The sales tax hike proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday raised more than just some eyebrows around the Southland, as the plan includes taxing things that were previously un-taxed, including amusement park admission tickets. The tax on entry to places like Disneyland would begin on March 1, 2009 if the proposal is to go through, and the folks at the mighty Mouse are mad:

“We oppose the Governor’s proposed theme park tax because it unfairly targets the tourism industry and may deter new visitors to the Golden State at a time we need them most,” said resort spokeswoman Lisa Haines in an e-mail statement. “This tax is not worth the risk to an industry that is a proven job creator and economic engine for California’s growth.”

Angels fans can be quite snooty. They find Dodger Stadium to be dirty and violent. Thanks to the Gwendolyn Driscoll of the Orange County Register, I can now refute one of those claims. In the last 2 1/2 years Orange County officials found 118 vermin violations at stadium kiosks and restaurants. Of those reports, 33 represent "major" violdations, in which "rodent activity" was observed by health inspectors in a "critical area" of 18 stadium... more ›

Apparently you can also use them just to look and sound really super-duper cool when you're making phone calls in Chinatown, as seen above. The best part of this whole moment, which doesn't show up in the photo, is that he had so the whole time it's making this mechanical "vroom vroom!" sound and rocking back and forth. And he's chatting away on some business type call as if he were in an office. Every time the thing ran out of money, he put more quarters in. Ever read The Mouse and the Motorcycle? Pb-pb-b-b-b.... more ›

In a move certain to wind up the tails of many a fan of The Mouse, Disneyland announced that they they are temporarily replacing the onboard soundtracks to both the Space Mountain and California Screamin' roller coasters with remixed versions of songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Disneyland asserts "rock fans’ dreams will come true as Rockin’ Both Parks provides new special effects and soundtracks specifically remixed to heighten every twist, turn, rise... more ›

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