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 November 9 - 15, 2008 |
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Saturday November 15, 2008 |
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Disney's
latest dog picture a fetching romp Disney Bows Unprecedented Artists Franchise at Bloc28 Disney's magic is frozen in time Disney characters needed Disney to release nine educational titles |
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Disney's
latest dog picture a fetching romp Reuters - Those Beverly Hills Chihuahuas might have run their course, but a Hollywood White Shepherd efficiently marks his territory in "Bolt," an animated adventure about a canine action hero who's inadvertently shipped from his studio to the East Coast. Although it will never be mistaken for Pixar pedigree when it reaches theaters next Friday, this genial production is a notable step up for Walt Disney Animation Studios and the first to fall under the creative guidance of Pixar's John Lasseter. With easy-on-the-ears voice work from John Travolta and Miley Cyrus and easy-on-the-eyes digital 3-D (it's Disney's first animated effort to be conceived and designed from the outset with the format in mind), the film should handily tickle its target audience, especially at the select venues equipped to hand out those 3-D glasses. Setting the dimensional stage with an extended action sequence that shows off the fresh technology, the story-within-the-story kicks in revealing TV superdog Bolt (Travolta) to be unaware that his villain-chasing studio environment is really all make-believe. When he's accidentally shipped to New York, Bolt embarks on a cross-country quest, convinced that his person, Penny (Cyrus), remains in the clutches of evil back on that Hollywood soundstage. Although his superpowers would appear to be on the fritz, he receives assistance from his two traveling companions: Mittens ("Curb Your Enthusiasm's" Susie Essman), a world-weary street cat, and Rhino (Mark Walton), a starstruck, plastic ball-encased hamster. Serving as the feature debut for both co-directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard, the longtime Disney Animation employees keep things moving along at a pleasant visual clip. It still would have been nice to see the script, credited to Williams and Dan Fogelman ("Cars"), have more of a comedic punch, with fuller character quirks and complexities to go along with the enhanced visual dimension. The generic story line also follows an all-too-traveled path, sharing plot points with Disney's recent "101 Dalmatians" direct-to-DVD sequel. But there's a terrific tenderness in Travolta's performance, while Cyrus and company (also including Malcolm McDowell as the diabolical Dr. Calico and James "Inside the Actors Studio" Lipton stretching -- or maybe not -- as a pompous director) are similarly effective. And because they had him in the recording studio, anyway, the producers coaxed Travolta into singing an end-credits duet with Cyrus, the sweetly innocuous "I Thought I Lost You." |
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Disney Bows Unprecedented Artists Franchise at Bloc28 Hollywood
Today Newsmagazine - For the past 85 years, The Walt Disney
Company has successfully sprinkled its fairy dust over just
about every consumer market, and now, the multi-billion dollar
corporation can add contemporary art to its portfolio. On
Wednesday, November 12th, Disney launched its Series 2 of
BLOC28, in collaboration with contemporary artists, using Mickey
Mouse as their muse.Hosted at the Continental Gallery in downtown Los Angeles, the launch showcased the original artwork (Phase1), all of which were created using traditional paint-on-canvas for their medium. The pieces have since been translated into consumer goods: hats, clothing, jewelry, guitars and much more-marking Series 2 of the project. The launch party crowd was a mishmash of black-clad gallery glitterati, downtown art scene hipsters, and even a few celebs. The daughters of music maestro Quincy Jones, actress Rashida (formerly of “The Office”) and her sister Kadada, whose own Disney Couture jewelry collection launched last year, leant their support and star power. Rounding out the gallery space were the artists themselves, a motley bunch probably more at home on the street than at a launch party-guys with monikers like Ewok, Tenga, and Aroe, all versed in graffiti, tagging, and street murals. However unlikely the marriage between a huge corporation with an unlimited budget and a handful of indie street artists with grassroots followings, the resulting images are pretty spectacular. The most iconic mouse of our generation is reinvented a dozen times over on canvas, from a Mickey with nightmarish fangs to another with the little mouse as a monumental cubist Buddha. Their creative juices flowed out beyond the frames of paintings, as Phase 2 introduced everything from a mouse ear-ed bicycle to a multi-hued electric guitar. Overall, the BLOC28 is pure marketing genius. Surely the corporate heads must be pleased to know the merchandise is selling well, and those street artists can’t complain about loads of exposure for their work-that’s Disney magic for you! |
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Disney's magic is
frozen in time Salt Lake Tribune - The Disney princesses and princes skated on to the EnergySolutions Arena ice a pair at a time. There was Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" followed by Cinderella. Ariel, the Little Mermaid, came next. Then skated Jasmine from "Aladdin," Pocahontas and, finally, Snow White. My 4-year-old granddaughter Violetta watched all this, her eyes getting larger and larger. Finally, as all the princesses and princes gathered on the ice rink that is the Disney on Ice stage, Violetta exclaimed: "Wow!" As I looked around the arena, hundreds of other little girls just like Violetta, many dressed in princess outfits of their own, seemed to have the same reaction. In fact, if a show like this on Wednesday that is making its annual stop in Utah through Sunday can keep the rapt attention of dozens of kids who hardly moved for its 90-minute performance, what parent or grandparent can gripe about high-priced souvenirs or a slightly muddled sound system? Simply stated, this show, called "Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic," is just as billed, a night of Disney magic. What is amazing is how the Disney songs and characters going back 100 years to Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck have seeped into our minds. We might not have heard the song from Pinocchio for years but somehow remember most of the words and the tune. Same with all the songs, from the theme from the Small World ride at Disneyland to songs from "The Lion King," "Aladdin," "The Mickey Mouse Club" or just about any tune played over the sound system Wednesday night. In addition to the music, the audience enjoyed some fantastic ice skating, colorful costumes and special effects that included bubbles to create an underwater look for "Finding Nemo," snowflakes for "Mulan" and plenty of fireworks and pyrotechnics throughout, especially during the finale when all the characters and the large cast of probably 40 skaters filled the rink. Picture whales, sharks, warthogs and dragons on ice. Add a Disneyland-like electric light parade where Mickey Mouse rode a balloon across the arena and an aerial appearance by Tinkerbell to begin the second half of the show, along with characters from more modern movies such as "Toy Story" and "The Incredibles," and it was like watching Disney's greatest hits. The amazing thing to me was that Violetta seemed to know each of the stories if not all the characters herself, an amazing testimony to Disney's staying power and the timelessness of these tales. So, if you can afford the tickets in this down economy and know a little girl who pictures herself as a princess, this is the show to see this year. Chances are she'll be enchanted and her brothers might find something fun, too. |
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Disney
characters needed Port Clinton News Herald - The Bellevue Society for the Arts Children's Theater is looking for a few good characters -- Disney characters that is. Some of Disney's most loved characters will hit the stage in the 2009 Children's Theater productions of 101 Dalmations and Jungle Book. Two one-act musicals were chosen this year to offer more leading roles to the students. Auditions will be held at The Bellevue Society for the Arts 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 205 Maple St., Bellevue. Call backs will be Dec. 10 with rehearsals beginning Jan. 5. Show dates are March 5, 6, 7 and 8. Audition packets can be picked up 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays beginning Nov. 24 at the BSA Office or the Bellevue Library; or can be accessed after Nov. 24 on the BSA web site www.bellevuearts.net. Children's parts needed for these two productions include: Jungle Book -- Mowgli, the man cub; Bagheera, the panther; Baloo, the bear; Kaa, the snake (played by six actors); Shere Khan, the tiger; Colonel Hathi, leader of the elephants; Elephant Troops; Baby Elephant; King Louis, King of the monkeys; Old Monkey; Monkeys; Jungle Chorus; Sun; Moon; Wolves; Rocks; Flowers; Plants; Bushes; Trees; Bees; Prickly Pears; Vultures, etc.; Coconut Tree/Shanti; Voices of Shanti's Family. 101 Dalmations -- Cruella de Vil; Roger, a songwriter; Anita, his wife; Horace, Cruella's henchman; Jasper, Cruella's henchman; Canine Narrators; Pongo, the puppies father; Perdita, the puppies mother; Sergeant Tibbs, a cat; London Dogs (Scotties, Chihuahuas, French Poodles, others); Dalmatian Puppies; Nanny; Police Officer; Dogcatcher; Other Dalmatian pups. Additional parts may be cast depending on number of children auditioning. For information, call 419-484-ARTS (ext. 2787) and reference Children's Theater. |
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Disney to
release nine educational titles Video Business - Disney Educational Productions, a studio division started by Walt Disney himself more than 60 years ago, is reinvigorating its curriculum with nine new DVDs designed to be used by both classroom teachers and home schoolers. The DVDs, available this fall, cover a variety of topics, including social studies, current events, science and language arts. To develop engaging science content for its DVD series, the company created a joint venture with Walt Disney Imagineering, the group that designs the Disney theme park rides. Children learn about trajectory, levers, pulleys and gravity in The Science of Imagineering titles by seeing how those devices and forces work to fun effect on the theme park rides. Among the other titles included are Environmental Awareness With WALL-E, the feature film with bonus content that examines the effects of gravity on humans as well as a look at robots today, and Schoolhouse Rock: Election Edition, a compilation of the classic animated shorts pertaining directly to issues such as the Electoral College and women’s right to vote. A new Web site (www.disneyeducation.com), launched in conjunction with the releases, will provide families teaching at home with access to products, interactive teaching tools and community features. The site features a calendar that allows educators to coordinate the use of the DVDs with outside events. DEP programming is designed to support U.S. National Curriculum Standards. The next slate of titles will be available in the spring. All releases can be purchased online (www.disneyeducationalproductions.com) for $29.95 to $59.95 each. |
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Friday November 14, 2008 |
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Disney Cruise Line plans industry's first 3-D theaters Disney taps scribe for 'Pet Robots' Mickey's Sinking Yanni Brings 'Voices' To Disney Hands On: Disney's Pixie Hollow Clickables All 4 rounds of British Open to air live on ESPN Disney makes $125 million BCS bid ESPN: Ratings up for World Series of Poker finale |
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Disney Cruise Line plans industry's first 3-D theaters USA
Today - Leave it to Disney to revolutionize theater
entertainment at sea.
USA TODAY has learned the entertainment giant is about to unveil the cruise industry's first 3-D theaters, to debut next Friday on the Disney Wonder and Dec. 6 on the Disney Magic. Disney Digital 3-D, as the company is calling its proprietary technology, is being installed in two theaters on each of the 1,754-passenger vessels and will allow for the showing of the first 3-D movies at sea. But Disney has even grander plans for the technology. Starting in early 2009 the company will pull off another first with the debut of a once-per-cruise theatrical extravaganza that combines 3-D movie projection with in-theatre special effects. Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers and lighting effects to create an immersive experience. “With Disney Digital 3-D we can provide extraordinary cinematic experiences for our guests that no other cruise line can offer,” notes Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. The 3-D theaters will be used to offer passengers exclusive viewings of first-run Disney films the same week they roll out in theaters on land. Indeed, Disney is timing next week's launch of the 3-D technology on the Wonder to coincide with the debut of its much-awaited new 3-D animated Disney film Bolt (John Travolta; Miley Cyrus). The company plans a special midnight screening of Bolt on the Disney Wonder as the calendar turns from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21 -- the day the movie debuts in theaters on land. Characters from the movie will be in attendance. Disney's move comes during a period of unusual innovation in cruise industry entertainment. Just this week Celebrity Cruises is unveiling the first glass-blowing shows at sea on the new Celebrity Solstice. The ship will be christened later today in Fort Lauderdale. Over the past year Royal Caribbean also has announced several groundbreaking entertainment concepts for its soon-to-launch Oasis of the Seas, including an outdoor AquaTheater for live water shows (another industry first). The age-old tradition of watching movies at sea also has been revolutionized over the past few years by the arrival of huge outdoor movie screens on the top decks of ships. Just last week Princess Cruises, which pioneered the concept in 2004, announced it would add outdoor theaters to nearly all of its ships over the next three years due to strong demand. The Disney theaters getting the 3-D technology on the two Disney ships are the Buena Vista Theatres (the traditional movie theaters on the two ships) and the Walt Disney Theatres (which house staged musicals and other productions). Based in Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney's two ships sail three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. |
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Disney taps scribe for 'Pet Robots' Hollywood Reporter - Colin Trevorrow has been tapped to write the adaptation of the graphic novel "Pet Robots" for Disney. Benderspink's Chris Bender and JC Spink are producing. A high-tech comedy set in the present, "Pet Robots" revolves around futuristic robots that fall into the hands of the least likely group of people. The graphic novel was the brainchild of Scott Christian Sava, who founded an animation studio that worked on Saturday morning TV shows before segueing into publishing comics and children's books. Casey Wolfe is shepherding for Disney. Jake Weiner is overseeing for Benderspink. Trevorrow wrote "Tester," which sold to DreamWorks but is not yet set up Paramount. He also is writing "Stealing Time," which has Walt Becker attached, and is set up at Sony with Landscape Entertainment and Sparkler Entertainment producing. Trevorrow is repped by UTA and 3 Arts Entertainment. |
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Mickey's Sinking
Bloomberg News - Walt Disney Co. fell as much as 6.1 percent in New York trading after the world's biggest theme-park operator said fewer visitors are booking resort vacations in the slowing U.S. economy. Disney reported parks and resorts profit of $412 million, down from $430 million a year earlier. Reservations have ``fallen off considerably'' in the past month, Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger said on a conference call yesterday, after reporting a 13 percent decline in fiscal fourth-quarter net income. Disney is offering discounts and merchandise credits to spur attendance at the parks, where profit dropped 4.2 percent. Earnings also declined at Disney's television and film businesses. As U.S. consumers pull back spending, advertising cutbacks have led media-industry competitors News Corp., CBS Corp. and Viacom Inc. to lower their forecasts. ``There's little place to hide right now from the recessionary downturn,'' Janna Sampson, co-chief investment officer at Oakbrook Investments LLC in Lisle, Illinois, said in an interview. Disney's ``quarter was uglier than anyone anticipated.'' Disney fell $1.12, or 4.9 percent, to $21.69 at 9:32 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading after earlier declining to $21.41. Net income dropped to $760 million, or 40 cents a share, from $877 million, or 44 cents, a year earlier, the Burbank, California-based company reported. Sales increased 5.8 percent to $9.45 billion, exceeding the $9.33 billion average estimate. |
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Yanni Brings 'Voices' To
Disney Billboard - Yanni once titled an album "Dare to Dream," and he'll be doing exactly that in a wide-ranging new deal with Disney Music Group. On March 24, the company's new Disney Pearl imprint will release "Yanni Voices," the artist's first studio album in six years, and its Buena Vista Concerts division will produce an extensive tour beginning in April. Disney is also working closely with PBS, which will air the first of two Yanni specials Nov. 29. The program chronicles the creation of "Yanni Voices," which blends fresh interpretations of vintage Yanni tracks with newly written material. It also introduces the four new vocalists at the center of the project: Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills. On March 2, PBS will air a "Voices" concert from the Forum at Mundo Imperial in Acapulco, Mexico. Disney will devote formidable resources from throughout the company to promote "Voices," which Yanni conceived in partnership with producer Ric Wake. "There's such an opportunity to include the music in Disney motion pictures," says Buena Vista Concerts senior VP/GM Chip McLean, who worked closely with Disney Music Group chairman Bob Cavallo on the worldwide 360 partnership. "Some of these songs sound like they could be classics and work in any number of Disney films we're all familiar with." According to McLean, the album "creates the same sense of wonder in adults that we think Disney generally is perceived as doing with kids. We've long been thinking of ways to try to expand Disney's reach on the music side and not just go for the newest Disney fans." It was thus the perfect inaugural project for Disney Pearl, which is targeting an older demographic. For now, the imprint is being staffed by a "dream team" from throughout Disney Music Group. McLean is particularly excited about Yanni's four new singers, who bring vocals to the forefront of his music for the first time in his career. Thomas is a Venezuelan TV personality, while Chloe is a Florida native who had a record deal at age 11. Mills has impressed McLean with her "poetic lyrics," and Pacheco is comfortable singing in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and English. Eventually the singers could release their own albums, record in pairs or pursue film or TV roles. But McLean says that Disney will let Yanni and Wake guide the quartet. "We're standing beside them and trying to help leverage our infrastructure and talent," he says. "We want to let Yanni and Ric do exactly what they've been doing." For the first decade of his career, Yanni recorded for Private Music, becoming one of the biggest names in new age music despite widespread critical drubbing. His best-selling album, "Live at the Acropolis," has sold 3.6 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. And though his sales have waned since that set came out in 1994 -- his last studio album, the 2003 Virgin release "Ethnicity," has sold 324,000 -- he remains a top touring act internationally. His last two treks, the 2003-04 Ethnicity tour and the 2004-05 outing Yanni Live, grossed nearly $49 million, according to Billboard Boxscore. McLean says that even music fans who have ignored Yanni may think twice after hearing "Voices." "This is different than any other project Bob or I have ever seen before," he says. "It led us to marvel at just what it is. It was like, 'This is Yanni?' This is amazing. |
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Hands On:
Disney's Pixie Hollow Clickables Gearlog
- If your daughter is one of the many girls obsessed with Pixie
Hollow, then this year's gift list will probably feature Techno
Source and Disney Consumer Products' new Clickables Fairy
Collection featuring Disney Fairies. Pixie Hollow is Disney's
newest virtual world, and over 7.5 million Disney Fairies
avatars have already been created. Girls can escape into Tinker
Bell's world to help bring about the change of seasons by
meeting friends, playing games, and collecting items in nature.
You don't have to buy any of the Clickables toys to join the online world. The toys simply give your child another way to incorporate fun on the computer with fun with friends in real life. Pixie Hollow is free to play, but to take full advantage of all the site offers, you have to buy a membership package: The monthly rate is $5.95, semi-annual is $29.95, and annual is $57.95. Whether or not your daughter has a membership, the Clickables Fairy Collection lets her unlock special content for use in the Pixie Hollow virtual world. Each Clickables toy comes with a charm--some with more than one--which girls use to unlock secret gifts. And each Clickables device, such as the jewelery box, handheld game, and friendship bracelet (all pictured above), has a Y-shaped sensor. When the sensor is touched by the matching sensor on a charm or friendship bracelet, information is able to be transferred and stored. Each charm unlocks special clothing, accessories, or decor for your online Pixie Hollow avatar. The charms can be shared with an infinite number of friends, so you can get a new barrette from one friend and a new skirt from another. The Clickables Fairy Friendship Bracelet ($24.95) lets your daughter become friends with whoever she touches her bracelet to. When she plugs the bracelet into the computer with the provided USB cable, she can then accept her new friends and items; when she logs into Pixie Hollow, her new friends and items will be there for her to play with. One advantage of the Clickables toys is that you know your daughter is playing with people she actually knows, rather than random strangers. Disney takes thorough measures to keep the site safe, but it's hard to tell who's who on the Web. The Clickables Fairy Charms Starter Set ($39.95), which includes a jewelry box and charm necklace with three charms, makes it easy to add charms to a fairy. When I tried using the jewelery box, though, I encountered some problems: It didn't do what the instructions said it was supposed to. I tried changing the batteries, but still, nothing happened. The instructions that came with the jewelery box tell you to press the activation button and that the jewelery box will light up. This just wasn't happening for me. What it doesn't say is that you have to hold the button down for an undetermined time before the box lights up and makes a sound. Then, you're told to touch the back of the charm of the Clickable sensor to the top of your jewelry box. Again, what it doesn't say is that you have to hold the charm in place until the lights flash, which sometimes takes a few seconds, but can also takes much longer. Then I accidentally dropped the box from about 3 feet up, and what do you know? It worked. So, after trying the box with two sets of new batteries and then calling someone to help me, all it took was to knock it off my desk (this is not actually recommended!). The box is also difficult to open. As for the Clickables Fairy Game, the electronic handheld LCD game ($19.95), has five different games to choose from. The player scores points, which turn into Tink Points online. The user plugs the game into the computer with a USB cable, and can transfer the points to their account that way. The device also has the Y-shaped sensor that allows the player to transfer the points she's earned to a friend's jewelry box or friendship bracelet. The points let you buy a butterfly to follow your fairy around. The game's screen is very small, while the body of the device is quite clunky. It's difficult to see what's on the screen, and the graphics are very rudimentary, even for a child's game. All in all, I wasn't very impressed with the line of Clickables toys. There's not much you can do with them after you have unlocked the charms, and the jewelry doesn't look like something girls would want to wear regularly. As for the game itself, if you don't pay for a membership to Pixie Hollow, playing the game seems somewhat pointless. You play to collect items and gain points, but then can't put these to use unless you're a member. Bottom line: If your daughter simply must play Pixie Hollow, I'd recommend you pay for a membership and skip the toys. |
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All 4
rounds of British Open to air live on ESPN ESPN and the tournament's
organizer, Royal & Ancient Golf, agreed to an eight-year
contract, they announced Thursday. The deal also includes
digital coverage and expanded rights for ESPN International. British Open coverage had been split between Time Warner's TNT and ABC. "It is all important to The R&A that we preserve the traditions of The Open Championship while at the same time ensuring that golf fans are able to enjoy modern state-of-the-art coverage of the event," chief executive Peter Dawson said. "We know just how much ESPN respects The Open's heritage and we are very excited by their many innovative plans to cover the Championship across the whole media spectrum, both in the United States and internationally." |
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Disney makes $125
million BCS bid Variety - With a couple of bold moves, Disney cabler ESPN stands to raise its already high profile in the sports broadcasting world, with potentially significant implications for sister network ABC. First, Disney made a reported $125 million bid for the rights to the complete Bowl Championship Series, the five annual contests -- the Orange, Sugar, Fiesta and Rose bowls plus the BCS National Championship -- that ultimately determine college football's No. 1 team. Fox, which has the rights to all but the Rose Bowl at a cost of $82.5 million per year, has upped its bid to $100 million. If Disney is successful, ESPN will air the games beginning in 2010. The Rose Bowl, currently airing on ABC, would likely also move to ESPN. In a second potential 2010 coup, as reported in Sports Business Daily, ESPN is poised to snag the rights to all four rounds of the British Open. Turner cabler TNT now carries the first two weekday sessions, with ABC taking over on Saturday and Sunday. Combined, the two gambits will dramatically shift Disney's sports emphasis away from its broadcast net. "There's no question that we're looking at the gradual obsolescence of ABC Sports," observed Rick Gentile, director of Seton Hall Sports Poll. That process, said Gentile, began with ESPN taking over the "Monday Night Football" franchise from the Alphabet net in 2006 and the branding of events such as NBA basketball as "ESPN on ABC." The transfers make financial sense for Disney, he added, as events that may struggle to make a profit on broadcast will have no such challenge on ESPN, which draws both advertising income and fees from cable operators. "Their attitude is, if 'Monday Night Football' can be on ESPN and not on free broadcast television, then why can't these other events?" Gentile surmised. "And it looks better on the books at ESPN than on ABC because of the dual revenue stream." ESPN declined to comment. If the trend continues and ABC events like NBA basketball and the Indianapolis 500 eventually migrate to ESPN, Gentile ventured that it could call into question ABC's very identity. "The way we have traditionally defined a network is there's entertainment in primetime, soap operas in the afternoon, evening news, and there's sports on weekends," he said. "This would be a new definition." |
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ESPN: Ratings up for World Series of Poker finale AP - Television ratings for this week's World Series of Poker final table were up about 50 percent from its broadcast last year, in part, because the show aired the same day play finished instead of months later, ESPN and tournament officials said Thursday. The World Series of Poker said the number of viewers who watched 22-year-old Peter Eastgate win the main event and its $9.15 million prize was higher than the cable network's average for regular season major league baseball and NBA games last season. Disney-owned ESPN says roughly 1.9 million households tuned in to watch the final table, compared with 1.25 million households in 2007. The show's ratings were 18 percent higher than in 2003, when Chris Moneymaker won the tournament, World Series of Poker organizers said. Many poker followers point to Moneymaker's win as an amateur in the tournament as the beginning of a boom for the no-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament. Participation in the event grew from then until 2006, but declined in 2007. Organizers changed the format of the main event this year so the final table could be played closer to its airing on television. Before this year, the main event would finish in July but would not air on television for months. "What you did was create a must-see television event which ... wasn't the case the past few years when you knew who the winner was," World Series of Poker spokesman Seth Palansky said. "It was that whole 'Who will win?' element." The World Series of Poker has not explicitly said whether it would delay the final table again next year, but organizers have said television ratings would be one factor in its decision. |
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Thursday November 13, 2008 |
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Hong Kong Disneyland heralds arrival of the Royal Kingdom this
Christmas Fire threatens 'Desperate Housewives' The Whatnots Take Manhattan! WALL-E DVD available for pre-order; includes exclusive animated short BURN-E Knight to offer opinions as ESPN game commentator Disney stars leave their fans on a high ESPN in talks to air Bowl Championship Series Looks As If NBA's Disney Draft Camp Is History |
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Hong Kong Disneyland heralds arrival of the Royal Kingdom this
Christmas
ASIA Travel Tips - This Christmas season Hong Kong Disneyland heralds the arrival of its Royal Kingdom, bringing the enchanting realm of Disney's Sparkling Christmas to life. The grand celebration will run from November 28, 2008 to January 2, 2009 with festive-themed entertainment and attractions, such as the all-new Royal Christmas Ball and Sparkling Castle Lights, the "Let It Snow" Christmas Parade, Mickey's Christmas House and the Winter Wonderland on Main Street U.S.A. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a grand storybook setting, while making their heartfelt Christmas dreams come true. "During this year's Sparkling Christmas, the entire Hong Kong Disneyland Park will be transformed into a Royal Kingdom with magnificent yuletide ambience that will set hearts aglow. There's never been a better time for our guests and their beloved to create special Christmas memories together," said Maple Lee, Vice President, Marketing of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in splendid holiday cheer during Hong Kong Disneyland Sparkling Christmas – Royal Kingdom, with: Royal Christmas Ball and Sparkling Castle Lights Princess Aurora is inviting her friends to a spectacular Royal Christmas Ball to celebrate the grandeur and romance of the festive season. This all-new glittering stage show features dazzling, Disney royal pageantry of luxuriously dressed court dancers and Disney Characters. Each evening the Royal Ball culminates with enchantment as Sleeping Beauty's crown magically transforms the castle to sparkle like a thousand diamonds. For even more Christmas splendor, guests can put on the 'Hologram Viewers' and watch in wonder as Sleeping Beauty Castle and all the lights in the Park glow with new festive patterns. "Let It Snow" Christmas Parade Hong Kong Disneyland Sparkling Christmas – Royal Kingdom will fill the Park with holiday cheer as the high energy and groovy "Let It Snow" Christmas Parade returns by popular demand. Guests should get ready to dance along to this glittering procession in the unexpected weather – snow is forecasted! Mickey's Christmas House Mickey Mouse has spent weeks decorating his home with festive decorations. He will welcome guests to visit his charming home which is filled with Christmas delight. This will be the perfect opportunity to snap a merry photo with Santa Mickey. A Winter Wonderland on Main Street U.S.A. For heart warming moments, Main Street U.S.A. will be the ideal festive location. From the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in Town Square to the frozen garlands and icicles, it is the perfect place to watch the snow fall, grab a hot cocoa and cuddle up for a photo in this picturesque setting. Of course, the smell of Christmas feasts will fill the air as holiday menus aplenty will be found on Main Street U.S.A. For that exclusive festive gift, specially designed Christmas-themed merchandise will be available during the holiday season at Hong Kong Disneyland. Until November 18, 2008, eligible Hong Kong residents (18 years and over) have an opportunity to become the Honorary Guest Couple for the premiere of the Royal Christmas Ball; which will be held on November 27, 2008. Participants are required to submit a photograph and a 150 word description (in Chinese or English) on how they would like their Christmas story to unfold at Hong Kong Disneyland this year. Winners, with the best story, will be selected as the Honorary Guest Couple, and will also enjoy a complimentary night's stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. |
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Fire threatens
'Desperate Housewives' AP - It's mayhem on the set of ABC's "Desperate Housewives." Most of the cast is attempting
to flee a crowded nightclub that's slowly catching fire. Thick
layers of smoke are quickly filling the room. Flickering flames
are streaking up the walls. Pushy extras are hurrying to the
nearest exit. And someone is still in the bathroom! "I personally don't think my character is a bad guy," McDonough said during a break from filming. "He's just damaged goods. Something happened to him that he just can't come back from. He has to take care of something. It's eating his life away. It's really interesting to explore a character like this, and it makes me feel very fortunate for my life." Away from their usual Universal Studios street set, the cast have gathered for the scorcher inside Sound Stage 28. Meanwhile, on another part of the back lot, a nightclub facade is being erected that will later be burnt to a crisp. In true sweeps fashion, someone won't survive. During production of the episode in October, the actor portraying one of those in peril found himself in danger in real life. Gale Harold, who plays the boyfriend of Teri Hatcher's character, was in a motorcycle accident and fractured his shoulder. Script rewrites were ordered after Harold was admitted to USC Medical Center. This fire isn't the first to threaten Wisteria Lane's residents. In the series' first episode, Susan Mayer (Hatcher) accidentally burned down the home of Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan), who retaliated in the second season by lighting up Mayer's place. In the fourth season, the naughty twin sons of Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman) confessed to an arson. Is series creator Marc Cherry a closeted pyromaniac? "Not at all," he says over lunch with Huffman a few days later. "I just like putting people in jeopardy." He certainly does. Without much explanation, "Desperate Housewives" was thrust five years into the future at the end of last season. Inspired by "Lost," Cherry recalls nonchalantly pitching the leap to ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson during a baseball game last October. He said McPherson's initial response was: "Oh, that could be interesting." Cherry let the idea percolate with ABC executives because he knew it was a "pretty risky proposition." After the fifth season premiered in September -- apart from a few flashback scenes -- there's been no going backward. What could have been a jump-the-shark moment ultimately reinvigorated everyone. "I think it got everybody -- the fans included -- excited again," said Huffman, whose character battled cancer during the fourth season. "It certainly got the writers excited again. It all started on the page. The housewives all look younger though, which is a little weird, but the men look at a little older, which is really how it really should go." The jump gave Dana Delany's tormented Katherine Mayfair, the center of last season's mystery, a place alongside the housewives at their weekly poker games. However, beyond her pairing with plumber Mike Delfino (James Denton) laid out in last week's episode, Mayfair has mostly served as the caterer sidekick to domestic queen Bree Hodge (Marcia Cross). "I've gotten to do a lot more comedy," Delany said on her way to Sound Stage 28. "I guess I am hoping they will change it up a bit. I'm just honored they asked me to come back in the first place. The show has never asked anybody to come back for the next season, so I think they're trying to figure out how you fit in a sixth housewife." Older counterparts for the children of Wisteria Lane were cast while the teenagers morphed into adults. Andrea Bowen, the 18-year-old actress who has played Susan's levelheaded daughter Julie since the beginning of the show, will return to Sunday's episode as a graduate student who's dating an older professor (Steven Weber). "This whole five-year change has really shifted the vibe on the set," she said in her trailer. "It's spiced things up. There's the ability to do a lot more with these characters. For me, to come back in the middle of this has been interesting. I'm trying to get everybody to catch me up. I've been watching episodes like a regular viewer." Cherry, who once worked as a writer and producer on the long-running sitcom "The Golden Girls," said he doesn't think "Desperate Housewives" will be doing any more fast-forwarding, but he does see an end to the series in sight. He's beginning to conjure up ideas for the sixth season and hopes the seventh season will be the last. "I know what the last scene of the show is," teased Cherry. "I already have that in my head. I would like to end the series after seven seasons. The problem is we are one of the top-rated scripted series on ABC." Cherry revealed that the final scene would feature just one of the housewives. Gasp! On a series where car wrecks, back-stabbing, murder, fire and other natural disasters are regular occurrences, it probably shouldn't be too surprising that, in the end, the show's mastermind may leave just one woman standing. ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. |
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The Whatnots Take
Manhattan! PRNewswire - The Muppets Studio announced the opening of The Muppet Whatnot Workshop at FAO Schwarz in New York City. What's a Whatnot, you ask? Whatever you want it to be! The Whatnots are the extras of the Muppet world, the background creatures, monsters and other assorted weirdoes who add extra mayhem and madness to every Muppet production. The Muppets Studio has teamed up with FAO Schwarz to create The Muppet Whatnot Workshop at their 5th Avenue flagship store. For the first time ever, guests can personally design their own Whatnot puppet, choosing from a wide assortment of Muppet-y features and outfits. Their Whatnot can look like themselves...like a friend...or even like their favorite celebrity. The Muppets Studio and FAO Schwarz are thrilled to offer this unique creative experience. "After working in the background of every Muppet production, it's great to see the Whatnots finally land a starring role," says Kermit the Frog. "Whatnots helped make the Muppets what we are today. So, it's fitting that from now on, you can make these Whatnots whatever you want them to be....Just make sure they don't get between Miss Piggy and the camera." For those unable to make it to FAO Schwarz NYC, the Whatnots are also available through the catalogue at FAO.com. Once your design is submitted online, your Whatnot will be built just for you, and shipped directly to you. Your Whatnot will arrive with a puppeteering hand rod and a clear, vinyl backpack so you can take your Whatnot with you wherever you go. The Whatnots will be on the top of everyone's holiday wish list this year. The Muppets cross all generational lines and building your very own Whatnot is the perfect activity for kids of all ages! About The Muppets Studio The Muppets Studio, LLC (TMS) is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). TMS's mission is to ensure that this beloved, world-class brand franchise entertains audiences of all ages by leveraging Disney's best creative resources and worldwide distribution platforms. TMS plans to develop new content in all arenas, including television, feature films, internet, music and theme parks, and to enhance the Muppets global licensing and distribution presence. About FAO Schwarz Since 1862, FAO Schwarz has enchanted and inspired generations of families with its unparalleled selection of unique toys, unmatched customer service, and dedication to offering quality products. FAO Schwarz offers wonderful toys that help children develop their imagination, gain rich play-based experiences and physical well-being through good play. The iconic flagship store in Manhattan attracts nearly four million visitors annually and the Las Vegas shop at The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace, open since 1997, continues to be a destination for locals and travelers alike. In 2008 FAO Schwarz partnered with Macy's to open nearly 700 shops inside select Macy's across the country by 2010. One of the best-known brands in the United States, FAO Schwarz is a trusted name for quality toys to families everywhere. |
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WALL-E DVD available for pre-order; includes exclusive animated
short BURN-E The Disney Blog - In addition to the theatrically released short “Presto” Pixar and Disney have decided to include an additional short on the WALL-E DVD and Blu-Ray releases. They did this with Tow Mater and the Ghostlight on Cars to great effect. Here WALL•E is partnered with BURN•E. What BURN•E does differently than most other Pixar shorts is it inserts itself into the story of the main movie, in this case WALL•E. So it really helps if you’ve seen WALL•E first. In fact, it’s practically a requirement. You see part of the short from perspective of the main characters in WALL•E as the story takes place, but mostly you follow BURN•E as he faces his sysiphean task in the background of the larger conflict. “Humor usually comes about when result doesn’t match the expectation,” says Director Angus MacLane. “If everything in an characters’ life goes well it’s hard to relate to and probably not as funny.” It’s a cute idea and MacLane really pulls it off well. As an Animator, Angus MacLane has contributed significantly to Pixar Animation Studios’ short and feature length films since his arrival at the studio in 1997. In addition to WALL•E and BURN•E, MacLane has worked on various award-winning Pixar films, such as Geri’s Game, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, For The Birds, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo. For his work on The Incredibles, he was awarded the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation. MacLane also supervised the animation on the Academy Award-nominated animated short film, One Man Band. If you watch closely “there are a few small nods here and there to various sci-fi properties.” said MacLane. “I won’t go through all of them, but I will mention that there is a graphic on the elevator inside the Axiom that reads “ELV 426″ indicating that this is elevator number four hundred and twenty-six. This is of course (pushing my glasses up on my nose) a reference to LV-426 the planet that is the setting of the movie Alien and Aliens.” One of the details I like is how BURN•E hums “Ode To Joy” to himself as he’s making the first repair. They’re able to bring that back full circle at the end of the short very effectively. You can find BURN•E exclusively on the Wall•E DVD and Blu-Ray sets. It is available for pre-order now on Amazon. Stay tuned for a full review of the DVD in the next couple days. |
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Knight to offer opinions as ESPN game commentator AP - Bob Knight isn't the type to admit to stage fright. Anyway, he insists he's spent the last four decades practicing the skills he'll need for his new job. The Hall of Fame coach, who
joined ESPN as a guest studio analyst during last season's NCAA
tournament, is expanding his role to include game commentary. "I just spent 42 years figuring out instantly what the (heck) was going on out there," he said. "What I'm trying to do during the course of a broadcast of a game is going to be exactly what I tried to do when I was coaching: What is happening? Why is it happening? We don't like that happening -- how can we change it?" Knight was already lobbying ESPN executives for the chance to call games during his stint in the studio last spring. He'll work a Thursday night game with Brent Musberger each week starting Jan. 15, and will call some nonconference matchups on other days with Dan Shulman. His first game will be a 2K Sports Classic semifinal next Thursday. Knight will also appear as an analyst on College GameDay, SportsCenter and ESPN Radio. Fellow ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, who has observed Knight running practices and watched game tape with him, vouched for his ability to quickly and concisely explain a concept. "He can point out things that after he points it out, you wonder how you missed it and why you didn't see it because when he'd explain it, it seemed so simple," Bilas said. Knight, who won three national titles at Indiana, resigned as coach of Texas Tech on Feb. 4. He was already spouting opinions Wednesday, though some of the non-basketball variety. Among them: Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell should win the Heisman. Just don't try to tell him he's now a member of the media, a group with which he often had a contentious relationship. He's just "a coach that's talking about basketball," Knight said. Knight mentioned Curt Gowdy as an announcer he admired, but said he wasn't trying to pattern himself after any other commentators. "I hope I'm not particularly like anybody," he said. "I hope I'm like me. I hope what I do would be something that would be unique to the way I think about the game, the way I look at the game." ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Co. |
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Disney stars
leave their fans on a high The Age - Swarms of teenage girls yelled and screamed as Disney's High School Musical juggernaut rolled into town. In sweltering conditions the stars of the hit film were welcomed to the Melbourne premiere of the latest movie by about 3000 adoring fans at the Jam Factory last night. Mums, daughters and some fathers and sons, came from across town to worship the teen idols, especially Zac Efron. Sarah Morton, from Mentone, left school early to get a prime spot near the red carpet. Penelope Anastasiadis, brought along her daughter, Elizabeth, and niece Emmy, who despite their young age declared their love for Efron — but "we love all of them really". And America's teen heartthrob didn't disappoint. Alongside co-stars Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale, he declared: "We love you all, Melbourne." High School Musical 3: Senior Year opens in cinemas on December 4. |
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ESPN in
talks to air Bowl Championship Series AP - Disney' ESPN network reportedly is bidding on the air rights for the five College Bowl Championship Series games. The Fox network's current four year contract ends in 2010. Fox, as well as ESPN, are negotiating for the BCS broadcast rights beyond 2009. BCS coordinator and Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford stated "We've had good meetings and discussion up to this point. The BCS is obviously an attractive television property, but we simply have not completed our process." Under the current contract, Fox pays $82.5 million per year to broadcast four of the five BCS games. Disney's ABC network has the rights to the Rose Bowl. According to Sports Business Daily, Fox is bidding $100 million annually as compared to ESPN's $125 million annual offer. Part of the negotiations includes moving the Rose Bowl to ESPN. While ESPN is withholding comments while the talks are underway, the numbers have been confirmed by other sources within the organizations. In addition to ad sales revenue, ESPN has the advantage of collecting fees from the cable providers. If ESPN wins the rights to air the games, it will be the first time that a cable network is awarded the contract. |
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Looks As
If NBA's Disney Draft Camp Is History Orlando Sentinel - The NBA will return its pre-draft camp back to Chicago after a two-year run at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Magic officials have indicated that the move might have taken place last year but Moody Bible College in Chicago was apparently undergoing renovations. Draft candidates will no longer participate in games or practices/drills. Mass physicals will be held in Chicago. Most of the players who figured to be high first-round picks did not play anyway, leaving a bevy of GMs and scouts to evaluate second-rounders or would-be free agents. |
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Wednesday November 12, 2008 |
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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Teams Up with Verizon to Bring
Mobile Magic to U.S. Parks Disney's Hawaii resort sets groundbreaking 4 Reasons Why Disney Won't Buy Yahoo! Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line Maurice Greene ran off of 'Dancing with the Stars' Cheetah Girl 'sorry' for racy photo leak CAA Selects Disney as Preferred Travel Partner Children's Miracle Network Classic again fails to draw fans to Disney Disney set to entertain Middle East Disney UK appoints Christine Madden as head of marketing Disney honors some legends at ceremony |
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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Teams Up with Verizon to Bring
Mobile Magic to U.S. Parks BusinessWire - Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience – before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless’ technology when experiencing Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort. “With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom.” Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks. John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, “All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit – by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as ‘Where’s Mickey now?’ and other special features – even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends.” In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless “Kimmunicator,” guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning animated series, “Kim Possible.” While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company. Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. For more information about Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, visit www.disney.com. For more information about Verizon, visit www.verizon.com. Disney Parks and Resorts – Taking Guests to New Frontiers The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application. About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is where dreams come true and magic comes to life. This segment of The Walt Disney Company encompasses 11 theme parks at five of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. It also includes: Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney; Disney Regional Entertainment, which operates the ESPN Zone sports dining and entertainment centers; World of Disney stores in New York, Orlando and Anaheim; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts had approximately $10 billion in revenues in fiscal 2006. More information about Disney Travel on Demand and all of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts can be found at www.DisneyParks.com. About Verizon Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com. |
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Disney's
Hawaii resort sets groundbreaking
Pacific Business News - Walt Disney Parks & Resorts said Tuesday it will break ground Nov. 19 at its new family resort in Hawaii. The oceanfront resort is located on 21 acres at Ko Olina Resort & Marina in West Oahu. Scheduled to open in 2011, the resort will have more than 800 units, including hotel rooms and villas, for Disney Vacation Club, Disney's timeshare division. The resort, estimated to cost about $800 million, is expected to create about 1,000 Hawaii jobs. Executives with Disney and Ko Olina Resort & Marina will join city and state officials for the ground-breaking, which includes a traditional Hawaiian blessing and entertainment. Disney Vacation Club serves more than 350,000 members from 100 countries and all 50 states. |
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4
Reasons Why Disney Won't Buy Yahoo!
Motley Fool - Mouse ears for Jerry Yang? I don't think so. Madrona Venture Group's Matt McIlwain is predicting that Disney (NYSE: DIS) will make a play for unlucky in love Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO). "I actually think the most logical buyer is Disney," McIlwain said last night. "And the rationale is that Yahoo for the last six to eight years has focused hard on being a content company and a manager and leverager of content assets." To be fair, McIlwain initially joked that no one should buy Yahoo!. He also made his comments during the Washington Technology Industry Association's annual predictions dinner, where you seem to score as many points for being quotably outlandish as you do for being correct. However, since this is the kind of chatter that is quickly spun into bogus buyout buzz, let's shoot this one down before it leaves Fantasyland. There are several reasons why this is highly unlikely to happen. 1. Buying
Yahoo! was Michael Eisner's idea The hang up, naturally, was price. "It's a great company," former CEO Michael Eisner told BusinessWeek in February of 2001. "It is just too expensive. It's certainly too expensive at $125 billion. Maybe it would be too expensive at $50 billion, maybe even at $25 billion. But it is a great company." If price is a factor, Yahoo! is obviously trading well below that preposterous $125 billion ransom. It's also a much larger company today. However, a few important things to consider:
In a nutshell, current CEO Bob Iger isn't going to chase Eisner's dreams for the sake of continuity. 2. Yahoo!
is too big After watching Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) stock get smacked down earlier this year for pursuing Yahoo!, Disney is unlikely to punish its shareowners that way. 3. Don't
snort the pixie dust Can you picture Disney watching over a dating classifieds website or trying to filter the content going through Yahoo! email or newsgroups? It won't work. 4. Disney
doesn't need new enemies Even if you drool over the prospects of marketing theme park vacations or DVD releases to the 250 million Yahoo! Mail accounts or convincing ABC and ESPN advertisers to spend more on wider online campaigns, what's the point? Disney wanted Yahoo! several years ago, when it was the best. The world needs a Disney-Yahoo! hookup in the same way that it swallowed Time Warner and America Online. It's not going to happen. It may not win me any style points, but now you know where to send the invite for next year's predictions dinner. |
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Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line - This holiday season, give a gift that's both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked to the "raft-ers" with holiday cheer. From Thanksgiving and continuing through to the new year, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, from traditional "turkey day" fanfare to Christmas feasts, "snow flurries" and New Year's Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow. The spirit of the season surrounds guests the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., with Disney characters in their finest holiday attire welcoming guests to the beautifully decorated private Disney Cruise Line terminal. Special stem-to-stern holiday events on both ships, beginning Nov. 22, include:
And when cruises during the holiday period put in at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, the celebration continues:
Disney Cruise Line will kick off the holiday cheer with special Thanksgiving voyages setting sail Nov. 22 with a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic and Nov. 26 with a 4-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Wonder. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey, Minnie and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Activities throughout the day include holiday crafts for youngsters and the big NFL football games broadcast live on Ariel View Television, the 24-by-14-foot screen located above the Goofy Family Pool on deck 9. The Disney Magic will host a 7-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departing Dec. 20, with visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and, as a special holiday treat, two stops at Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder 4-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. On Christmas morning at the lobby tree, Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids, along with cookies and milk. Guests can attend sunset Hanukkah services and Christmas services, including midnight mass on Christmas Eve. To celebrate the new year, Disney Magic departs on its 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 27; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its 4-night cruise. These voyages will feature a special New Year's Eve party to ring in 2009, complete with DJ music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes, confetti and balloon drop, and a midnight countdown. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a holiday vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com. |
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Maurice Greene ran off of 'Dancing with the Stars' AP - Maurice Greene won't be running around the "Dancing with the Stars" ballroom anymore. The former sprinter and his
professional partner, Cheryl Burke, were eliminated Tuesday from
ABC's popular dancing competition. The pair received a total
score of 48 out of 60 from judges for their quickstep and paso
doble routines Monday. After viewer votes were combined with the
judges' scores, the 34-year-old Olympic gold medalist was
dismissed. The four remaining celebrity contestants -- model-actress Brooke Burke, singer Lance Bass, former NFL star Warren Sapp and "Hannah Montana" actor Cody Linley -- will compete in the semifinals. Linley will rejoin his professional partner, Julianne Hough, who missed two weeks of competition because of surgery to remove her appendix. Previously dismissed were: actresses Susan Lucci and Cloris Leachman; singer Toni Braxton; chef Rocco DiSpirito; reality TV star Kim Kardashian; actor Ted McGinley and comedian Jeffrey Ross. Greene's fellow Olympian, volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, dropped out of the competition after rupturing her tendon. ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. |
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Cheetah Girl 'sorry' for racy photo leak Newsday - Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon is the latest Disney darling to find herself the victim of a racy photo scandal. Partially nude photos of the singer have been leaked online. According to Bailon's rep, Jonathan Jason, the photos were stolen from Bailon's personal computer, so she has now initiated a lawsuit against whomever is responsible, tmz.com reports. "Adrienne will be pursuing legal action against the person sending these private photos out," Jason said in a statement. In the images, Bailon, 25, is seen wearing a bra and nothing else. In another leaked photo the actress can be seen posing to show her backside. The pictures were taken as an anniversary present for Bailon's boyfriend, Robert Kardashian (brother of reality-TV star Kim Kardashian). Bailon says she is "deeply sorry" to fans. It is not the first time that a star of Disney is caught in a controversy. Both Vanessa Hudgens and Miley Cyrus were involved in racy photo scandals in the past. The Cheetah Girls are scheduled to perform Friday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. |
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CAA
Selects Disney as Preferred Travel Partner MarketWatch - The votes are in and the winner is Disney, at least according to CAA travel agents who were asked to vote for CAA's 2008 preferred partner of the year.
After reviewing hundreds of
entries, CAA Travel agents gave the nod to Disney
Destinations based on the organization's overall
performance, product, service, sales, and marketing efforts.
"This award is more than just
the fireworks, the castle, and Disney magic," says Cathy
McManaman, CAA's manager of national travel services. "This
award is for Disney's Canadian cast, who worked hard to
provide our members with exceptional service and value."
The prestigious CAA preferred
travel partner award was presented to Disney at the ninth
annual CAA travel managers' conference held in Nashville,
Tennessee in early November.
"This is an incredible honour;
the Disney and CAA partnership is truly unique and we are
thrilled with this award," says Hayden Yates, travel
industry marketing and sales director for Disney
Destinations in Canada. "Over the past few years, Disney and
CAA have brought the magic of Disney to thousands of CAA
members and this award is a wonderful recognition of
everyone's commitment and dedication to this partnership."
Under the CAA-Disney
partnership, CAA members have access to exclusive Disney AAA
Vacation packages and benefits. Further details about these
packages can be provided by local CAA travel agents.
About the Canadian Automobile
Association (CAA)
A-A?1/2CAA is a federation of 9
automobile clubs serving 5.3 million members through 148
offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member
services and works to improve travelling and motoring
conditions at home and around the world, including national
advocacy efforts on both traffic safety and public policy
issues that affect Canadian motorists.
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Children's Miracle Network Classic again fails to draw fans
to Disney
Orlando Sentinel - Children's Miracle Network Classic organizers have tried just about everything to lure fans to their tournament at Disney. They price one-day tickets at just $20. They provide free parking and free shuttle buses to and from the Epcot lot. They allow each paying adult to bring in a kid ages 17 and under for free. And while the area around the 18th green was filled Sunday when Davis Love III blasted out from a greenside bunker and putted in to secure the tournament championship, the fact is that crowds were sparse during the tournament's first three days, despite beautiful weather on Friday and Saturday. "The way I look at it is the people that are here really do love golf," said Joe Durant, who won the tournament in 2006 and finished fifth this year by shooting a 19-under 269. "Obviously, you'd love to have more people out. But there's basketball cranking up now, and football's in full steam, and baseball just got finished. . . . And with the economy, too, that combination of things probably doesn't lend itself to people spending a lot of disposable income on things like golf or whatever." What else can tourney organizers do? For the second straight year, the event ended in dramatic fashion on the 72nd hole, with Love's up-and-down to defeat unheralded Tommy Gainey for a one-stroke victory. Tournament Director Kevin Weickel likened it to a "prize fight," as both Love and Gainey fired final-round 64s. "Really, it was the last man standing," Weickel said. "I don't know if you could script out an event much more exciting than that." When next year's tournament approaches, tournament organizers no doubt will ask Love to help with publicity for the event, most likely asking him to come to Central Florida for a media day. It certainly can't hurt to have a player of Love's stature promoting your tournament. "Any time you run an event, especially a golf event, you always love to see more people," he said. "That's what we're in business for. But, overall, I think we had pretty good attendance." Still, there were times early on when the course was eerily empty. At 12:25 Thursday afternoon, only 27 people stood around the Palm course's ninth green as Joe Durant and Stewart Cink -- a member of the victorious 2008 Ryder Cup team and ninth on the PGA Tour money list -- were finishing. "I'm very surprised," said Greg Shroat of Orlando, who was there with his mom, Joan Shroat, who came down from Indianapolis. "For 20 bucks, it's pretty cheap." Don Navin, who made the drive to Disney on Sunday from his home in Tampa, wasn't surprised. He knows that because it was the last event of the season, many of the biggest names in golf weren't going to show up. He attended the tournament because one of his best friends lives next to PGA Tour player Tim Petrovic, who finished tied for 10th. Around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Navin was watching over his friend's three sons, 12-year-old Noah Fleck, 10-year-old Levi Fleck and 8-year-old Gabriel Fleck. The Flecks stood along a white picket fence next to the scoring trailer behind the 18th green. One by one, players such as Cink, Jeff Overton, Matt Jones, Kevin Stadler, Vaughn Taylor and Harrison Frazar stopped and handed the Fleck boys golf balls and signed the children's tournament flag in black and red Sharpies. It was a fun Sunday for them. The small crowds made it easier to get close to the players. "It's a great deal," Navin said. |
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Disney set to
entertain Middle East
Financial Times - Walt Disney is making its first foray into Arabic filmmaking with a movie that it will produce and distribute across the Middle East to tap into growing demand in the region for family entertainment. More than any other Hollywood studio, Disney's films embody traditional American values and the idea that the company would one day make a movie tailored for Arab audiences would have seemed ridiculous only a few years ago. However, the company believes it can succeed in the Arab market. "I think there's a really strong affinity between the strong family values in the region and the Disney brand," said Jason Reed, general manager of Walt Disney Studios International Productions. "We want to go out and try to make a film that will play to families from north Africa to the Gulf States." Mr Reed envisages the film playing in Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, as well as Kuwait and Qatar. The region is ripe for Disney content, he added. "By 2012, 70 per cent of Arab speakers will be under 30. There is limited family fare [in those countries]." The studio has enlisted Chadi Zeneddine, a Lebanese director, to make The Last Storyteller , a live-action family adventure film. It is not clear where the movie will be shot but the company is committed to producing it in the Middle East, part of a growing trend in Hollywood that has seen the top studios in the industry seek out new markets outside the US. While the US film industry continues to be profitable, admissions across America are flat and the market is maturing. Disney, Sony Pictures Entertainment and News Corporation, which owns Fox Filmed Entertainment, have recognised that the best prospects for growth are elsewhere - particularly China, Russia and India, which have a vast and fast-growing audience of cinemagoers. "Fifty per cent of all cinema tickets sold in the world are sold in India," said Mr Reed. But only a fraction of those tickets are for films produced outside of the country. Sony released Saawariya , its first stab at a three-hour Bollywood epic this year, year while Fox recently struck a deal with Vipul Amrutlal Shah, producer of several Bollywood hits. But Disney is at the forefront of Hollywood's international push. It has the most projects in development, particularly in China, where it has several projects under its belt, including the Magic Gourd , a live action children's film based on a popular novel, and Touch of the Panda , which comes out next year. Unlike its local rivals in India, Disney can use its films to drive other parts of its business. "Our margins are a little bit higher than a traditional Indian film and we have the ability to work across platforms, such as consumer products" adds Mr Reed. "We're taking all the lessons that we learned with our global movies [like Pirates of the Caribbean ] and applying them in these new markets." The group is also building on US franchises and tailoring them for local markets, instead of adding a new language track. It has already produced new theatrical versions of High School Musical in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, as well as India. "We have expanded that franchise through localization," said Mr Reed. |
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Disney UK appoints Christine Madden as head of marketing
Brand Republic - Disney Channel UK has appointed Christine Madden, previously head of marketing at Thinkbox, to the newly created role of executive marketing director for Disney Channels UK and Ireland. Madden will oversee all on-air and off-air marketing strategies for the channel and work with other divisions of The Walt Disney Company. Prior to her time at Thinkbox, Madden was head of marketing at BBC One. Madden will report to Michael Cairns, general manager for Disney Channels UK and Ireland. Cairns said: "Christine Madden joins us with a wealth of marketing experience from some of the UK's leading broadcasters. She will be instrumental in helping to continue to build the Disney Channel brand in UK and Ireland." Madden said: "This is a great opportunity to work on a global entertainment brand that continually delivers successful television shows worldwide. "I look forward to focusing on developing innovative and exciting marketing campaigns that resonate with kids and parents across the UK." |
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Disney
honors some legends at ceremony
Burbank Leader - When Wayne Allwine exclaimed “Hiya, folks!” on the Disney lot Monday, people immediately recognized the voice. Allwine, who has been voicing Disney character Mickey Mouse since 1977, was inducted into the order of Disney Legends along with his wife — and voice of Minnie Mouse — Russi Taylor as part of the 26th annual Disney Legends ceremony. The couple were joined by nine other honorees — among them journalist Barbara Walters and sportscaster Frank Gifford — from the fields of music, Imagineering, television, animation and parks and resorts. “This is extremely special to me,” a beaming Walters said after Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger introduced her as an unrivaled pioneer and true colleague. Iger was joined by past legend and imagineer Marty Sklar and Walt Disney Co. Chairman Dick Cook to reflect on each honoree’s contributions to the company and share personal examples as to why they deserved to be called legends. “You just rooted for Frank Gifford,” Iger said in his introduction for the NFL Hall of Famer and sports broadcaster. “He came to every telecast prepared . . . and was always very fair.” Gifford was supported by wife Kathie Lee Gifford. In addition to family and colleagues, the audience was also peppered with past legends such as “Pinocchio” voice actor Dick Jones, Karen Dotrice of “Mary Poppins,” and “It’s a Small World (after all)” co-writer Richard Sherman. “There’s genius around every corner [in the Walt Disney Co.],” honoree Walt Peregoy said. Recognized for his work on “Sleeping Beauty” and “101 Dalmatians,” Peregoy was honored along with fellow animator Burny Mattinson, who worked at Disney for more than 50 years. Other honorees — all escorted to the stage by popular Disney characters — included imagineers Dorothea Redmond, Bob Booth and the late Neil Gallagher; Tokyo Disneyland founding member Toshio Kagami; and late musician Oliver Wallace. All received a two-foot bronze award designed by sculptor Andrea Favilli in 1987. The ceremony concluded with the legends leaving their handprints in personalized plaster casts that will later be bronzed and hung in the Legends Plaza among those of past honorees. “This is what happens when you wish upon a star,” Walters said. “Your dreams come true.” |
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Tuesday November 11, 2008 |
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Walt Disney World Resort Transforms into Festive, Fun-Filled
Holiday Wonderland Students in Full Swing to Become Future Leaders in Golf Industry Disney Extends an Invite to Obama’s Daughters Alphabetical Disney character names Walt Disney Treasures Wave VIII on DVD Scrubs: The Complete Seventh Season on DVD Knight becoming daily fixture on ESPN ABC turns race over to ESPN2 Local High School Wins Trip To Disney World |
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Walt Disney World Resort Transforms into Festive, Fun-Filled
Holiday Wonderland Disney
News - Walt Disney World Resort ushered in the holiday
season with the flick of a switch, transforming Cinderella’s
Castle at the Magic Kingdom into a shimmering light-show
spectacular crowned with 200,000 twinkling lights.
Called Castle Dreamlights, this latest Disney Holiday tradition has a sparkle of “green” since the LED white lights use the same amount of energy as 12 microwave ovens.
During “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.
In addition to Castle Dreamlights, guests may experience the enchanting "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party during 18 select evenings in November and December
The “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.
The holiday festivities continue throughout Walt Disney World Resort beginning Nov. 28:
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Students in Full Swing to Become Future Leaders in Golf Industry Disney
News - Fifty high school students from around the world
recently participated in the second annual Future Leader’s
Forum, an innovative educational program presented by The Toro
Company, Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee. The
three-day forum at Walt Disney World Resort engaged participants
in the sport, business and science of golf and provided
practical training for leadership in classrooms, communities and
professional environments. The young leaders from 38 worldwide chapters of The First Tee were selected through an essay competition and application process. Nominees submitted a 200-word essay about their career aspirations and post-high school plans; a listing of involvement in school and community activities; and a letter of recommendation describing the student’s leadership skills. “The Future Leaders Forum is a unique learning experience for our participants,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO of The First Tee. “This will give them the opportunity to explore various career opportunities within the golf industry and ultimately plan ahead for their future.” Students learned first-hand from industry leaders about career opportunities in tournament operations, golf course management and entertainment. Students also attended sessions hosted by the PGA of America, PGA TOUR Operations, Nicklaus Companies and Walt Disney World. “This experience provides ample exposure to industry leaders and tournament experience, and it lays a solid foundation of practical values ideal for their personal and professional lives,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney’s Sports Attractions. In conjunction with the Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Walmart, students shadowed tournament staff at the final stop on the 2008 PGA TOUR Fall Series to learn how a professional golf event operates. For many students, the forum provided a hands-on learning experience that served as an opportunity for self discovery. “It’s taken my passion to another level,” said Ericka Schneider, 2008 Future Leaders Forum participant. “I want my profession to be golf, so this experience will help me put my foot in the right direction.” “We all stand to gain from these young leaders as they develop and achieve their own personal and professional success,” said Mike Hoffman, chairman and CEO of The Toro Company. “Looking ahead, we believe these experiences will help prepare them for many exciting career opportunities. Our hope is one day they will influence the growth of our industry.” The forum came to life when The Toro Company, Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee teamed together last year to provide a unique learning experience for 50 students from worldwide Chapters of The First Tee. Recognized as a preeminent positive youth development organization, The First Tee operates more than 500 learning facilities and program affiliates in 48 states and four international locations and has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants. |
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Disney
Extends an Invite to Obama’s Daughters TheCelebrityCafe - President-elect Barack Obama’s daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, have been invited to guest star on the popular Disney show, Hannah Montana, according to Billy Ray Cyrus, father of the show’s star, Miley Cyrus. Cyrus told Access Hollywood in an interview on Monday that the girls will probably appear in an episode in April 2009. The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer said, “You know the ‘Hannah Montana’ film comes out in April. Maybe something might happen around then.” Obama has said that Malia and Sasha are fans of the show, but has attempted to shield them from the media. Miley wishes to make their experience on the show as normal as possible, relating to having a famous father: After all, her own father, Billy Ray Cyrus, was a country music star in the early '90s. Miley offers her own advice on dealing with publicity to the Obama girls through Access Hollywood, saying, “I think, more than anything, it would be to find your own identity. Something that makes you stand out where you can be like, ‘This is Miley and she does this.’ I think that is a cool way to be if you can have your identity away from your parents, away from a friend or brother or sister.” |
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Alphabetical
Disney character names WebWire - Alphabetical Disney character names is the latest trend in children names. You may ask what is all this fixation with getting Disney character names? Research done by this institute suggest that in recent times people are calling their children in many original names never before used, there are a couple of names which are also being taken from the masterpieces of Disney. “Names are not just a means of identification, they are also a means of bonding with one another” said the ceo of the newly formed website www.disneycharacterlistbyname.com which encourages parents to use Disney character names for their children. “This is not something new” he said, people have called their children with the names of the people they admire, what is wrong in calling your children for your favorite Disney hero. With a database of over one million Disney character names and another list of what people are naming their children mostly the website www.disneycharacterlistbyname.com definitely makes it the number one resource for alphabetical Disney character names said an 8 month pregnant woman in a comment. She is expecting to call her child Lulu. Try guessing from which Disney animated feature she got the idea from? Sometimes when we are young we watch an animated feature and it stays impressed in our mind, but we also unfortunately forget the names of the heroes or perhaps the anti-hero! When we grow up we think, why not calling our first born with a Disney character name? You would think that psychology has nothing to do with naming your child, you can’t be anymore wrong in that. Psychological Research in the field of behaviorism shows that parents who call their children with an original and fun loving name and a name that they either admired when they were younger or still love even when they grow older eventually bond better with their children so we definitely suggest you take a look at www.disneycharacterlistbyname.com |
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Walt Disney
Treasures Wave VIII on DVD Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment - The popular Walt Disney Treasures series continues with three new double-disc DVD sets from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Each of the specially packaged collections includes never before seen bonus features on DVD that will delight Disney enthusiasts and fans of classic film and television alike. Available on November 11, 2008 in limited supply, all three Walt Disney Treasures DVDs arrive just in time for the holidays.
Noted film historian, author, and critic Leonard Maltin provides exclusive commentary for the series. Each DVD is individually numbered, with an authenticity certificate, and an exclusive lithograph in the collectible, unique packaging tins. They are available in a limited supply only. Each DVD has a suggested retail price of $32.99 (US) and $35.99 (Canada). |
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Scrubs: The
Complete Seventh Season on DVD Walt
Disney Studios Home Entertainment - The show that changed the
rules of television comedy, Scrubs: The Complete Seventh Season
comes to DVD on November 11, 2008 from Walt Disney Studios Home
Entertainment. A series like no other, Scrubs: The Complete
Seventh Season keeps its creative edge scalpel sharp in 11
unforgettable episodes full of surreal escapades and bittersweet
life lessons. Wacky, touching and occasionally hilariously
bizarre, the two-disc set comes with exclusive bonus features
including a behind-the-scenes look at the Season Seven finale,
"My Princess," a fairytale episode directed by Zach Braff, plus
episode commentary, cast interviews, bloopers and deleted
scenes.
Zach Braff (The Last Kiss, Garden State), Donald Faison ("Felicity," Clueless), Sarah Chalke ("Roseanne"), John C. McGinley (Office Space, Identity), Judy Reyes ("Oz," Washington Heights), Neill Flynn (Sex & Death 101, Mean Girls) and Ken Jenkins (I Am Sam, The Sum of All Fears, "Homefront") star in Scrubs, an off-the-wall and unpredictable look at the professional and personal lives of the doctors and nurses of Sacred Heart Hospital. The seventh season of the genre-busting comedy continues to keep audiences on their toes with its original and imaginative take on life in the medical profession. Dr. John "J.D." Dorian (Zach Braff) has gone from intern to resident to attending physician at Sacred Heart Hospital. He and his friends and colleagues, Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Turk (Donald Faison) and Carla (Judy Reyes), may be growing older but they aren't necessarily growing up. Career changes, family matters and even love invades the quirky world of this tight knit bunch of friends, but nothing—not sarcastic Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley), imperious Dr. Kelso or the enigmatic Janitor (Neil Flynn)—will stop them from administering a healthy dose of humor in each episode of Season Seven. Scrubs won a 2005 Emmy Award®, as well as collecting two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series. The series also received three Golden Globe nominations, a Humanitas Award and the 2006 Peabody Award for Excellence. The series is produced by ABC Studios. Scrubs: The Complete Seventh Season has a suggested retail price of $29.99 (U.S.) and $35.99 (Canada). |
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Knight becoming
daily fixture on ESPN AP - Bob Knight will be putting a full-court press on college basketball fans this season, thanks to an expanded role as an ESPN analyst. The Hall of Fame coach joined ESPN last year as a studio analyst for the postseason and will be a key player for the 2008-09 season. Knight, who often treated the media with disdain before joining it, will work Thursday night game telecasts, appear on SportsCenter, provide postseason studio analysis and be on ESPN radio. The network said Tuesday he'll also be an analyst for select nonconference game telecasts other than Thursday and make onsite appearances on College GameDay. Knight, who resigned as coach of Texas Tech on Feb. 4, also coached at Army and Indiana, where he won three national titles in his 29-year career in Bloomington, Ind. Knight's first ESPN appearances will be on College GameDay from Chapel Hill, N.C., on Nov. 18 when Kentucky visits No. 1 North Carolina. He will work with Brent Musburger on Thursday nights, beginning Jan. 15, and on other nights with Dan Shulman. ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Co. |
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ABC turns
race over to ESPN2 LA Business - In what is being termed in media reports as a revisiting of football's "Heidi game," ABC moved the end of Sunday's Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway from ABC to ESPN2 in some time zones. The move was made, according to media reports, to align ABC's television lineup. With 34 laps to go in the race, which is part of NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup, the race switched networks in the eastern and central time zones. In its place, ABC showed "America's Funniest Home Videos." According to media reports, the decision was made after a pair of red flag periods delayed the race by about 45 minutes. The moment is reminiscent of a 1968 American Football League game between the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders. The Jets were leading the game 32-29 with 1:05 left in the game, when NBC switched to a pre-scheduled showing of the movie "Heidi." Oakland scored 14 points in that final 65 seconds to win 43-32. There was not quite the level of drama in Sunday's race, as Jimmie Johnson the race, all but wrapping up his third-straight Sprint Cup title. ABC and ESPN are owned by the Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS). |
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Local High
School Wins Trip To Disney World WLWT - A local high school's senior class is going to Disney World for free. The entire class and school chaperones have been awarded an all-expense paid trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando in April. The school won the "High School
Musical 3 School Spirit Contest" against more than 3,600 other
schools. In addition to the trip, singer Natasha Bedingfield will perform a live concert at Seton for the entire school at a future date to be determined. |
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Monday November 10, 2008 |
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Disney Holiday Gift Deals Stretch Shopping Dollars Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre to Show BOLT and Disney Holiday Spectacular 2008 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade taping Not so funny TV: ABC cuts away from NASCAR race Disney Channel Star To Sue Over Nude Photos Golf-Love affair at Disney as title drought ends Red Bee brands Disney content Disney Opera and Brokeback Mountain Shelved After Mortier's Departure |
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Disney Holiday Gift Deals Stretch Shopping Dollars Business Wire - Families looking to stretch their dollars this holiday season need look no further than “Disney’s Holiday Gift Ideas For Under $20 List.” Featuring fabulous Disney gift ideas priced at under $20 each, shoppers can get great Disney deals for their money and still give loved ones the hottest Disney gifts inspired by High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Handy Manny, Disney·Pixar’s Cars and WALL·E and more. Disney offers perennial favorites with character-themed gifts that top many holiday wish lists, year after year. This holiday shopping season, a wide variety of price points ensure that there’s a great Disney gift to fit almost every holiday budget and keep holiday magic in the air. Families on a holiday budget can visit www.DisneyShopping.com and find a variety of terrific Disney gift ideas by price range. The newly enhanced site has easier navigation to help quickly find a wide selection of holiday gifts for the entire family. Editor's note: High resolution images are available for download at www.disneyconsumerproducts.com. “Disney’s Holiday Gift Ideas For Under $20 List” includes: DISNEY TOYS & ELECTRONICS
DISNEY FASHION
DISNEY BEAUTY PRODUCTS
DISNEY BOOKS & CALENDARS
DISNEY HOME DECOR
DISNEY HOLIDAY FOOD
Additional information and press images are available at www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us. About Disney Consumer Products Disney Consumer Products and affiliates (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS - News) that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. This is accomplished through DCP's various lines of business which include: Disney Toys, Disney Apparel, Accessories & Footwear, Disney Food, Health & Beauty, Disney Home and Disney Stationery. Other businesses involved in Disney's consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, and www.disneyshopping.com, the company's official shopping portal. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America and Europe. The Disney Stores chain in Japan is operated under a license agreement with Disney. For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com. |
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Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre to Show BOLT and Disney Holiday
Spectacular
 Broadway
World - Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre offers the
perfect holiday entertainment package for moviegoers of all ages
with its special engagement of Walt Disney Pictures' latest
animated comedy-adventure, Bolt, presented in dazzling Disney
Digital 3-D , from November 21st through January 4th.
Accompanying the film at all showings throughout the engagement will be Disney's Holiday Spectacular - - An All New Live Stage Show, which will transform the theater into a winter wonderland and feature an ensemble of Disney's top animated stars celebrating the season. Opening nationwide on November 21st, 'Bolt' takes Disney animation to a whole new level of fun and technical excellence with its engaging story, inspired animation, and superb vocal talents (John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, and Mark Walton). Daily showtimes are 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:55 pm. Tickets are available at the El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. To celebrate the El Capitan's special engagement, Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store (located adjacent to the theatre), will be unleashing a special 'Bolt Sundae.' This mouth-watering sundae will include rich vanilla ice cream, real brownie pieces, hot fudge and caramel, topped off with a chocolate 'Bolt' dog tag! Commenting on the announcement, Lylle Breier, senior vice president, worldwide special events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, said, "Our El Capitan guests are in for a very special treat this holiday season with this exclusive engagement featuring Disney's newest 3-D film, 'Bolt,' along with a fantastic Disney character stage show. It's a show that is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit." Walt Disney Pictures' 'Bolt' follows the adventures of a super-dog TV star (voice of John Travolta), whose daily routine is filled with adventure, danger, and intrigue - at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the sheltered star is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions - a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman), and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of Mark Walton) - Bolt discovers he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero. The film is directed by Chris Williams and Bryon Howard. Clark Spencer was the producer, and John Lasseter served as executive producer. |
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2008 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade taping Theme Park Rangers - Have you been checking the Disney passholder Web site, looking for reservations for the Walt Disney World Christmas Day parade taping? Me too. The tickets go quickly and, for the last several years, the ability to reserve them has appeared during the first couple days of November. But so far I haven't seen a thing, despite all the other passholder offers posted Nov.1. The folks at Lightship Entertainment, a local company that produces the show, were able to tell me that the tentative taping dates are Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 in the Magic Kingdom. Usually, one day is dedicated to filming the actual parade on Main Street, with celebrity hosts on a platform near the train station, and the other is for the musical guests performing on the Cinderella Castle stage. No word on the performers yet, but one group who won't be in Orlando like last year is Jonas Brothers. Nick, Joe and Kevin taped their spot Saturday at Disneyland in California for the show that airs Dec. 25. (Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland) Apparently, during their performance there was an unexpected electrical problem and subsequent fire, so they sang a spontaneous version of "Burnin' Up." Bet we don't see that on Christmas morning! Corbin Bleu, Ryan Seacrest, Jose Feliciano and some of the dogs from Beverly Hills Chihuahua were reportedly there, too. |
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Not so
funny TV: ABC cuts away from NASCAR race AP - With 34 laps remaining of the Checker Auto Parts 500, ABC cut away from the race in the Eastern and Central time zones, opting to show "America's Funniest Home Videos" as scheduled. At that point, two red flags had delayed the race at Phoenix International Raceway by about 45 minutes. ESPN2 carried the race's conclusion in the Eastern and Central time zones, and it remained on ABC in the West. Drivers didn't know about the move until after the race. "It seems a little odd to me, as big as NASCAR is and as many people watch this sport," said Jamie McMurray, who finished third. "I just can't believe that 'America's Funniest Home Videos' would take priority over us. I mean, I like that show, but I'd rather watch the race." ABC and ESPN are owned by The Walt Disney Co. |
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Disney
Channel Star To Sue Over Nude Photos WAPT
- Cheetah Girls singer and Disney Channel star Adrienne Bailon
said that she will be pursuing legal action against whoever has
been distributing photos allegedly stolen from her laptop
computer, according to TMZ.com.
The celebrity gossip Web site reported that Bailon's laptop was allegedly stolen at JFK airport in October. A source told the site that Bailon's record label received an anonymous phone call from a man the same day the laptop went missing, saying he would return it for $1,000. After the arrangement for the return of the laptop, it was discovered that several semi-nude photos of Bailon she had taken as an anniversary present for her boyfriend were missing, TMZ said. In a statement to TMZ, Bailon's spokesman Jonathan Jaxson said that the singer-actress is "deeply sorry for any pain this may have caused to her fans," and noted that legal action will be taken over the incident. "The photos that have surfaced of Adrienne Bailon were stolen from her laptop over a week ago at an airport in New York and sent to several media outlets," Jaxson said. "These photos were taken in private. Adrienne will be pursuing legal action against the person or person's sending these private photos out." Bailon, 25, has starred in three original movie musicals with fellow Cheetah Girls members Sabrina Bryan, 24, and Kiely Williams, 22. Former "Cosby Show" star Raven-Symone, 22, also starred with the group in first two "Cheetah Girls" movies. |
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Golf-Love affair at Disney as title drought ends Reuters
- Davis Love III ended a PGA Tour title drought of more than two
years with a thrilling one-shot victory at the Disney Classic in
Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Sunday.Two off the pace going into the final round at the Walt Disney World Resort, Love held off a stunning late charge by rookie Tommy Gainey by firing a sparkling eight-under-par 64. Love, whose last Tour triumph came at the 2006 Greensboro Classic, piled up five birdies in seven holes from the 10th to forge two strokes clear of the chasing pack. Despite missing the fairway on 17 and 18, the former world number two twice saved par, calmly getting up and down from a greenside bunker at the last for a 25-under tally of 263. Gainey, who has made only six cuts in 24 Tour starts, had to settle for second in the final event of the year after covering the back nine in a blistering six under for a matching 64. Love, whose world ranking plummeted after a mediocre 2007 campaign ended prematurely with an ankle injury, was delighted to clinch his 20th Tour victory and a lifetime exemption. "Thirteen months after ankle surgery, I've been grinding trying to get a win," he told reporters with a broad smile after earning a cheque for $828,000. "I can't believe it happened. "Everybody, like me, expects me to play better and certainly I've had a couple of bad breaks but still, even after getting hurt, I should have played better all year. "I hit three bad drives today, two of them on the last holes, but I'm excited to get it in," said Love, whose world ranking had plummeted to 159th going into this week. "I had some good breaks, made some good up-and-downs but I played very, very well. It means an awful lot to put it all together." EARLY CONTROL Love took early control in the final round on the sun-drenched Magnolia course, three birdies in the first five holes putting him one stroke clear. However his playing partner Steve Marino drew level by knocking in a 10-footer to birdie the seventh and the pair reached the turn tied for the lead at 20 under. Love and Marino each birdied the 10th and 11th before Love benefited from a two-shot swing at the par-four 13th. Marino bogeyed the 384-yard hole after hitting his approach into the front greenside bunker and failing to reach the putting surface with his third shot. Love's drive ended up to the left of the green from where he struck a delicate chip to 15 inches for a tap-in birdie. The long-hitting Love sank a curling 25-footer to birdie the 14th and picked up another shot at the 16th, where he holed out from 20 feet, to move two ahead of the field. The fast-finishing Gainey, playing in the group ahead, signed off with a flourish after striking a superb approach to four feet on the final hole before watching Love seal victory with a closing par. "I just tried to do the best I could," said Gainey, ranked a lowly 228th in the Tour money list at the start of this week with earnings of $65,405. "I couldn't control anybody's game but mine. There was nothing I could do about Davis. He's Davis Love III for real." |
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Red Bee brands Disney
content Design Week - Red Bee Media is in the final stages of a branding project for Disney. The screen-broadcast and digital design consultancy, which scooped the Design Business Association Effectiveness Grand Prix award last week for its work on satellite channel Dave, has been working on creating a ‘graphic toolkit’ to ‘package’ Disney content sold to other broadcasters, with the aim of driving credit back to the Disney masterbrand and creating brand awareness. Red Bee Media head of design Jeff Conrad says, ‘We’ve created a design package which is all about a partnership between the host channel and Disney, creating a graphic toolkit for the Disney brand to partner with the other broadcaster.’ Disney’s two brands – Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney – sell content to 49 partner TV networks across Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Red Bee Media has developed a brand strategy taking the concept of partnership as its focus, incorporating the creation of on-air and off-air graphic elements that align the Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney brand values of promoting learning as being fun and like a best friend. The graphics packages will be flexible and adaptable for use on all platforms, including mobile and online. Disney creative services creative director Simon Amster appointed Red Bee Media in June, following an initial four-way pitch that was subsequently whittled down to two. It is the first time that the consultancy has worked with Disney. |
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Disney Opera and Brokeback Mountain Shelved After Mortier's
Departure Broadway World - Variety is reporting that due to the recent departure of City Opera Artistic Director Gerard Mortier, some upcoming opera projects will be shelved. Among them, the adaption of the film "Brokeback Mountain" and a new opera based on the life of Walt Disney, "The Perfect American". Mortier reportedly left the organization, which like many arts organizations has been undergoing financial strain resulting in a series of layoffs, because of "budgetary constraints that would not allow him to achieve his programming goals." Back in June, it was announced that Charles Wuorinen was commissioned to write an opera adaptation of the popular film Brokeback Mountain., the 2005 romantic drama that depicts the complex romantic and sexual relationship between two men in the West over the course of twenty years. The film was directed by Ang Lee from a screenplay by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry, which they adapted from the short story "Brokeback Mountain" by Annie Proulx. The film starred the late Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams. Brokeback Mountain had the most nominations (eight) for the 78th Academy Awards, where it won three: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
Then in September,
following a meeting of New York City Opera's Board of Directors
Mortier, announced that City Opera would be commissioning Philip
Glass to compose a new opera, The Perfect American which
imaginatively explores the life and career of Walt Disney. Based
on the recent novel Der König von Amerika (translated into
English as The Perfect American) by Peter Stephan Jungk, the
opera, which was to be presented in collaboration with
Improbable, was scheduled to open City Opera's 2012-2013 season. Mr. Mortier reportedly hopes to take his commissions to another organization for production. |
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Sunday November 9, 2008 |
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Disney
Holds Up Well Despite Economic Downturn Disney's US bookings take a hit Ultimate Disney Charm Bracelet Dazzles The Season With 37 Of Your Favorite Characters ABC's stars hit Disney World to help celebrate final event Big Pharma Reps Use Disney Characters to Push Antipsychotic Drugs Youngster gets Disney role Marino and Verplank share Disney lead |
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Disney
Holds Up Well Despite Economic Downturn Seeking Alpha - Disney (DIS) reported its fourth quarter and full year earnings after the bell Thursday, and Wall Street has been trying to sort out the economic impact on the media giant, which so far has performed much better than its peers through the downturn. Disney reported net income of 40 cents a share, 43 cents per share if you exclude bad debt from Lehman Brothers Holdings' bankruptcy (about which Disney is suing) and other one-time items. Sales grew 5.8 percent to $9.45 billion, more than analysts expected. All eyes were on Disney's theme parks division as an indicator of how consumer spending is, and will, hold up. Sales at the division rose 6.5 percent to $2.97 billion, remarkable considering the economic downturn, while parks and resorts profits dropped to $412 million, down from $430 million in the year-earlier period. CEO Bob Iger said reservations have "fallen off considerably." The company doesn't ever give guidance, but it's clear that 2009 could be rough. Iger emphasized how much the theme park division has diversified its mix, investing more in lower-cost hotel rooms etc. In the post-earnings conference call, Iger announced a new promotion for the theme parks, giving four nights for the price of three, in order to drive traffic. The economic downturn also took its toll on the company's television division—ABC showed a $150 million loss as advertisers cut back. The TV division also carried higher pilot production costs that were pushed into this quarter by the Writers' Strike. In contrast, the company's cable networks, including ESPN and Disney Channel, did quite well. Growth in cable subscription fees offset any softness in advertising and the division earned $1.2 billion, up $116 million from the year ago quarter. Only about 19 percent of Disney's revenue comes from advertising, far less than many of its peers. The only division showing a drop in revenue was Disney's film business, down five percent from the year ago period. The summer quarter faced very tough comparisons with the year ago period which was bolstered by the huge success of Pirates of the Caribbean. And the division carried the costs of marketing Beverly Hills Chihuahua, a huge hit, but not released until after the end of the quarter. I sat down with CEO Bob Iger in an exclusive interview after the company's post-earnings conference call. He talked about the importance of delivering quality content through a rough economy; people will want to consume entertainment, so the goal becomes delivering the best content and building sustainable brands. Iger noted that its first in a series of straight-to-DVD Fairies movies built around the Tinkerbell character did phenomenally well, selling two million copies in the US in its first seven days on the market. Iger also touched on the fact that its capital position means that the company could make an acquisition. Rumors have been swirling that Disney could be interested in buying Electronic Arts (ERTS), as a way to extend its reach—and brands—into the video game space. Iger confirmed that it is just a rumor, but acknowledged that in this market, there could be some good opportunities. |
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Disney's US bookings
take a hit Although the group's theme parks, film and broadcasting businesses have weathered worsening credit market conditions this year, Disney said there had been a noticeable deterioration in the economic environment since the banking crisis in mid-September. Bookings at Disney's US theme parks have been particularly affected. Visitor attendance at the parks is holding up, with visitation down only 1 per cent on last year, but Mr Iger said forward bookings had declined. "The pace of bookings at our [US] parks has slowed meaningfully since the time of the Lehman bankruptcy," he said. "Consumer confidence is the lowest we've seen in over three decades and even the best products out there are being affected." He added the decline in forward bookings "could affect us during the holiday season and almost certainly during calendar 2009". The group has launched a significant discount program aimed at boosting bookings at its resorts, with visitors offered seven nights for the price of four. The economic slowdown has spread to the group's broadcasting and cable businesses. Turmoil in the auto industry hit fourth quarter advertising spend at Disney's ABC and ESPN networks, with electronics advertising also affected. Mr Iger said there had been a "significant softening" in the local ad market as well as a "slowing of the pace of national advertising". Mr Iger's caution comes amid deepening gloom in the media sector. News Corporation warned on Wednesday that 2009 profits could fall on a weaker advertising market. However, the Disney chief executive sounded an upbeat note about TV ratings, saying the financial crisis and the election had captured the attention of viewers. He also expressed confidence in the company's ability to weather a declining economy, saying Disney was in better shape than in 2001, when it last experienced such a challenging trading environment. "We're better prepared to manage through this than we were in 2001," he said. Net income for the three months fell from $877m to $760m while revenues rose from $8.9bn to $9.4bn. The decline in fourth quarter net income reflected a $91m pre-tax charge related to a bad debt from Lehman. For the full year, net income fell from $4.7bn to $4.4bn while revenues rose from $35.5bn to $37.8bn. Fourth quarter earnings per share were below expectations at $0.41, compared with $0.46 last time. Excluding the bad debt charge, earnings per share were $0.43, which was at the low end of the range forecast by analysts. The shares were down 46 cents, or 2 per cent, at $22.35 in after-market trading. Concerns about declining advertising hit media shares yesterday, with News Corp suffering a 16 per cent decline to $8.31. News Corp's Fox television network and its newspapers are suffering from sharp cutbacks in advertising from large US companies. Rupert Murdoch, chief executive, noted on Wednesday that General Motors had cut advertising spending by 50 per cent. |
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Ultimate Disney Charm Bracelet Dazzles The Season With 37 Of
Your Favorite Characters Introducing the Ultimate Disney Charm Bracelet, available from Collectibles Today. Stunning Disney jewelry from end to end, 37 beloved characters dangle and dance from the gleaming links in this 24K-gold plated charm bracelet. Each fully sculpted charm faithfully captures the magical artwork of Disney's skilled animators, and the bracelet is finished with a locking clasp and hallmark tag in the shape of Mickey's ears. Like this radiant Disney collectible charm bracelet, a treasure trove of unique handcrafted collectibles can be found at Collectibles Today. Visit us for perfect Disney Christmas gifts and celebrate a season of magic and joy. |
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ABC's stars hit Disney World to help celebrate final event Daytona Beach News-Journal - Actors Kassie DePaiva and Cameron Mathison have come to Central Florida for more than 10 years to mingle with their fans as part of Super Soap Weekend. DePaiva, who is Blair Cramer of "One Life To Live" and Mathison, who stars as Ryan Lavery of "All My Children" and is a former "Dancing with the Stars" celebrity, both said there's not a more loyal group of fans than soap fans. Kimberly McCullough, 30, Dr. Robin Scorpio on "General Hospital" agrees. She started on the show when she was just 7. Fans watched her grow up over the next 13 years. After a break, she returned to a big following in 2005. But this year will be their last for Super Soap Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios along with more than 30 other soap stars from the three ABC soaps, including Susan Lucci, Erica Kane of "All My Children." This marks the 13th and final year of the event on Nov. 15 and 16, when an estimated tens of thousands of fans are expected to swarm the park to meet their favorite stars. ABC is going to a new format next year with the Soap Nation Tour, featuring more nationwide events, including an already planned three-day March cruise. Some fans are signing a petition to try to continue Super Soap. Disney and ABC officials said the final Orlando event is expected to bring surprises. There will be sneak peeks of the shows and special events to honor the fans and the 45th anniversary of "General Hospital," the 40th anniversary of "One Life To Live" and the 10,000th episode of "All My Children," which airs this month. That soap has been on the air since 1970. Fans, as in the past, will have the chance to get autographs and party with actors at nightly street jams. Other festivities include a celebrity motorcade, talk shows and game shows with fan interaction and a chance to do a scene on stage with one of the actors. A regular park ticket is needed for admission into the event. "We are pulling out all the stops to show our appreciation," said Mathison, 39, who is headlining the weekend by hosting some events, including The Colgate Total Street Jam in which actors will sing and perform. Sherri Shepherd, co-host of ABC's "The View," will help host the jam. "(The daytime fans) are the most devoted fans in the world. We are in their living rooms every day." Mathison of New York City, whose wife and two children also will enjoy the Disney parks, has recently been a special correspondent for "Good Morning America," including interviewing some of the cast of "Desperate Housewives" for a segment sheduled to air this month. He was on "Dancing with the Stars" last year and said it was "incredibly tough." He said his partner and teacher Edyta Sliwinska "got me to move in ways I could not believe I was able to do." Meanwhile, DePaiva, 47, also of New York, who has been on "One Life To Live" since 1993 and previously on "Guiding Light," will be singing during the Street Jam. She said she also will be doing a duet with Bobbie Eakes, who stars as Krystal Martin on "All My Children." "It's really a fun time for both the fans and the stars," said DePaiva, whose son and husband, former "One Life To Live" star James DePaiva, will be coming to Disney. In addition to acting, DePaiva sang at the Grand Ole Opry and was a backup singer for soul singer Bobby Womack. DePaiva, Eakes and Kathy Brier, who plays Marcie on "One Life To Live," also will perform at various locations nationally as the Divas of Daytime. Ten years ago at Super Soap, she met a fan at a game show event who is now a "dear friend" and runs her Web site. Fans help yearly in raising funds for associations for the deaf and hard of hearing. Her son, James Quentin, 11, was born with a profound hearing loss and has cochlear implants. He recently appeared on "All My Children" for a story line about implants. McCullough, of "General Hospital" and "General Hospital: Night Shift," who is also a writer and director, has also seen the kindness of fans firsthand. Her character, Robin, was diagnosed HIV positive in 1995. The character's teen boyfriend later died on the show from AIDS. McCullough won two Daytime Emmy Awards for her performance during that time. The actress, along with her fans, helps to raise money annually for HIV programs and services. "I think Robin is a really good way of giving people hope -- the way they portray her as HIV positive, but living a normal life," McCullough said from her home in Los Angeles. In a historic move on "General Hospital: Night Shift," she performed in scenes recently with the actors who played her character's parents on "General Hospital" while growing up. She said it "was a surreal experience" working again with Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) and Finola Hughes (Anna Devane). "I'm very close to both of them," McCullough said. "They definitely took care of me growing up. They watched out for me and made sure I didn't get too many of the dirty jokes going on on set." McCullough's been coming to Super Soap Weekend for the past four years since returning to "General Hospital." She'll be there along with her co-star, Jason Thompson (Dr. Patrick Drake). On the show, the two characters recently had a baby and are often voted by fans as the favorite couple of "General Hospital." After Super Soap, McCullough plans to visit other Disney parks with her 6-year-old godson, his little sister and mother -- her high school best friend. "It's like the only time of year you get to see your fans and come face to face to them and talk to them," McCullough said. "It's just a lot of fun. This is the last chance. You snooze, you lose." |
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Big Pharma Reps Use Disney Characters to Push Antipsychotic
Drugs Natural News - How is this for creative selling? An AstraZeneca regional sales manager allegedly directed the sales reps in her region to use some of Winnie the Pooh’s well-known friends - specifically, Tigger and Eeyore - to promote the Seroquel antipsychotic. We are told the idea was conveyed at a national sales meeting and on field rides with sales reps, who were told to use Tigger as a bipolar patient and Eeyore - the down-in-the-mouth donkey - as a depressed patient. The reps were allegedly encouraged to use Tigger dolls as giveaways, for instance. Whether any of the reps actually did so is unclear. Nonetheless, an AstraZeneca spokesman tells us that the drugmaker is “investigating the allegations,” although he adds that “it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further, because it is an open investigation.” Who knows what lurks in the 100 Acre Woods? |
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Youngster gets Disney role Oxford Mail - Schoolboy Michael Selwood is only 11, but he is an old hand at television and drama productions and has just landed his biggest part yet. He is fronting a 12-week series on television’s Disney Channel called Oscar and Michael’s Phineas and Ferb Fan Club Show, after beating hundreds of other youngsters in auditions for the prized part. Michael is a former pupil of Benson Primary School and is now in his first year at Wallingford School. He has also been in the BBC drama Long Walk to Finchley, about Margaret Thatcher, several short films, and in a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He lives in Benson with parents Heather and Chuck and his 16-year-old brother Dominic. He saw members of the Thames Valley Drama School in action when he was six and he’s been treading the boards ever since. He said of his new Disney role: “I was really excited when I was picked. It is running for 12 weeks and goes out on the Disney Channel on Mondays at 10am. It’s lots of fun.” |
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Marino and
Verplank share Disney lead The Press Association - A final-hole bogey saw Scott Verplank lose the outright lead after the third round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic on Saturday. As a result of the dropped shot, the 44-year-old finished with a three-under-par 69 and will enter the final round in a tie for top spot with Steve Marino. Verplank, who is seeking his sixth PGA Tour victory and first since last year's Byron Nelson Championship, held a three-stroke lead over Marino and Troy Matteson after firing consecutive eight-under 64s. But he had a tougher time making birdies on Saturday, especially on the back nine. He was three-under at the turn after consecutive birdies and added his fourth birdie of the day at the 11th for the lead before his bogey at the last. He was joined on 19-under-par 197 by Marino, who shot a bogey-free 66 that featured three birdies on each nine. Verplank and Marino have a two-stroke cushion over Davis Love III (64) and Scott Sterling (66) in the final US PGA Tour tournament of the year which is being played on the Magnolia and Palm courses at Walt Disney World. Mateson (69), Tommy Gainey (66) and Robert Garrigus (68) are tied for fifth on 16 under. |
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The
Chronological Donald, Volume Four stars the short-tempered but
hilarious Donald Duck in 31 films dating from 1951 through 1961
and presented for the first time on DVD in the original
widescreen format. The final volume of the sputtering
superstar's collected shorts, "The Chronological Donald, Volume
Four" includes "Working for Peanuts," Donald's 1954 foray into
3D animation. Exclusive bonus features include: 
The
Mickey Mouse Club Presents: Annette stars Annette Funicello,
Disney's most beloved Mouseketeer, in an original 20-episode
serial on DVD for the 50th anniversary of the serial's
conclusion. Adorable Annette plays a spunky country orphan who
has to make big adjustments when she is sent to live with her
sophisticated city cousins. Devoted Mickey Mouse Club fans will
be delighted to see Tim Considine and David Stollery of Spin and
Marty in supporting roles. The DVD includes the following bonus
features: 
Based
on the popular series of three novels, Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of
Romney Marsh tells the story of a mild-mannered parson by day
who becomes the Scarecrow, an anonymous champion of the
oppressed by night. All three original TV episodes of this
Wonderful World of Disney miniseries are presented for the first
time ever in widescreen format, with an all-new digital
restoration 5.1 audio mix as well as the original restored mono
track. The DVD also includes the theatrical film version,
released exclusively in England. Bonus features include:
PR
Web - The magic of Disney has inspired many generations with
cinematic wonders and memorable characters. From their first
animations of a mouse named Mickey to today's highly imaginative
visions of Nemo, Belle, Simba and more, Disney has created a
legacy of enchantment.