Dec. 6-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network
Former Los Angeles Rams tight end Ron Miller married Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane, in 1954. He served as president of his father-in-law’s company from 1980-84. The Raiders wish he was still in charge. During Miller’s presidency, Oakland was 5-4 against Denver.
Bryan Paul’s Pick: Denver
Pollock’s Pick: Denver
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Atlanta Falcons (11-1) at Carolina Panthers (3-9)-Dec. 9-1 p.m.-Fox
The Moroccan pavilion opened at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center in 1984. The Falcons are 14-26 in years a new pavilion has opened. But one hasn’t opened since 1988. I guess it’s a small world after all.
Bryan Paul’s Pick: Atlanta
Pollock’s Pick: Atlanta
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Kansas City Chiefs (2-10) at Cleveland Browns (4-8)-Dec. 9-1 p.m.-CBS
EPCOT opened in 1982. Hans Conried, who voiced Captain Hook in Peter Pan, died in 1982. Since his death, the Chiefs are 15-14 in Week 14 games. The Browns are 7-19.
Bryan Paul’s Pick: Kansas City
Pollock’s Pick: Cleveland
Captain Clarky 