Reading this book is an experience that can be likened to sitting down with a friend and uncovering a shared aversion. It's as if you find out that they too despise something that is widely adored by others. In the case of this book, if you already have a strong dislike for Disney, it might not offer you entirely novel aspects to loathe. However, it does provide a sense of catharsis. Watching Carl express his intense animosity towards the mouse through a few engaging stories can be quite satisfying. It allows you to see someone else vocalize their negative feelings about a commonly loved entity. It's a unique perspective that might resonate with those who have similar sentiments.

Consider this a podcast style essay - an interesting audio book listen!

Podcast style essays offer a unique and engaging way to consume information. They are like a captivating audio book that can transport you to different worlds and ideas.

In this type of essay, the narrator uses a conversational tone to draw you in and keep you hooked. The story unfolds gradually, with interesting anecdotes, facts, and opinions along the way.

Listening to a podcast style essay can be a great way to relax, learn something new, or simply be entertained. It allows you to multitask, such as while driving, exercising, or doing household chores.

So, sit back, relax, and let the narrator take you on a journey through the pages of this interesting audio book. Enjoy the listen!

Cynical. Dystopian. Hilarious. Team Rodent is a short, but sweet look at the overreach and general evil of one of the most powerful corporations in the world.

It presents a satirical view of a corporate entity that seems to have no bounds in its pursuit of power and profit. The story is filled with dark humor and absurd situations that highlight the flaws and excesses of modern corporate culture.

Despite its brevity, Team Rodent manages to pack a punch and leave a lasting impression on the reader. It makes us question the role of corporations in our society and the lengths they will go to achieve their goals.

Overall, it is a unique and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on the often-criticized world of big business.

Laced with vitriol, and interspersed with dollops of morbid wit, award-winning investigative reporter Carl Hiaasen’s book, nay, tract, is a polemical and personal vindication of one of the world’s largest stand-alone entertainment corporates.

Vacillating in that cramped space between a book and a brochure, Hiaasen’s slim work at times reads more like a personal vengeance towards Disney than a rebuke of the company’s proven misdemeanours.

However, this is not to say that “Team Rodent” (a wicked reference to the rampant spread of the Disney image globally), the book is totally bereft of facts and substance. It sure has its moments. Under the stewardship of Michael Eisner, scathingly referred to as “Insane Clown Michael” repeatedly by Hiaasen (an ode to a monumental blunder made by Disney in releasing an expletive-laced music album titled The Great Milenko made by a band called Insane Clown Posse), Disney, according to the author, has been operating in a ham-fisted and brute manner in furthering its prospects.

Whether it be turning a blind eye to controversies of voyeurism within the company or a sweeping acquisition of hundreds and thousands of acres of land that involves draining of lakes and threatening the ecology, Disney, according to Hiaasen, virtually has a free hand to do as it pleases. Possessing the power to influence politicians, law enforcement agencies and even the lower rungs of the judiciary, Disney is the beneficiary of a plethora of favours.

However, at times even Goliaths of the likes of Disney are humbled by the occasional David. A case in point is the failed bid to develop a three-thousand-acre sprawl that was in close proximity to the Manassas National Battlefield. Despite the cries of Virginians who viewed such a development as transcending mere encroachment and coming dangerously close to the boundaries of desecration, Disney was set in its motives and intentions. “If the people think we will back off, they are mistaken.” Eisner stated with more than just a measure of confidence. However, the will of the people prevailed, and the proposed $160 million project was ultimately abandoned.

Similarly, the gut-wrenching story of a young rhino that was found dead under mysterious circumstances with a lethal stick found wedged deep into the animal’s rear end. Even though it was ultimately proved that the offending object was found inside the rhino before it was transported into Disney, there were more discomforting questions than answers.

“Team Rodent” is a short exercise in anger, focusing more on an execrable periphery than plunging into the core of and for the truth.

This book begins by complaining about how Disney attracts more tourists to the Florida Keys.

"High on the list [of tourists there to visit Disney] is the southernmost chain of islands known as the Keys, where I live, and where only one road runs the length of the archipelago. Maybe you can appreciate the concern." p. 6

Later, at the end, he states that

"Chamber-of-commerce types in Key West got angry recently when Disney World revealed its own charming version of America’s southernmost city, a half day’s drive from the real one. Admittedly, Disney’s version of old Key West is cleaner, safer, and less full of drunk people than the original. However, there is an element of insult – not to mention heartless arrogance – in building a replica gingerbread town to compete with the original for tourists. I don't mind, as it means fewer rental cars speeding past my house, but a business owner in Key West might feel differently." p. 79-80

Personally, I find it difficult to believe that anyone interested in visiting the Florida Keys will be deterred from doing so by Disney's Old Key West, which is just a themed Timeshare resort.

The truth is, Florida tourism was a growing industry throughout the 1960s, long before Walt Disney World opened in 1971. Tourism in all the states along the Gulf grew rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. The population also increased, both in numbers and as a percentage of the U.S. population. When I was born in 1960, more than half of the population lived in the Midwest or Northeast. Now, only 39 percent live there; the population has shifted significantly to the south and west. Disney is not responsible for the growth in Texas and Arizona; blame Willis Haviland Carrier, the inventor of the modern air conditioner.

Hiaasen also criticizes Disney for the ugliness of the areas around it, while acknowledging that the grounds Disney controls are "a lush sanctuary." But outside of Disney, people have the option to change local regulations. Anyone who has entered WDW from different directions, or even just from the various roads crossing I-4, can see that some of the surrounding communities don't allow much signage, while others are in full tourist trap mode. So why blame Disney for the ugly ones?

The entire book is like this - a lot of complaining about Disney, based on not much. Then again, although Hiaasen is preaching to the choir, he is a good enough writer to make it an entertaining rant.

This is an interesting read that provides illuminated answers to the questions I already had.

It delves into various aspects, offering in-depth insights and explanations.

The content is presented in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy to understand.

Each answer is well-researched and supported by relevant examples and facts.

It not only satisfies my curiosity but also broadens my knowledge on the subject.

The author's writing style is captivating, keeping me hooked from start to finish.

Overall, it is a great piece of work that I would highly recommend to others who are interested in finding answers to their questions.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field, this article has something valuable to offer.

It is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their understanding and gain new perspectives.

I was participating in a challenge where I needed a book with a rodent on the cover. Otherwise, I would have never chosen this one.

To be honest, this is definitely a point of view and a story that has not aged well. I was quite surprised by this famous author. There were so many lines in this story that seemed like nothing more than an opportunity to insert naughty words into a book.

Moreover, it seemed really odd to blame so many things on a 'great big mean mouse' as if he were a boogeyman trying to take away your fun. If you don't like Disney, that's fine, but by all means, don't support them. However, stop thinking that every bad thing that has happened in the world can be laid at their doorstep.

We should view things more objectively and not be so quick to assign blame. Maybe there are other factors at play that we haven't considered. It's important to look beyond the surface and try to understand the whole picture.

Overall, this book was not what I expected, and I'm not sure if I would recommend it to others.

Quick and entertaining - these are the words that perfectly describe the first work of journalism I've had the pleasure of reading by Hiaasen. Just like his novels, this piece is filled with critical insights, a playful tone, a touch of raunchiness, a strong pro-environment stance, and is extremely well-researched.

What Hiaasen reveals about Disney is truly eye-opening. He shows that Disney is a sprawling empire, destructively self-interested, with thick walls that seem to keep out any form of criticism. It's almost too perfect, and that's precisely the problem.

Hiaasen's approach to Disney is similar to what DFW did with county fairs, competitive tennis, and especially cruises. We always had an inkling that there was something not quite right, but now, thanks to Hiaasen's work, we really know the truth. His writing makes us question the seemingly perfect facades that these institutions present and forces us to look deeper into their true nature.

This article is not only a great read but also a thought-provoking piece that makes us reevaluate our perception of some of the most well-known and beloved institutions in our society.

I have a preference for a world that is sanitized and neatly organized. This particular book failed to alter my stance in this regard.

Nevertheless, it is beneficial to be reminded that indulging in fantasy should not become a permanent state of affairs. Excessive immersion in it can prove to be unhealthy.

Hiassen accomplishes a remarkable feat by effectively highlighting the underlying realities that lurk behind the enchanting fantasy of Disney. What's more, he manages to do so without coming across as overly bitter. It's almost as if he's playfully winking at the reader.

This aspect of his writing adds an interesting layer to the overall narrative and makes the book a thought-provoking read, even for those like me who initially approach it with a certain set of expectations.

COUCH FACTOR (1 - 5):

I have never come across a book that expels such an enormous amount of hatred towards a particular entity. And that entity happens to be Disney. The sheer negativity that gushes out from their book is truly overwhelming. He seems to be constantly ranting without even taking a moment to catch his breath.

Yes, being a die-hard Disney fanatic, I might be a bit biased. However, he fails to present anything truly earth-shattering that would persuade me to believe that Disney is the so-called evil empire he alleges it to be. His examples are no different from what could be said about any other massive global corporation. Naturally, their objective is to extract our money. Undoubtedly, the magic they offer is fabricated. And of course, there are some questionable individuals who manage the business. But can you name a single company that doesn't have these characteristics?

His examples are feeble, and he simply comes across as a resentful, negative individual who is unable to let go and simply relish life. To be honest, I really don't know whom he detests more, the people in charge of Disney or the people who choose to spend their time and money at Disney.

Carl Hiaasen appears to have a significant chip on his shoulder, with an obsessive hatred towards the Disney Corporation. As far as I can discern, his animosity stems from the fact that Disney has a powerful brand and enjoys great success. I had anticipated that this book would uncover a wealth of shocking dirt on Disney.

However, although there are indeed some instances in the book where Disney acted arrogantly or where their actions had adverse consequences for people, nothing is overly surprising. In fact, when it comes to corporations, Disney seems to be rather well-behaved. From what I've read in this book, it seems that Disney is much like any other multinational corporation. I推测 that Hiaasen singles them out due to their image and his dislike for the way they operate in Florida.

For all I know, the Disney Corporation could potentially be evil, but Carl Hiaasen has not done a very effective job of proving it. Let's be honest, the author seems more preoccupied with being humorous than with presenting a convincing argument. While there are a few moments in the book that elicit laughter, it is not a truly outstanding work of humor.

Overall, this book falls short of meeting my expectations in terms of both revealing the true nature of the Disney Corporation and providing a highly entertaining and engaging read.