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| MickeyXtreme's News Archive February 26-28 2006 | ||
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Tuesday February 28, 2006 |
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Despite rumors of a possible take over of
Disney by Apple, fueled by an article at Barron's
over the weekend, one columnist believes that such a deal,
while very attractive for each company, could put Apple in
an awkward position with its other content partners, could
be too much for Apple CEO Steve Jobs, and would be anything
but a match-made-in-heaven. "Disney hooking up with
Apple would be an unmitigated disaster. Don't believe me?
Let's look under the hood.... Apple needs to keep its
relationships strong. That's best accomplished by not taking
sides. Even though an easy argument can be made that the
content providers need Apple more than Apple needs them, you
just don't want to foster that kind of nepotistic
environment. Jobs will sit on Disney's board after the Pixar
deal is complete -- that's true -- but it doesn't tug on the
financial heartstrings the way corporate ownership
would."
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Merger rumors fly but many experts pooh-pooh
the idea.
Rumors of Apple Computer Inc.'s next move were many, wild and varied on Monday, ranging from a possible merger with the Walt Disney Co. to speculation about its latest gadgetry. Those looking for new gadgets will likely be satisfied today, as Apple is set to introduce a host of products at its Cupertino headquarters. The speculation on a Disney and Apple merger will likely keep bubbling. The rumors have been swirling ever since Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs sold Emeryville's Pixar last month, becoming Disney's largest individual shareholder in the process. The latest rumors say Jobs could help broker a marriage between Apple and the Mouse House. At least that's what Christopher Whalen, an analyst with Institutional Risk Analytics, said in a Barron's article over the weekend. "I just think it's an intriguing possibility," Whalen told The Chronicle on Monday. Disney's faltering media business could get a boost from Apple, whose dominance in the digital media industry could allow Disney's films and shows to get in front of more consumers, Whalen said. But other Wall Street analysts and industry observers dismissed the suggestion, contending that a Disney-Apple combination would be a poor match. For one, despite the iPod, Apple at its core is a computer company, they said. "It would be so detrimental to both businesses," said Ivan Feinseth, managing director of Matrix USA. "Why would Disney want to be in the computer technology industry?" If Jobs had been so inclined, he wouldn't have sold Pixar to Disney and made Disney a more expensive company to buy, Feinseth added. And though Jobs straddles both Hollywood and Silicon Valley, many argue that he is more technology geek than Jeffrey Katzenberg wannabe. "I don't believe for a second that Jobs wants to be a media mogul as much as he is a technology visionary," said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies, a technology consulting and research company. "I find that idea out in left field." Disney's shares climbed 40 cents per share, or 1.43 percent, to $28.38 Monday while Apple's shares dipped 47 cents per share, or less than 1 percent, to $70.99 on the speculation. Meanwhile, Apple has kept characteristically mum about today's event, saying simply, "come see some fun new products" in an e-mail invitation. Rumors include an iPod boom box, a Mac that doubles as a TiVo-like recording system and the ability to get full-length movies via iTunes. "It'll be a fun product," Bajarin said. Trying to guess something more specific, he added, is like "throwing darts on the wall." |
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It is now confirmed that Pirates will be
refurbished in a 2 stage process. The attraction will be
closed Wednesday, March 1, and will then reopen on Saturday
April 1. During this first phase, there will be no
noticeable changes in the show. Pirates will then close
again on Monday May 1 and will reopen by July 7 2006.
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The Walt Disney Co. will focus its capital
and energies on its three primary brands, even if that means
fewer live-action films, CEO Robert Iger said.
Speaking on Monday at the 19th annual Bear Stearns Media Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., Iger said that the company will invest in the Disney, ESPN and ABC brands, adding that on the film side "our goal is quality not quantity." Iger said that Disney-branded movies are more profitable than the company's films that don't carry that brand. He also said that making movies simply to amortize the cost of operating a studio is the wrong strategy, suggesting that that is what competing studios are doing. Iger, though, steered clear of speculation that Apple Computer might buy Disney. Shares of Disney gained 1.4% on Monday to $28.38 after a report in Barrons over the weekend suggested that the media conglomerate could be purchased by Apple now that Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs sits on Disney's board. Shares of Apple fell fractionally to $70.99. Barrons said that Apple could afford Disney given that the former's market capitalization is larger, $60.2 billion compared with $54.7 billion as of Monday's closing. Iger said that purchasing Pixar -- which made Jobs, who also is Pixar's CEO, Disney's largest shareholder -- was necessary given polling data he had seen suggesting that mothers of young children were focusing more on Pixar's brand than Disney's when choosing films. During his presentation, though, Iger stuck mostly to his theme of creating strong branded content and using high technology to deliver that content, stressing that Disney isn't fearful of digital video recorders, the Internet and other new technologies that have investors nervous about traditional media companies. He wants to harness digital technology to boost distribution of Disney's content and create more value for advertisers, he said, using Google as an example of a company successfully wooing advertisers to its model. He said Disney is focused on following consumers' eyeballs wherever they may go, and that the company would "no longer be slaves to the old business models." As Disney executives often do, he cited the company's embrace of Apple's iTunes as proof of an aggressive digital strategy. "We can't afford to be timid," he said. "I'm even willing to be first over the hill." In a rare appearance, Jonathan Miller, chairman and CEO of Time Warner's America Online unit, received several questions about current synergies between AOL and the rest of the entertainment conglomerate. Investment bank Lazard in a report for dissident TW shareholders recently criticized a lack of such synergies. But Miller said he feels "like a kid in a candy store" with AOL being part of TW, with all the other divisions' content and brands providing opportunities for future offers and cooperation. He admitted, however, that "we weren't a great partner" in the past until AOL had found its strategic focus. Asked about AOL's business opportunities, Miller expressed interest in monetizing the fields of self-published online content and Internet networking, offering a Voice over Internet solution, doing more in the video search arena and related areas, as well as premium content via possible deals "inside the (TW) family and outside the family." A voice solution and a product in the social-networking field that uses instant messaging should roll out "in pretty short order," he said. Asked whether AOL could, as some on Wall Street have suggested, separate its broadband access business from its AOL.com business or the like, Miller said he has studied such ideas, but there is too much overlap and intertwining for such a move to make sense. Also at the Bear Stearns conference, Viacom Inc. CEO Tom Freston said he remains "very confident" that his company will finalize a "very good deal" to sell the DreamWorks live-action library to a financial investor shortly. He reiterated that his management team is "very actively looking" at variants of such a deal for its future film output. Asked about his interest in cable networks, Freston said Viacom remains very interested in them. However, because of the shortage of such assets going up for sale, he expects most future opportunities in the U.S. to be too expensive, meaning international deals could be more likely to happen. Freston predicted a continued boost to revenue growth for his company from monetizing content on new platforms via repackaging of existing and creation of new content. He also reiterated recent comments that in the online world, Viacom is not trying to become a portal but is committed to offering brand-driven verticals. Advertisers are paying his firm premium ad rates for its online properties, he added. |
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The new attraction Tower of Terror will open Monday, September 4, 2006, in Tokyo DisneySea Park. Located in the American Waterfront themed port, Tower of Terror will let guests experience an exciting world filled with thrills and supernatural surprises. The attraction’s story is set in 1912 New York in the old Hotel Hightower. The hotel has been closed for the past decade following the mysterious disappearance of its owner, Harrison Hightower III. Now, however, the landmark hotel has been reopened so that guests can tour the premises and fully appreciate its distinct history and architecture. Guests on the tour are able to enjoy seeing various artifacts from Mr. Hightower’s eclectic collection on display around the premises, such as religious articles from famed, far-away temples and even an Egyptian sarcophagus. The tour makes its way from the hotel’s lavish lobby to Mr. Hightower’s private office, then heads for the owner’s penthouse on the top floor. While riding the service elevator to the upper floors, the guests encounter a mysterious force. They then experience a series of unexpected, paranormal encounters, culminating in the attraction’s spine-tingling climax. A new shop called Tower of Terror Memorabilia will also open on the first floor of the Tower of Terror. Converted from the hotel’s spa area, the interior still has tiles and murals from the original spa. The Tower of Terror is sure to become one of Tokyo DisneySea Park’s leading attractions, adding to the lively atmosphere of American Waterfront and increasing the fun of the Park’s 5th Anniversary celebrations. Attraction Outline
Guests with a height of less than 102 cm
and children under age 3 may not ride. Other ride
restrictions may apply.
Tower of Terror will be a Disney’s
FASTPASS attraction.
Background Story
The once lavish Hotel Hightower, built by multimillionaire Harrison Hightower III, is the setting for the "Tower of Terror" attraction. Harrison Hightower was a great collector of cultural artifacts, and explored various exotic regions in search of valuable relics to take home. Once back in New York, Hotel Hightower was the adventurer’s favorite place to show off his latest prizes and boast about the exploits it took to obtain them. The somewhat less-than-scrupulous Hightower apparently used whatever methods were necessary to acquire the items he wanted, even at times engaging in outright plunder, according to rumor. Still, the parties he threw when unveiling the latest additions to his collection were thronged with high-profile guests and reporters. On New Year’s Eve, 1899, during a party he was throwing to introduce a strange statue he had gotten hold of in one of the far corners of Africa, Harrison Hightower III abruptly disappeared on his way to his penthouse. After that night, the hotel was closed, and no one has seen Harrison Hightower since. After its closing, the aura of mystery and foreboding around the Hotel Hightower has only deepened. However, since there is obvious historical and architectural value to the building, the New York City Preservation Society has now started a "Tower of Terror" tour to allow interested parties a peek inside the hotel. What happened to Harrison Hightower the night of his fateful party? You may find the answer by joining one of the New York City Preservations Society’s "Tower of Terror" tours. |
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Walt Disney Co. reached an agreement to
increase the amount of programming it supplies to Britain's
BSkyB pay-TV service, adding a new channel featuring
animated films and another with historic sporting events.
Financial terms and the duration of the contract were not disclosed. A British newspaper put the value of the deal at 130 million pounds ($226 million) a year. The transaction gives BSkyB, which is facing tough competition, additional fare with which to lure new customers. It also enables Burbank-based Disney to distribute more of its TV shows and movies via more media platforms. |
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Disney won't let epic director Roland Emmerich hog all the new talent for himself. The mouse house reportedly tapped scribe Jeffrey Nachmanoff, who penned Emmerich's "The Day After Tomorrow" as well as his upcoming "One Nation", to shape them 3 new screenplays. 1st up is the video-game adaptation (cause we all know how successful these usually are…) "Prince Of Persia". The story would see the titular Prince join an unlikely ally to stop devastation unleashed by a despot. Then will come "Unnatural History", about a family stuck in a museum where the exhibited creatures come to life, and seek to wreak havoc. Strangely, an upcoming Ben Stiller comedy follows a similar plot… And finally "Liberty", which boasts a scenario increasingly plausible and fearsome. That one has a natural disaster take out every high tech device in US, forcing citizens to go Medieval in defending their land against opportunists. If Disney gets Emmerich to handle either one of those, count me in for Box Office results. A good popcorn flick is taken to new heights when this guy is behind cameras |
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Iger
Outlines Plans For MyABC; More Downloads, Ad-supported
Models
ABC will offer ad-supported shows via a new service called MyABC, Disney CEO Bob Iger told analysts and investors during a Bear Stearns presentation Monday night. According to Variety, Iger said the site would sell new ads for the broadband versions. No time frame or titles yet. Once again, he reminded people business as usual has no appeal for him.: "We will no longer be slave to the old business models because consumers just don't care about them." |
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Dee Wallace was puzzled when she heard that Fred Goss, creator and star of "Sons & Daughters," was interested in her playing the role of his mother. Why? Because despite all her years of experience — including one of the screen's most famous moms — the actress wasn't versed in improvisation, and that's what sets ABC's new show apart from prime-time's pack of other sitcoms about dysfunctional families. But once she began improvising with Goss, it all came, well ... rather naturally. "I had the parameters of what I needed to do. I had who she was and who he was and how I felt about both of us ... and I realized it's all about being in the moment. It brings together all the best ways that I work anyway. It's freedom," says Wallace, who famously played the mother in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," one of the most popular movies of all time. Nick Holly, co-creator with Goss, says the actors are presented not with a traditional script, but with "a short story" that "occasionally includes a line or two of dialogue, but is normally just this novelization." Adds Goss: "We wax poetical in the descriptions because the dialogue is not there, so it's important for everybody to get a real strong feel for what it is we are going for, scene by scene, so when they hit the set they understand the bullet points that they need to hit to propel the story forward." But the cast works with a net. The writers are always there behind the camera to contribute ideas and shape key moments, especially when they need a specific line to cut into or out of an ad break, or to set up a vital plot point. Typical of traditional sitcoms, multiple cameras are used on the series; the start-stop-reset routine of single-camera production would derail the show's improvisational flow. But unlike a typical sitcom, the series is filmed without a live audience on various sets and locations. And because of the meandering nature of improvisation, editing on the series is an especially extensive process, designed, Goss says, to remove the "ums and ahs" of actors just "riffing." The creators cite filmmakers John Cassavetes and Robert Altman as inspiration for a concept that, while not pure improvisation, frees up the actors to draw instantly on their own interpretations. "I think if people never knew it was an improvised show it wouldn't matter," says Goss, who also directed the pilot episode. The half-hour series, from "Saturday Night Live" creator-producer Lorne Michaels, debuts March 7 at 9 p.m. EST with back-to-back half-hour episodes. The pivotal character, Cameron (Goss), lives in a world of love and conflict. His extended family includes his current wife and kids, his child by his previous wife, his remarried mom, Colleen (Wallace), his great-aunt, his stepfather, a sister, a half-sister, a nephew, a niece, and his brother-in-law. If that's a little more family tree than you can handle, not to worry. The opening episodes include subtitles denoting how the main characters are related. The domestic tangle is actually based on Goss' and Holly's personal experience. "Where I come from and where Nick comes from, there are a lot of divorces," says Goss. "People are giving it a second go-around on a bunch of different levels." Wallace, who is best known for dramatic roles, was attracted to the show's edgy combination of heart and humor. "I equate it with a really new take on 'All in the Family,' where you see our weaknesses, you see our prejudices, especially our fears, and through them, and through the hilarity of us trying to deal with them, you learn about yourself, hopefully," says Wallace. "And let's face it, the only normal family is a dysfunctional one on some level." She easily relates to Colleen's "huge amount of energy, though I think I'm much more spiritual, much more giving." Yet there are aspects of the character that give her pause. "We all draw from ourselves and I must say I was rather horrified that Colleen's biggest character description is she's incredibly passive-aggressive. I had to look that up and to my horror, I realized when I started doing the part and saying some of the things and manipulating my children on the show, that I actually identified in some of my personal life," she laughs. She's not alone. Goss, whose previous credits include Bravo's "Significant Others," is, like Cameron, married to a Jewish woman and is raising his kids Jewish. That's something which challenges the prejudices of some of Cameron's family members, just at it did Goss' late grandmother and stepfather. "There's much of Fred in Cameron," says Holly. "I'm not quite as neurotic," says Goss. A well-timed pause ensues. "Maybe I am." |
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Disney Channel's "High School Musical" — which re-airs Feb. 28 — has announced that the DVD of popular original movie will be released May 23 with two versions and extra features. The network — which is already planning a sequel — will rebroadcast the teen-aimed tuner Feb. 28 at 8 PM (ET) with additional airings on March 10 and 23. Check your local listings. Walt Disney Home Entertainment will put forth the debut DVD release which will include two versions of the approximately 98-minute film — the original telecast version and a sing-along version, displaying lyrics on screen during musical numbers. The release will also contain the following bonus features: a "Learn the Dance Moves" feature led by director-choreographer Kenny Ortega, an unseen music video for "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," the music video of "We're All In This Together" and a Behind-The-Scenes feature about the making of the movie. The "High School Musical" soundtrack has done well by the company; released on Jan. 10, the album has already attained Gold status, according to a Disney spokesperson. For more information, visit www.disney.go.com/disneychannel. |
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Disney
'to introduce kids block to abc1'
Disney is planning to introduce
pre-school programming to abc1 within the next few months,
according to C21 today. |
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Monday February 27, 2006 |
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A police investigation was launched Monday
after a Disney worker claimed she was gang-raped by four
co-workers at a nearby apartment complex, according to a
Local 6 News report.
The woman, who is part of the Disney College Program, told police that she was walking home to her apartment in Orange County, Fla., when four men confronted her and then grabbed her. She said the men then forced her into a Commons apartment unit and took turns raping her and forced her to perform sex acts. The woman told officers that she repeatedly told her attackers to stop, according to the report. "The report is very explicit as to what occurred," Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Solomons said. "For all practical purposes, it essentially was a gang rape." All four men accused work for Walt Disney World, Local 6 News reported. "They are here on some sort of employment exchange program," Solomons said. "The four folks who have been implicated in this incident, it is my understanding that they are being very cooperative and forthcoming. Investigators said the alleged attackers have been identified but no charges have been filed in the case. The four men are also part of the Disney College Program, according to Local 6 News. Disney officials did not comment on the case Monday night. Police are continuing to investigate the incident. |
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New
restaurant opening in Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney
Landry's Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: LNY), one of the nation's largest casual dining, entertainment and hospitality companies, announced that it has acquired 80% of the restaurant concept T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover from Schussler Creative, Inc. for approximately $7.6 million, including reimbursements for research and development costs, accounts payable, construction draws and preopening expenses. In addition, under the agreement, based on the ultimate success of the venture (combined profits of all stores exceeding $20 million), Landry's can acquire Schussler Creative's 20% interest for an amount up to an additional $35 million. T-Rex is a unique concept that features dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice -- guests visiting T-Rex will be greeted with life size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more. Locations are planned domestically and internationally, the first of which is slated to open this spring in The Legends mall in Kansas City, Kansas; with another opening in Downtown Disney (near Orlando) in early 2008. In addition to the T-Rex concept, Landry's has acquired the majority interest in Schussler Creative's new Asian themed eatery (which is expected to open by summer 2007) inside Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This Asian-themed restaurant with retail is reminiscent of the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, featuring a rural village called Anandapur in a jungle with a tiny town-like mass at its center. Asia will offer full service table dining, as well as quick service food. This Asian-Fusion concept will feature Asian decor, complete with Asian antiques, as well as a retail component that will offer Asian goods ranging from Sushi plates to chopsticks and fine teapots. "One of the major factors that drew us to this transaction was the chance to expand our operations with Disney," said Landry's President, Chairman and CEO Tilman J. Fertitta. "Our existing three Rainforest Cafes located at Downtown-Disney, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disneyland Resort in California generate approximately $80.0 million in revenue. We feel that the T-Rex and Asian theme concepts are a perfect fit with Disney's unmatched entertainment offerings." Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler was the founder and creator of the popular Rainforest Cafe restaurant concept, which Landry's purchased in 2000, and has since grown to be one of Landry's most successful concepts. "Landry's is the perfect strategic partner to turn our dream into an ongoing reality," said Steve Schussler. "Landry's has done an excellent job of maintaining the Rainforest Cafe brand as the premier themed eatery in the world. T-Rex uses elements familiar to Rainforest Cafe fans such as animatronics and special effects to create a whole new type of dining experience that takes visitors back in time in an educational and entertaining way," added Schussler. About Landry's
Restaurants, Inc. |
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Virtual
Magic Kingdom Hits Million Player Mark
Barely more than seven months after its official launch, Virtual Magic Kingdom, a free multiplayer gaming community inspired by Disney's famous theme parks, has acquired the one-millionth character in its virtual community, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online announced. Quickly establishing itself as one of the coolest destinations online for gaming fans, the virtual theme park at vmk.com has grown to include several new lands, fun new games and more than 1.3 million personalized rooms created by its players. "We're thrilled that so many players have embraced the fun of VMK," said Paul Yanover, senior vice president and general manager of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online. "To reach this milestone so quickly after the community debuted is extremely satisfying to everyone on the VMK team. Just like in the real parks, we strive to constantly improve and expand our online park to exceed players' expectations." Where Are We ... Frontierland Newly Added! In December, VMK opened Frontierland, a Wild-West neighborhood with new areas to explore and brand-new games. Players can create their own log flume ride or hunt ghosts in a new Haunted Mansion multiplayer game. By Land or Sea ... Adventureland, Main Street and Fantasyland! Players can enjoy tons of fun activities as they explore a virtual community inspired by Disney's famous theme parks and attractions. Adventureland offers players the chance to steer through treacherous rivers aboard the Jungle Cruise Photo Safari or battle other players in high-seas competition inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and movies. On VMK's Main Street, players can create funky music mixes and share them with other players. Fantasyland lets players compete against 100 other characters in an amazing fireworks display game. Throughout each land, shops offer creative items players can purchase to decorate their personal space - or trade with other characters. More than 1,000 virtual items currently are available for sale and trade within the VMK community. In a future phase set to launch later this year, Tomorrowland will add an exciting, outer-space dimension to the virtual theme park. Guests can catch a sneak preview of Tomorrowland with three new arcade-style games available now in the Tomorrowland section of VMK: Airlock Escape, Hyperspace Mountain and Blast in Space. From the Virtual World to the Real World The fun continues on as it transcends its online community. Gamers can visit VMK Central in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and participate in exciting real-world Quests. And, best of all, guests who successfully complete a VMK Quest in the real world will earn secret codes for game credits and other cool virtual rewards to enhance game play. Always Something New Part of the reason VMK is such a fun, high-energy destination is because there's always something new to do. A glance at the VMK Web site at VMK.com gives players a calendar of special online events designed to challenge and entertain while offering the chance to win rare virtual items. These new social activities and community-driven events enhance the dynamic nature of the game, complementing the permanent features players can enjoy throughout VMK. In February, VMK added a cool new game where guests can build their own Expedition Everest ride in celebration of the Spring opening of Expedition Everest in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Beyond VMK Other new Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online destinations allow players an opportunity to take advantage of great VMK tie-ins. At VMK, guests can link to disneyeverest.com, an all-new web site for the thrilling new Expedition Everest attraction at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort where players can learn about the ride and win free stuff for VMK. A downloadable game called Yeti Vision lets players become the feared Yeti from the new attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Protect the sacred realm from intruders and earn Yeti Vision Rewards to redeem in VMK by destroying train tracks, causing avalanches and solving ancient mysteries. After each episode, guests can earn different virtual prizes such as Everest pins, Everest ice furniture or an Everest guest room. Creating the "New" You When players enter VMK they can really express themselves. Each character is completely in charge of the universe he or she creates, right down to their "look." Blue spiky hair is "in" and your wardrobe is your own, with dozens of colorful clothing pieces to buy or trade. Plus, Virtual Magic Kingdom lets players create personalized guest rooms and decorate them any way they want to reflect their own style. Experience the magic firsthand at vmk.com. The fun is just a 'mouse' click away! |
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Le Cordon Bleu Schools North
America today announced that teams from two of their
culinary schools received Gold and Silver in the
"Sweetest Pastry Competition On Earth" at Walt
Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. As the only school
competing that did not have its own baking and patisserie
program, the first-place students from Le Cordon Bleu
Atlanta used their real-world training and expertise to rise
above the competition and receive standing ovations at each
dessert presentation.
Under the guidance of pastry instructor Chef Albert J. DiFonzo, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta students Cynthia Krohn and James Bara won the gold. Chef Doug Basegio led California Culinary Academy students Naomi Okemoto-Davis and Shawn Williams to a silver finish. "The performance of the Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America was outstanding and we congratulate the winners," said Walt Disney World Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek. "The judges were impressed with the skill level and dedication of each of the four teams." Over the course of eight hours, the teams created a number of intricate and impressive desserts, including: -- Plated
desserts drawing inspiration from one of Walt Disney World's A panel comprised of seven Walt Disney World Resort chefs evaluated each team on its creations' taste, artistry, implementation of theme and overall presentation. The winning team was awarded a partial scholarship prize of $6,500 for each student, as well the opportunity to interview for a post- graduate culinary internship at the Walt Disney World Resorts. Walt Disney Resort hosted the student culinary contest as part of its annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The contest also premiered February 26, 2006, as part of the hit show Food Network Challenge. The episode will re-air throughout the next week. "We congratulate all of our schools that participated in this exciting contest," said Kirk Bachmann, Vice President of Education for Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America. "Coupled with a strong educational background, the students' success is a direct result of their hard work, and is reflected by their outstanding achievements at this prestigious competition." Two additional Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America programs, Pennsylvania Culinary Institute and Orlando Culinary Academy, competed as well. Chef Jeff Ward of Pennsylvania Culinary Institute coached Sarah Ries and Elizabeth King. Orlando Culinary Academy was represented by instructor Chef Joseph Ralph and students Kevin Lyman and Katherine King. |
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Slave
Labor Does Disney
Sunday, Slave Labor Graphics held court at the NY Comic-Con to discuss its four Disney-licensed comics coming out this year. Anyone who has followed Slave Labor during its 20-year history was likely taken aback by the announcement in summer 2005 that the small press company had inked a deal to make comics based on Disney properties. This is a major step for Slave Labor, who has been basking in the glow of creators Jhonen Vasquez and Roman Dirge for the past few years. The company needs bigger exposure and slapping a Disney label on the cover is a good start. Haunted Mansion - Already
available, the bi-monthly Haunted Mansion is based on
the Disneyland ride and not the Eddie Murphy movie. It
examines the afterlives of the 99 ghosts haunting the house
and has what can best be described as a light-hearted
macabre tone. |
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Walt Disney will announce plans today
for the launch in Britain of ESPN, the leading American
sports television network, in what could develop in the long
term into the first major challenger to Sky Sports.
Disney is exporting ESPN to Britain as it seeks to boost revenues after the renegotiation of its lucrative £130 million-a-year distribution deal with BSkyB. Disney will start to broadcast ESPN Classic, a sports archive channel, next month. It will also distribute a children's movie channel, Cinemagic, and make its Disney Channel available to eight million homes. Anne Sweeney, who heads Disney's television business, said that the company "expects a lot from the ESPN brand" as the media group expands its television business internationally. ESPN has 90 million subscribers on its core channel in the United States and broadcasts live events, including American football, basketball and baseball matches. Its British launch will feature content bought specifically for the UK market. Over time the company is expected to develop ESPN after its low-key introduction and look at acquiring European sports rights. "We want to have stronger relationships in the UK than we do today," Ms Sweeney said. "We hope, for example, that expanding the Disney Channel will excite the creative community in the UK and that we can commission more content from here." Disney's push comes as the company concludes months of talks with Sky, the satellite broadcaster in which News Corporation, parent company of The Times, has a 37.2 per cent stake. Disney has been out of contract with Sky since October while the two sides haggled. The American company's original ten-year deal with Sky was generous because it was struck just before the satellite broadcaster's flotation. Sky is Disney's biggest partner outside the United States, while Disney is thought to represent Sky's biggest third-party expense. Media industry insiders estimated that Disney had been forced to cut its rates for its flagship _Disney channels from about £1.30 a month per subscriber to about 65p for the next seven years, although the company has offset the rate cut by making its channel available in three million more homes. Nevertheless, Disney's income from Sky is thought to have been cut on a like-for-like basis. Richard Freudenstein, Sky's chief operating officer, refused to give exact figures, but said "this deal is consistent with the guidance we've been giving on margins", which has been to promise greater profits by cutting payments to other channel providers. Ms Sweeney said that Disney would benefit from a "stronger relationship" with consumers because of its increased exposure. Some Disney content will be made available on Freeview and it also hopes to get higher pay-per view revenues. Ms Sweeney wanted to continue selling the company's general entertainment programming to free-to-air broadcasters, which attract the biggest audiences, rather than run them first on her company's channels. |
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Hong
Kong Disneyland to Add 3 Attractions
Hong Kong Disneyland announced Monday that it planned to add three new attractions to the theme park as part of its expansion plan. The additions are the "Autopia" electric car ride, the "Stitch Encounter," a theater show, and the UFO Zone -- made up of water-squirting robot, rocket ship and flying saucer, said a Hong Kong Disney spokeswoman Esther Wong. The three games -- located in the Tomorrowland section of the park -- will be open to the public this summer, Wong said. She declined to say how much was being spent to construct the three attractions. Wong said the Hong Kong government is expected to finish reclaiming land by 2008 for the construction of the second phase of the park. At 126 hectares (310 acres), Hong Kong Disneyland, opened in September, is the smallest Disney park in the world, but Bill Ernest, the park's managing director, said the company is "reviewing expansion plans for the park." "This is a long-term improvement measure designed to do two things: increase capacity by a steady program of expansion and enhance the guest experience with thrilling new attractions and features," Ernest told Hong Kong lawmakers during a legislative session. In response to admission problems that erupted during the Chinese New Year when the park was overwhelmed, Ernest said they planned to improve logistical measures for times when the company needs to restrict access to the park. Hundreds of angry visitors from mainland China and Taiwan tried to force their way into the park -- with some clambering over its iron fence -- during the Chinese New Year after they were denied entry because it was full. The park is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Co. and the Hong Kong government, which shouldered the bulk of its construction fee. |
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Nachmanoff
Writing Three Disney Projects
The Walt Disney Co. has recruited The Day After Tomorrow screenwriter Jeffrey Nachmanoff to write three projects at the studio, including two for studio-based Jerry Bruckheimer Films, says Variety. Nachmanoff is doing scripting overhauls on Bruckheimer's adaptation of the Ubisoft videogame "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" and Unnatural History as well as the LivePlanet-produced Liberty. Prince of Persia tells the story of an adventurous prince who uncovers a dangerous artifact in a remote mountain kingdom and, with the help of an enemy princess, must stop a despot from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy all mankind. Unnatural History, on which Nachmanoff recently completed work, is an action film about a family that becomes trapped in the Museum of Natural History and must fight to survive when the resident creatures come to life. Liberty, another big-budget action, takes place after an electromagnetic pulse disables the infrastructure of the country; it revolves around a ragtag group of Americans who must use technology from the 1940s and '50s to defend against a foreign invasion. Ericson Core is aboard to direct. |
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Drew
Lachey Wins 'Dancing With the Stars'
Drew Lachey danced away as the winner of "Dancing with the Stars" Sunday night. The former 98 Degrees pop singer out-hoofed pro wrestler Stacy Keibler, thought to be the favored finalist, along with NFL great Jerry Rice, as ABC's ballroom hit wrapped its second season, airing live from Los Angeles. With his professional dancer-partner Cheryl Burke, Lachey wowed the audience with a freestyle routine danced to "Hound Dog," which concluded with him vaulting himself over his partner's shoulders. The couple racked up a total score of 27 out of a perfect 30 from the three-judge panel, which, combined with their score from Thursday's pre-finale, gave them a total of 87 out of 90. But it was viewers whose vote carried half the weight who settled the matter. In somewhat of an upset midway through the two-hour finale, they eliminated the leggy, blonde Keibler. Then, in the program's final moments, host Tom Bergeron disclosed that Lachey was the choice over Rice. "Woooooooooooooo!" yelped Lachey, who gratefully accepted the mirrorball trophy (which he had earlier acknowledged was "ugly"). During the program, all seven of the previously bounced celebrities _ ESPN sportscaster Kenny Mayne, actress Tatum O'Neal, news personality Giselle Fernandez, rap star Master P, actress Tia Carrere, tanned ladies' man George Hamilton and talk-show host Lisa Rinna returned for a last dance with their partners. It was in January that "Dancing" began its new season with 10 competitors of sometimes dubious celebrity, each paired with a professional dancer for the show's grueling choreography and performance regimen. Then, as the weeks passed, one couple after another was kicked off thanks to the verdict of the judges and viewer voting. "Dancing" received a warm welcome from viewers it ranks 7th in prime time for the season to date, according to Nielsen Media Research. "Dancing" first kicked up its heels last summer as a surprise hit for ABC. In its July season finale, "General Hospital" star Kelly Monaco and her professional partner upset odds-on favorite John O'Hurley, best known for playing J. Peterman on "Seinfeld." But audience complaints arose that the voting process was confusing and that Monaco, star of an ABC soap, got preferential treatment. This prompted a rematch, which, airing in September, gave viewers full authority. They awarded the title to O'Hurley. |
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Hong
Kong Disneyland launches special Graduation Promotion
Graduation is one of the most important events in a teenager's life. Now Hong Kong teens can add that special, magical touch to graduation night by throwing a party and celebrating with their friends at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. From now until August 31, Hong Kong Disneyland is offering a Graduation Dinner Package 2006 for graduates, friends and family to celebrate the special day. Each dinner package includes a lavish international dinner buffet with three hours of complimentary soft drinks. The room will be decorated in a festive fashion tailor-made for the happy graduate with floral tributes on the tables and at the reception area. For a final magical touch, two special Disney friends will also join in the celebration and take memorable photos at the party that can be kept in a distinctive complimentary Disney photo frame. Guests can also enjoy the attractions, show and entertainment of Hong Kong Disneyland park by purchasing specially-created evening park tickets valid from 4 p.m. until park closing. With their admission ticket, guests can enjoy all the fun of Hong Kong Disneyland including the after-dark entertainment extravaganza "Disney in the Stars," before sitting down to the graduation dinner. Prices for the Graduation Night package at Hong Kong Disneyland start from HK$500 per person with a minimum of 100 people. |
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Disney
unveils two UK channels in new BSkyB deal
Walt Disney Co. has restructured its programming deal with Britain's BSkyB pay-TV service, adding one new channel featuring its library of animated films and another with historic sporting events. Financial terms were not disclosed in the announcement made by both companies on Monday. The deal gives BSkyB, which is facing tougher competitive threats, additional fare with which to lure new customers and enables Disney to deliver on its aim of distributing more of its TV shows and movies onto new media platforms. As part of the arrangement, the existing Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney will be made available to more subscribers to the Sky satellite service on a slate of basic channels instead of the premium package in which they are sold now. At the same time, Disney Cinemagic is being launched as a new premium channel showing such films as "Lady and the Tramp" and "The Incredibles", while ESPN Classic, showing old Wimbledon and Rugby World Cup matches, will be available on basic packages. It is Disney's largest television distribution deal outside the United States. Based in Burbank, California, Disney is the world's second largest media conglomerate behind Time Warner Inc. ESPN Classic launches on March 13 as part of Sky's news and events mix, and Disney Cinemagic on March 16. The agreement also includes high-definition formats of some Disney programming and allows Sky to distribute Disney films over its fledgling high-speed Internet service. "The strategic utilization of new technologies to meet consumer needs is of paramount importance to the growth of the Disney Media Networks Group," said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of the group. BSkyB is Britain's top pay-TV service with more than 8 million subscribers. Freeview, the digital service with no subscription fee, and merging cable operators NTL Inc. and Telewest have become more formidable challengers in recent years. |
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Disney
to offer internships to students
The Disney College Program will be at Indiana State on Tuesday inviting students to apply for internships. All majors and class levels are invited to attend presentations at the Career Center at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Melissa Ramsey, a senior recreation and sports management major and campus representative for the program, said the program prepares students in three areas: living, learning and earning. Ramsey said students who attend will listen to a presentation about the program, talk about the benefits of the internship and have an opportunity to sign up for interviews. While the interviews are phone interviews, Ramsey said students must be present at one of the two presentations to sign up for an interview. Ramsey participated in the spring advantage program, which lasted from January to August 2005. Ramsey said that the internship is paid. "They do take out rent from your paycheck," Ramsey said. "Basically, all you pay for is the food, or if you want to go out and have fun." She said the program provides students with fully-furnished, one-to-four bedroom apartments. Transportation is also provided. "The living provided by Disney is really good because it's a great opportunity to live with people different from yourself," Ramsey said. Jennifer Lingenfelser, a sophomore nursing major and campus representative for the Disney College Program, said, "It's a good way to help you with learning how to live on your own, and it's a good transition. Not like college where you have cafeteria food you have to take responsibility of yourself." Lingenfelser worked in the Cosmic Rays Starlight Ca in Tomorrow Land for five months. Another important part of the internship is the learning component. "Disney prides itself in the area of learning," Ramsey said. Disney provides seven accredited courses, five of which will transfer to ISU for credit, Ramsey said. "You can go down there and take those courses. It doesn't cost you much," she said. "My class took me $15 to take." For the credit to transfer to ISU, Ramsey said that a student would have to register at ISU. Lingenfelser said she decided to get involved in the program because she didn't have a major and was unsure of what she wanted to do with her life. Through the program, she said that she saw how important it was for her to finish a degree and decided to become a nursing major. Lingenfelser said the internship taught her patience and how to look at the world from the perspective of other cultures. "One of the largest benefits is that I got to work with a lot of different diversities, and Disney is one of the most diverse corporations," Lingenfelser said. The program allows students to network from the managerial level all the way up to the executive level. "All you have to do is go and put your hand out there and talk to them (the executives of Disney), Ramsey said. They definitely give you the opportunity; you just have to go and do it." During her internship, Ramsey said she worked in a Polynesian resort, where she worked in merchandise. Ramsey said that there are several different areas one can choose to work in, including hospitality, recreation, food and beverage. Ramsey said the internship taught her how to network better. "I think it's hard to approach people, but the way they set it up, it helped me gain confidence in myself," Ramsey said. "I could move across the country, I can be on my own and independent. That's an important lesson." "I thought it was a great opportunity, Ramsey said. It's a Fortune 500 company." "Everyone knows about Disney. Having it on your resume makes you 100 percent more marketable. To have that on your resume will help you get where you want to go." Ramsey said she greatly valued her experience with the program, and this coming week she said she will be applying for a management internship. "You can earn credit and work at one the most magical places on earth, and have fun in the process." Ramsey said. |
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Disney
Princess Sing Along Songs, Vol. 3 - Perfectly Princess
Aimed squarely at "little princesses" everywhere who like to sing, Disney offers up this third volume in its Disney Princess Sing Along Songs series. When compared to the two previous installments, Once Upon A Dream (Vol. 1) and Enchanted Tea Party (Vol. 2), it's evident that the musical well is starting to run dry. Only four of the twelve tunes originate from a theatrical release, with the majority coming from direct-to-video sequels. The term "princess" is used rather loosely. I never considered Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" to be terribly regal, but I've now been corrected of that misguided notion. Quality aside, this collection holds together well and delivers on its premise to fulfill the desire of every princess-wanna-be "through the wondrous power of music, magic and make-believe!" |
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The DVD opens with "The Little
Mermaid's" cool crustacean Sebastian as he conducts a
brief introductory song filled with scenes from movies that
are not included in the tunes you are about to hear (I assume
this is the "theme song" for the series and is used
in each release). The song features the lyrics on the bottom
of the screen which initiate you to how this sing-a-long will
work. As each word is sung, it is highlighted. The narrative
holding this bunch of songs together entails opening a letter
from a princess that introduces each song, with "advice
on how to be the best princess you can be." At its
conclusion, the particular lesson that was meant to be
imparted in the songs is summarized, again in letter-format.
Even dubious virtues are handily explained ("Of course, a
princess would never say 'off with her head' like the Queen of
Hearts.") It was amusing to note that the term of
endearment used in the salutations seemed to be directly
proportional to the degree of excellence of the source
material. Thus, during one stretch as the quality of each
offering dipped, the letters concluded with "Love,"
then "Affectionately," then "Friends."
Each song is basically lifted directly from its video release, with colorful captions to aid singing along. If the song is at all speedy (like "It's What's Inside That Counts" or "A Little Thought") the large words fly by way too fast to be read, in my humble opinion. If I had a hard time trying to keep up with the quickly-disappearing words, keep in mind what that might do to your youngster. Utilizing double lines would have went a long way toward easing my feeling of reading inadequacy. Also potentially problematic is the duet "Out of Thin Air" and "Lesson Number One" which display overlapping lyrics on the top and bottom of the screen. It seems like a lot to digest and could lead to frustration. "Whistle While You Work" didn't seem like it would lend itself to a sing-a-long, since there are long stretches during the song where the characters, well, whistle while they work. They attempt to give words to every utterance, thus you get a lot of lyrics like "ahh, ahh, ahhhhhhhh." Still, the creative animation of this segment from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was so above and beyond what came before it that you don't really care about the song and just watch in wonder. A few princesses barely make an appearance in their songs ("All in the Golden Afternoon" and "The Work Song") with flowers and animals carrying the musical load. A curious song selection concludes the musical journey, "It's Not Just Make Believe" performed by Kari Kimmel from Miramax's live action fairy tale Ella Enchanted. The punky, girl rock song contrasts sharply from the tamer material preceding it, yet it cleverly works as a fitting finale, with its lyrics referencing many of the princesses featured. There are no images from that movie; instead we are treated to a montage of dancing animated princesses culled from the spotlighted films. Although many of the tunes may be unfamiliar, they are well-produced, and the collection as a whole is entertaining. The packaging contains many advertisements for other Disney releases and an invitation to subscribe to the "Disney Princess Magazine." The back of the box only lists seven of the included songs, which seems like an unnecessary exclusion. Bonus Features Karaoke - This option allows you to play all the songs (excluding the finale "It's Not Just Make Believe") back-to-back or individually with vocals removed. Be your own star of the song! The visuals and word crawl are preserved. Random Play - As the title would suggest, this plays the songs (including Sebastian's introductory song) in any ol' order it feels like. Utilizing this option skips the narrative thread that precedes each tune. Princess Pen Pals - This "game" invites you to write a letter to a Disney Princess of your choice, either Ariel, Belle, or Cinderella. Then you make four additional choices regarding the content of the letter. For example, you might compliment her on her appearance or on an aspect of her personality, and ask her a question about her life. When you've made all your selections, you can preview the completed letter before magically sending it off to its recipient. After your chosen Princess has read your letter, she'll write a tailor-made reply and send it off to you! Pen Pal Printables DVD-ROM - After playing the above "game", a code is displayed on the screen which you can use to print out a copy of the customized letter your Princess has sent you, if you have access to a DVD-ROM drive. From there, you can also print out blank Princess stationery featuring these three princesses to write your own magical letters! Sneak Peaks - Disney Princess Fairy Tales, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin, Little Einsteins: Team Up for Adventure, Lady and the Tramp (50th Anniversary Edition), The Little Mermaid Platinum Edition, Disney Princess DVD previews: Disney Princess Sing Along Songs, Vol. 2 - Enchanted Tea Party and Disney Princess Stories, Vol. 3 - Beauty Shines From Within, Disney Channel's "JoJo's Circus" |
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Sunday February 26, 2006 |
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Barron's on Saturday said it's possible that
Apple could make a bid to buyout Disney after CEO Steve Jobs
becomes the legendary entertainment firm's largest
shareholder.
Jobs, who is the CEO of computer animation business Pixar as well as Apple, will own 7% of Disney after that firm's agreement to acquire the maker of movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. "I think he has an open option," Barron's quoted analyst Christopher Whalen, a New York-based managing director of Institutional Risk Analytics. "Disney is badly undervalued right now. Jobs might get an opportunity to take it out." Whalen argues that Jobs' unique familiarity with both the content and technolgy sides of Hollywood make the case for a bid more compelling. "The markets and Disney shareholders would welcome a merger led by their apparent savior, Steve Jobs," Whalen concluded. |
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Wayne Culver has been a fixture of Disney's
clean team since the Magic Kingdom opened.
True story, insisted Wayne Culver: The day
before the brand-new Haunted Mansion opened at Walt Disney
World in 1971, the first custodial crew cleaned out all the
cobwebs.
"The Imagineers had to go back in and reapply all the cobwebs," recalled Culver, one of Disney World's original custodial managers, who just retired after 39 years in Orlando and Anaheim, Calif. |
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In 1971, at age 21, he was one of two
custodians brought east to train Florida custodians in the
Disney ways. Since then Culver has mostly been in or
helped manage Disney's armies of workers -- the ones who
sweep up cigarette butts, ascend scaffolding to wax
monorails and rappel down Spaceship Earth to wash the
18-story-tall dome.
Notwithstanding the mistake of the first Haunted Mansion crew, Culver said he leaves convinced that Disney World custodians upheld the squeaky-clean image set by company founder Walt Disney. In recent years critics have charged otherwise, including Walt's nephew, former Disney board member Roy E. Disney, who complained two years ago about maintenance standards slipping. Culver strongly disagreed, saying standards have gotten more stringent, adding that if people look for blemishes, they'll find them, but they're "clearly the exception, rather than the rule." These days, though, Disney custodians may be a little harder to find. In recent years the company increasingly hired outside cleaning contractors, particularly for hotels. "Part of it is due to the fact that with this very, very tight labor market it always has been and remains difficult to attract and retain enough workers," Culver said. In one effort to address that, Culver recently helped develop new shifts for overnight cleaning crews who do most of the deep cleaning. He also created overnight training programs for third-shift custodial managers, bringing in top executives such as Lee Cockerell, Disney World's executive vice president for operations, to lecture at 2 a.m. "It's the only time I had to set my clock to get up," said Cockerell, famous for his dedication to time management. It was also, Cockerell said, a wake-up call in another way, and he credited Culver. "We don't get up very often at 1 o'clock in the morning to meet with them," Cockerell said. "It was: Why haven't we? It's now something we do pay attention to." |
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Pinoy
performers shine at HK Disneyland
The opening of Disneyland Hong Kong last September was welcomed by tourists from around Asia with great anticipation-and with good reason. Despite its US$3.6-billion tag price, Disney's Magic Kingdom on Lantau Island is the smallest among five Disneylands in the world. But, it has an ace on its happy sleeve that the company's theme parks in the US, France and Japan can hardly boast of: Pinoy performers. On our recent trip to Hong Kong, we made it a point to visit Disneyland to see how our colleagues from the local theater industry were doing. Aside from magnificent castles (like the Lantern Castle) and ubiquitous sightings of Disney characters like Snow White, Goofy and the Wicked Witch, the park was bustling with Filipino performers-actors, singers, dancers and musicians, who made a beeline for the cattle call early last year-and we were delighted to see them doing so well. After a theater conference at the Fringe Club, we hopped on the Disney line of the MTR (the island's version of our MRT), and rushed to Disneyland. We headed straight to the Storybook Theater, a state-of-the-art performance venue in the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, where performances of "The Golden Mickeys"-a 30-minute song-and-dance revue that features a potpourri of Disney's classics in an Oscar-like awards show-are staged all day long. We had to join a long queue for half an hour before the gates opened to make sure we'd make it inside the theater. To say the least, the show was worth the long wait. We weren't just dazzled by its pomp and spectacle, we were likewise bursting with pride when we saw familiar faces onstage! Pheona Baranda, playing the affable emcee, held the show together, from her feisty opening spiel to the rollicking finale-although we were quite baffled by Disney's decision to have her speak only in Cantonese from beginning to end! Baranda wasn't the only Pinoy performer who wowed the huge, rambunctious crowd. Rabbi Gannaban, who played Commander Shang, the Chinese warrior in the "Mulan" segment, cut a dashing, imposing figure onstage. Noel Rayos played Quasimodo, the tragic protagonist from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." (Ampy Sietereales and Sheila Valderrama, who weren't onstage that day, also play important roles in the revue.) There were set pieces and special effects that we've seen only on the West End's staging of "The Lion King" in London. Some of the show's breathtaking visual moments: As Ariel ("The Little Mermaid") gracefully descended from a harness and "floated" amidst a sea of colorful creatures, bubbles started to fill the whole venue, enabling the audience to join in the illusion of being under the sea! Naturally, the familiar characters and their respective songs were a hit with the Disney-weaned crowd. But, the best tune sung that afternoon was, ironically, not even a familiar one, sung by the musical's best singer: Tex Ordonez. (She was also a sight to behold in the "Lilo and Stitch" portion.) We were beaming with pride when we met Tex, Rabbi and Pheona after the show. Despite our hectic schedule, the "conniving" trio wouldn't allow us to leave the park without trying out its best rides, including the nightmarish Space Mountain (imagine taking a rollercoaster ride in space-jeepers!). But, seeing them was the best treat for us. Rabbi, a resident director of New Voice, directed "The Blue Room" last year. Like Gannaban, Baranda honed her thespic chops at NVC. We directed her in "The Vagina Monologues" and "Cabaret." Ordonez, on the other hand, was discovered when she was plucked from the chorus of Nestor Torre and Nonoy Gallardo's "Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal?," to take over the role of Jose Rizal's mom, Dona Teodora Alonzo, from theater veteran Joy Virata when the production had to tour around the country. We are particularly close to Tex because we toured Torre and Ryan Cayabyab's long-running "Magnificat," where she alternated with Pinky Marquez for the role of the Virgin Mary. (She even learned to speak Visayan when the popular musical's Cebuano version opened in Davao in 1999!) She later won acclaim for her scene-stealing performances in Bing Pimentel's "Nasaan si Hesus?," Atlantis' "Dreamgirls" and Ballet Philippines' "Darna." Tex, Rabbi and Pheona are just three of the many Pinoy faces in Disney's Magic Kingdom at the former British colony. Indeed, the Happiest Place on Earth has conquered Hong Kong. But, not without the help of some of the hippest, happiest-and best-performers this side of the globe! |
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Fred
Thompson joins ABC Radio News
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., who also appeared in several films and TV shows, was hired Saturday by ABC News Radio. Thompson -- probably best known to TV viewers for his role on NBC's "Law & Order" -- will assume the position of special program host and senior analyst out of Washington starting this spring, ABC News Radio announced in a news release. In addition to anchoring ABC News Radio specials and programs, Thompson will serve as a fill-in for Paul Harvey when the veteran commentator is on vacation. Thompson was the minority counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities -- popularly known as the Watergate Committee" -- from 1973-1974, and was elected to the Senate in 1994, where he served until 2003. Among his film credits are "The Hunt for Red October," "Cape Fear" and "In the Line of Fire." |
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Disneyland,
here we come
This spring, members of the Westborough High School's Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will join together to perform in a totally new environment for a very different audience. From March 23-27, the bands will travel to sunny California to perform at Disneyland. Every year, Disneyland holds the "Disney Magic Music Days" to provide an opportunity for schools to perform in a more professional setting. The band members will be treated professionally, like any other performer, not just as high school students. Likewise the performance will be treated like a real professional performance. To be admitted into the "Disney Magic Music Days" there was a selection process where audio and video recordings had to be sent in. Different performing groups including dance, vocal, and of course, instrumental are chosen from all over the country to perform at Disneyland. The students will perform on an outdoor stage at Disney California Adventure Park as well as in Disneyland. The audience will be tourists vacationing there. Though the performances are the main goal of the trip, the bands will also do other things. The itinerary includes walking down the Third Street Promenade, visiting the Getty Museum, a city tour of Los Angeles, a visit to Universal Studios and maybe even a trip to the beach. Mr. Lefebvre, the band teacher at the high school, is leading the trip. He explained his reason for choosing California as the destination. "I really wanted to do the 'Disney Magic Days,' and I thought I could fit in more educational activities like the Getty Museum here. I also wanted to go someplace more unique where more students would most likely have not gone to, as opposed to Disney World in Florida." In order to make this trip possible, different fund-raisers are underway. The amount of money each student raises goes to his or her personal account instead of to the whole band. So how much money they raise will be deducted from the amount they have to pay. There have been two main fund-raisers held so far: a fruit sale and magazine drive. Out of the 140 students in the bands, 86 are attending the trip. Mr. Lefebvre says he looks forward most to "going away with the students. No matter where you go it is a memorable and team-building experience." All the students can't wait to go on this trip. Taylor Eagan, a freshman who plays bassoon in the band, says, "I mostly look forward to playing at Disneyland and going to the beach with my friends from both bands." Kate Liedell, a freshman who plays the flute in the bands stated, "Going to California is a great opportunity for the band to perform in a professional atmosphere." All in all, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation for the California trip, both for the musical experience and the fun. |
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How
UPS, Starbucks, Disney Do Good
What's a socially responsible company? It is a company that serves. It serves its customers by selling something of value, its workers by providing good jobs, its owners by generating profits and all of us by making the world a better place. Any list of America's most socially responsible companies is, inevitably, subjective. Even if we could agree on how business can best repair the world -- by curing disease, alleviating poverty or curbing global warming -- there's no way to quantify goodness or compare companies in industries that have little in common. FORTUNE's America's Most Admired list identifies big U.S. companies that are admired by their peers for social responsibility. Here's a look at some of them, and the practices that have earned them acclaim: UPS. Tops on our Most Admired list of top ten socially responsible firms for the third consecutive year, Big Brown does good for its workers, the environment and, not least, the global economy -- by delivering 14.8 million packages a day to more than 200 countries. It's no exaggeration to say that if UPS were to shut down, much of global commerce would grind to a halt. The $42.6-billion-a-year Atlanta-based company is a leader in sustainability and philanthropy. It strives to increase the fuel efficiency and decrease the emissions of its massive fleet, in part by deploying about 1,500 alternative fuel vehicles that are powered by electricity, natural gas, propane and hydrogen. Meanwhile, UPS's corporate foundation gave away about $43 million last year, focusing on hunger, literacy and voluntarism. What's most impressive about UPS, though, is its commitment to its people. It hires lots of immigrants and poor people and offers them a chance to pursue the American dream. Many UPSers, as they are known, join the company after high school or college, drive a package car or work in an office and stick around for 30 or 40 years, until they retire. They do so because the company provides good pay, health-care benefits, tuition assistance, a stock purchase plan, a chance to advance and a shared sense of purpose. Moving all those packages around is no easy task. Words like teamwork and loyalty and community still mean a lot at UPS. Publix Super Markets. The values of this supermarket chain, which operates more than 800 stories in five southeastern states, were shaped by its founder, George W. Jenkins, who began with a single store in Winter Haven, Fla., in 1930. Jenkins, known as "Mr. George" until his death in 1996, believed in customer service, charitable giving and sharing the wealth of his business with his workers, known as associates. With more than $19 billion in revenues last year, Publix is one of the largest and fastest-growing employee-owned businesses in the nation. "This is a company where cashiers can retire as millionaires," says spokeswoman Maria Brous. The company gives generously to local nonprofits, and organizes its associates and customers to donate to national charities such as the Special Olympics. Starbucks. A pioneer in the area of corporate responsibility, Starbucks broke the mold in the fast-food industry by offering health-care benefits and stock (called "bean stock") even to part-time workers. It is now forging partnerships with coffee growers around the world that are designed to give growers a fair price for their beans -- often higher than the so-called Fair Trade price -- and to promote sound environmental practices. Starbucks also seeks to become more "green" at the retail level by, for instance, offering a 10-cent discount to customers who bring their own cups. "They are innovative, distinctive, commendable and unfortunately not copied by many other companies," says David Vogel, who teaches at Berkeley's Haas School of Business and is the author of The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility. Seattle-based Starbucks generated $6.4 billion in revenues last year. Walt Disney. The $32-billion-a-year entertainment giant has long promoted charitable giving and voluntarism, and it monitors factories in the global south to try to make sure that workers who produce Disney-branded goods get decent treatment. But Disney's most important social contribution may be its commitment to quality entertainment. Particularly when deploying the Disney brand, but also on its ABC-TV network, its owned TV stations and its cable networks like ESPN, Disney has almost always resisted the temptation to lure audiences with sleazy, trashy or overtly sexist programming (setting aside Wife Swap, which isn't as tasteless as it sounds). Herman Miller. Based in Zeeland, a small town in conservative western Michigan, this manufacturer of stylish furniture -- most famously, the Aeron chair -- has a tradition of social and environmental responsibility that dates back to the 1920s. Legend has it that founder D.J. DePree was staring out a window when he spotted his future wife; he subsequently decided that everyone who works at Herman Miller should be able to see a window. To this day, the company wins prizes for its environmental design of buildings and products. (Its newest chairs can be disassembled and recycled.) Herman Miller has also shared power and profits with its workers for more than 50 years. It generated $1.5 billion in sales in its last fiscal year. Many more big companies that didn't make the cut among survey respondents deserve recognition for socially responsible practices: Nike and Gap for their efforts to improve working conditions at factories in poor countries; Dell and Hewlett-Packard for their environmentally sensitive design of computers and printers, and for their recycling initiatives; and Intel, for being a thought leader in sustainability issues and its openness to stakeholders. Other companies cited by academics and consultants in the field include GE, IBM, 3M, Nokia, Swiss Reinsurance, STMicroelectronics, Colgate-Palmolive and Nokia. |
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Don
Knotts, TV's Lovable Nerd, Dies at 81
Don Knotts, the skinny, lovable nerd who kept generations of television audiences laughing as bumbling Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show," has died. He was 81. Knotts died Friday night of pulmonary and respiratory complications at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, said Paul Ward, a spokesman for the cable network TV Land, which airs "The Andy Griffith Show," and another Knotts hit, "Three's Company." Unspecified health problems had forced him to cancel an appearance in his native Morgantown in August 2005. The West Virginia-born actor's half-century career included seven TV series and more than 25 films, but it was the Griffith show that brought him TV immortality and five Emmies. The show ran from 1960-68, and was in the top 10 of the Nielsen ratings each season, including a No. 1 ranking its final year. It is one of only three series in TV history to bow out at the top: The others are "I Love Lucy" and "Seinfeld." The 249 episodes have appeared frequently in reruns and have spawned a large, active network of fan clubs. As the bug-eyed deputy to Griffith, Knotts carried in his shirt pocket the one bullet he was allowed after shooting himself in the foot. The constant fumbling, a recurring sight gag, was typical of his self-deprecating humor. Knotts, whose shy, soft-spoken manner was unlike his high-strung characters, once said he was most proud of the Fife character and doesn't mind being remembered that way. His favorite episodes, he said, were "The Pickle Story," where Aunt Bea makes pickles no one can eat, and "Barney and the Choir," where no one can stop him from singing. "I can't sing. It makes me sad that I can't sing or dance well enough to be in a musical, but I'm just not talented in that way," he lamented. "It's one of my weaknesses." Knotts appeared on six other television shows. In 1979, Knotts replaced Norman Fell on "Three's Company," playing the would-be swinger landlord to John Ritter, Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt. Early in his TV career, he was one of the original cast members of "The Steve Allen Show," the comedy-variety show that ran from 1956-61. He was one of a group of memorable comics backing Allen that included Louis Nye, Tom Poston and Bill "Jose Jimenez" Dana. Knotts' G-rated films were family fun, not box-office blockbusters. In most, he ends up the hero and gets the girl — a girl who can see through his nervousness to the heart of gold. In the part-animated 1964 film "The Incredible Mr. Limpet," Knotts played a meek clerk who turns into a fish after he is rejected by the Navy. When it was announced in 1998 that Jim Carrey would star in a "Limpet" remake, Knotts responded: "I'm just flattered that someone of Carrey's caliber is remaking something I did. Now, if someone else did Barney Fife, THAT would be different." In the 1967 film "The Reluctant Astronaut," co-starring Leslie Nielsen, Knotts' father enrolls his wimpy son — operator of a Kiddieland rocket ride — in NASA's space program. Knotts poses as a famous astronaut to the joy of his parents and hometown but is eventually exposed for what he really is, a janitor so terrified of heights he refuses to ride an airplane. In the 1969 film "The Love God?," he was a geeky bird-watcher who is duped into becoming publisher of a naughty men's magazine and then becomes a national sex symbol. Eventually, he comes to his senses, leaves the big city and marries the sweet girl next door. He was among an army of comedians from Buster Keaton to Jonathan Winters to liven up the 1963 megacomedy "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Other films include "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" (1966); "The Shakiest Gun in the West," (1968); and a few Disney films such as "The Apple Dumpling Gang," (1974); "Gus," (1976); and "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo," (1977). In 1998, he had a key role in the back-to-the-past movie "Pleasantville," playing a folksy television repairman whose supercharged remote control sends a teen boy and his sister into a TV sitcom past. Knotts began his show biz career even before he graduated from high school, performing as a ventriloquist at local clubs and churches. He majored in speech at West Virginia University, then took off for the big city. "I went to New York cold. On a $100 bill. Bummed a ride," he recalled in a visit to his hometown of Morgantown, where city officials renamed a street for him in 1998. Within six months, Knotts had taken a job on a radio Western called "Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders," playing a wisecracking, know-it-all handyman. He stayed with it for five years, then came his series TV debut on "The Steve Allen Show." He married Kay Metz in 1948, the year he graduated from college. The couple had two children before divorcing in 1969. Knotts later married, then divorced Lara Lee Szuchna. In recent years, he said he had no plans to retire, traveling with theater productions and appearing in print and TV ads for Kodiak pressure treated wood. The world laughed at Knotts, but it also laughed with him. He treasured his comedic roles and could point to only one role that wasn't funny, a brief stint on the daytime drama "Search for Tomorrow." "That's the only serious thing I've done. I don't miss that," Knotts said. |
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