Wednesday, October 31, 2012

My Thoughts on the Disney Purchase of Lucasfilm!

October 30, 2012! This will be a day long remembered! The day that Disney and Lucasfilm combined forces! Magic Kingdom meet the Galactic Empire!

The Walt Disney Studios has announced that they purchased George Lucas’ Lucasfilm Ltd. for an estimated $4.05 billion. Disney has also announced that they plan to make at least one and maybe several new Star Wars sequels, beginning with the release of Episode VII in 2015! Lucasfilm’s technology companies – LucasArts, Industrial Light + Magic and Skywalker Sound are also all part of this deal.

There’s obviously going to be TONS of additional details and coverage of this story in the coming days, weeks and months ahead!

Statement by George Lucas: “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Here are the details from the official Disney investors’ conference call yesterday afternoon:

Deal signed and announced earlier today – includes Star Wars franchise and all Lucasfilm operating businesses.
Indiana Jones franchise rights ARE also included in this deal.
Disney loves the Indiana Jones franchise, but it wasn't included in the studio’s Lucasfilm valuation due to its “encumbrances” (meaning existing financial/legal involvement of Paramount).
First project under the joint under Disney/Lucas partnership will be Star Wars: Episode 7 in 2015, followed by Episode 8 and Episode 9.
Disney purchased “extensive and detailed” treatment for Episodes 7-9 as part of this deal which they “feel very good about.”
Disney long term plan is to release a new live-action Star Wars film every 2-3 years – films may eventually explore entire 20,000 year time-span of the franchise.
It’s Lucas’ plan to stay retired, but he will serve as creative consultant on new Star Wars films. Kathleen Kennedy will executive produce. Both are now sitting down with writers to discuss stories.
Fox retains certain distribution rights to the existing Star Wars films but not the new franchise films going forward.
Kennedy will serve as Lucasfilm president, reporting to Bob Iger at Disney.
Disney plans to expand Star Wars brand into many new product categories and internationally.
Star Wars brand will also be expanded into Disney parks, games and TV businesses.
Iger feels Disney XD would be a good TV home for the franchise going forward.
Star Wars interactive strategy: Disney will focus more on social and mobile platforms, opportunistically on consoles.
Deal was 50% cash and 50% stock – $4.05 billion
Disney believes Lucasfilm value is comparable to value of Marvel, but valuation is only based on Star Wars alone – value of other Lucasfilm intellectual properties are in addition to this.
Disney plans to let ILM continue operating as it currently does.

Needless to say this is very exciting news! I, for one cannot even begin to think about all of the possibilities!This is something I have been wanting for sometime now! After Disney purchased Marvel I told people that all we need to do is purchase Lucasfilm!

Here are just some of the possibilities:

Not only new Star Wars attractions but a Star Wars Land or a Star Wars theme park! Imagine a fifth gate at WDW all based around Star Wars! Each land could be a different planet! Imagine those possibilities - Hoth, Naboo, Coruscant, Tatooine, etc.! Then let's not forget about the food, interactive experiences, the shows! I'm sure we can talk for days about a theme park!
Hopefully new Indiana Jones attractions or themed areas in the Disney Parks!
LucasArts taking over Disney Interactive to not only produce Star Wars related games but Disney ones as well! Maybe bring back something like VMK!
Star Wars TV Shows! Ok well at least one was in the works!
Maybe Paul Dini's Indiana Jones The Animated Series will be created! Paul did write the amazing Batman The Animated Series!
Clearly tons and tons of new merchandise tying Disney and Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

My head spins with what could happen! And this would just be the tip of the iceberg! Through in shows, interactive experiences, mobile apps, the list can go on and on and on! Such an exciting time to be a Disney fan as well as a Star Wars and Indiana Jones fan! All I know is that I bet next year's D23 Expo will be something to attend to find out much much more!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Disney's WRECK-IT RALPH!!

"Like" WRECK-IT RALPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph

"Follow" WRECK-IT RALPH on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wreckitralph

Visit the official site: www.disney.com/wreckitralph

Wreck-It Ralph smashes into theaters this Friday November 2^nd!!

Disney Purchases LucasFilm!

Watch the video of the announcement of Disney's acquisition of LucasFilm!

The Future of Star Wars Movies

George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy discuss the future of Star Wars movies.

Film Review: Wreck-It Ralph!

Insert quarters here!

I had been looking forward to this movie since last year's D23 Expo! I remember the presentation and was blown away by what I saw! They only showed a rough pencil sketch segment of the segment where all the video game villans were in a bad guys anonymous meeting called Bad Anon. The humor level plus all of the great cameos from some of the most well-known video game bad guys had me intrigued from the get go! I wanted to scream - Shut Up and Take My Quarters!

But before I get into my review of Wreck-It Ralph, let me review the short in front of it, Paperman! This is another project I have been following. It combines hand drawn animation with computer generated animation in a seamless way. The result is a short full of heart and so endearing that it is my new favorite short. By far the most beautiful looking and heartwarming animated short I have seen from Disney in a long time!

Now onto my review of Wreck-It Ralph! I had been following every step of this movie and got more and more excited as each month passed! Well, today was the day of (w)reckoning! Would Wreck-It Ralph hold up to my level of hype? Not only did it do that but it exceeded all of my expectations!

I was hooked by the idea that video game characters are alive much like the toys in Toy Story. I loved the idea of how Game Central Station is where all the characters went to meet their friends from other games. They did a brilliant job of creating the world! And that's one of the keys to good movie making, having a believable world!

We meet Ralph who has been doing the same job for the last 30 years without one bit of recognition for doing his job everyday. Truly his was a thankless job. Even when they throw a party for Fix-It Felix Jr., no one invites Ralph! Needless to say Ralph isn't too pleased with this.

The party is what sets Ralph off on a quest to become a hero! He believes this will give him the same level of respect and admiration that Felix gets! So, Ralph leaves his game to figure out how to become a hero!

Ralph enters the world of Hero's Duty! He quickly discovers that games have become more violent over the years. The world is infected by Cy-Bugs and as Ralph earns a medal he is launched from Hero's Duty into Sugar Rush Speedway with a Cy-Bug!

The Cy-Bug could lead to the destruction of Sugar Rush Speedway and to the entire arcade! But Ralph thinks that the Cy-Bug is gone and then meets a sarcastic young girl named Vanellope!

Their relationship doesn't start on a good note but as time goes on they develop a big brother-little sister relationship! The two characters are very similar in that they are both outcasts in their own world. As they continue to spend time together they see that they understand what the other is going through.

I don't want to spoil some really great surprises in this movie! You need to go see this one for yourself! From all the great retro video game characters as well as some great gamer gags, to some fun music (especially the fact that the guys that wrote Pac-Man Fever wrote a song for this movie), incredible visuals, but most importantly a lot of heart, makes Wreck-It Ralph my favorite animated movie of the year!

With Tangled, Winnie The Pooh and now Wreck-It Ralph, it does feel that the Third Golden Age of Disney Animation is here!

Review Over!

I'm Gonna Watch It Again!

Wreck-It Ralph After Party Photos!

Wreck-It Ralph Red Carpet Photos!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Giveaway: Cheer Bear Animation Cel from the Care Bears!

Donated by the amazing John from Memory Lane Animation, you have a chance to win this fantastic animation cel featuring Cheer Bear from the ever popular Care Bears! The giveaway begins today and ends on November 9th! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, October 28, 2012

THe Care Bears Animation Cell Giveaway Vote!

Vote for which Care Bears animation cell will be given away!

The First Sasaki Time Video: Introduction!

Here is the new major feature of Sasaki Time! Tell me what you think!

Apple Bloody Splatter Cocktail Recipe!

Ingredients

2 ounces unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
1 ounce freshly squeezed juice from 1 orange
1 ounce bourbon
1/2 ounce Averna
1 egg white
Garnish: Rhubarb syrup or pomegranate molasses (see notes)

Procedures

Combine apple juice, orange juice, bourbon, Averna and egg white in shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 10 seconds to emulsify egg white.
Add ice and shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into serving glass. Drizzle with rhubarb syrup and serve.

Note: the cocktail is spattered with a rhubarb syrup. I bought mine in a specialty store, but the syrup is easy to make at home if so desired.) Drip the syrup along the rim of the glass for a bloody effect suitable for Halloween. You can also drizzle with pomegranate molasses if preferred.

Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/10/apple-bloody-spatter-cocktail-recipe-halloween-drinks-recipe.html

Hot Ginger Apple Cider With Applejack Recipe!

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
4 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
5 (1/8th-inch-thick) slices peeled ginger
4 ounces applejack
Garnish: 4 cinnamon sticks

Procedures

In a medium saucepan, bring apple cider, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon and ginger to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let it infuse for 10 minutes.
Add applejack and pour through a strainer into serving glasses. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/10/ginger-apple-cider-with-applejack-mulled-cider-recipe.html

Earl of Sandwich: Special Facebook Discount for New Downtown Disney Anaheim Location!

From Earl of Sandwich Facebook page:

"Our new Downtown Disney Anaheim location opens on 10/29! Mention this post and receive 25% off your order through 11/1!"

So just mention that you saw this post on Facebook and get your discount!

Earl of Sandwich Grand Opening Set for November 2 in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

The official Grand Opening Ceremony is set for November 2! We are thrilled since this is the only Earl of Sandwich location in California, and we have many guests eagerly anticipating this new location.

Construction is almost complete, and then comes the fun part – testing out all those delicious sandwiches. Known as the “World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich,” the Earl of Sandwich was created by a direct descendent of John Montague, the earl who invented the sandwich in 1792. Each day, the restaurant bakes fresh artisan bread and roasts meats using traditional family recipes. The restaurant will offer 14 different sandwiches, all priced at $6.99, including The Original 1792, pictured here, with roast beef, sharp cheddar cheese and creamy horseradish.

Stay tuned for more details about the restaurant and the grand opening, and be sure to stop by on your next visit!

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Fix-It Felix Hammer by Fix-It Felix, Jr.

Tired of things going wrong? Don't get down, get the Fix-It Felix Hammer from Wreck-It Ralph's Fix-It Felix, Jr!

Wreck-It Ralph is in theaters in 3D November 2, 2012. Get tickets now: http://di.sn/b5A

Like Wreck-It Ralph on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph

Follow Wreck-It Ralph on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WreckItRalph

Official Site: http://disney.go.com/Wreck-It-Ralph/

Wreck-It Ralph (voice of Reilly) longs to be as beloved as his game's perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix (voice of McBrayer). Problem is, nobody loves a Bad Guy. But they do love heroes... so when a modern, first-person shooter game arrives featuring tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Lynch), Ralph sees it as his ticket to heroism and happiness. He sneaks into the game with a simple plan—win a medal—but soon wrecks everything, and accidently unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph's only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Silverman), a young troublemaking "glitch" from a candy-coated cart racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. But will he realize he is good enough to become a hero before it's "Game Over" for the entire arcade?

2012 Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony Narrators Announced

Here is the expanded schedule for the 2012 Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony and Processional. Candlelight is being extended to a total of 20 nights at Disneyland park this year, for the first time in its history, with two performances each night. Below is the list of currently scheduled narrators for shows from December 1-20:

Dec. 1-2: Dennis Haysbert (actor)*
Dec. 3-5: Kurt Russell (actor and Disney Legend)
Dec. 6-8: TBA
Dec. 9-11: Lou Diamond Phillips (actor)
Dec. 12-13: Dick Van Dyke (actor and Disney Legend)
Dec. 14: Marcia Gay Harden (actress)
Dec. 15-16: Patricia Heaton (actress)
Dec. 17-19: Molly Ringwald (actress)
Dec. 20: Dennis Haysbert (actor)

Please note that narrators are subject to change without notice.
*December 1-2 performances are by invitation only, as they have been since 1958, when Walt Disney first held these private celebrations to thank partners in the community for their support throughout the year.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe!

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (not natural or reduced fat)

3 tablespoons honey or 2/3 - 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/3 cup chopped salted peanuts, optional

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 – 1 teaspoon coarse salt, optional

18 ounces good quality white chocolate (like Callebaut)

Instructions

In a medium bowl mix peanut butter, honey or sugar, vanilla and the optional salt and peanuts, if using, with a fork until well combined. Taste and add additional sugar/salt if desired. Refrigerate.
Line a mini muffin tin or baking sheet with aluminum candy cups or mini baking cups.
Use a double boiler to melt half of the chocolate. Alternately use the chocolate setting on your microwave, checking and stirring every 15 seconds.
Drop about a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate into the bottom of each liner and use the back of a spoon or a small pastry brush to draw the chocolate up the sides. Refrigerate about 20 minutes or until chocolate is set.
Scoop out small balls of peanut butter and flatten and form them to fit inside the cups leaving room at the top to cover them with chocolate.
Melt the remaining chocolate and drop 1/2 teaspoonfuls over the top of each one, smooth out and refrigerate until set. Store long-term in the refrigerator or freezer.

Source: http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/crunchy-white-chocolate-peanut-butter-cups/

Meet the Cast of Wreck-It Ralph

Wreck-It Ralph is in theaters in 3D November 2, 2012.

Like Wreck-It Ralph on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph

Follow Wreck-It Ralph on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WreckItRalph

Official Site: http://disney.go.com/Wreck-It-Ralph/

Wreck-It Ralph (voice of Reilly) longs to be as beloved as his game's perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix (voice of McBrayer). Problem is, nobody loves a Bad Guy. But they do love heroes... so when a modern, first-person shooter game arrives featuring tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Lynch), Ralph sees it as his ticket to heroism and happiness. He sneaks into the game with a simple plan—win a medal—but soon wrecks everything, and accidently unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph's only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Silverman), a young troublemaking "glitch" from a candy-coated cart racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. But will he realize he is good enough to become a hero before it's "Game Over" for the entire arcade?

The Art of Pumpkin Sculpting at Disneyland Park

The pumpkins at the Halloween Carnival at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree are works of art created by our pumpkin sculptors. Yes -- they are pumpkin sculptors, not pumpkin carvers. This video shows their considerable talent as they transform pumpkins into popular Disney characters. Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/PSzqXK

Check out the blog: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/disneyparks
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneyparksblog
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=disneyparks
Find more videos: http://www.youtube.com/disneyparks

Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection [Blu-ray] (2012) for $14.99 (25%) + eligible for Free Shipping!

Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection [Blu-ray] (2012)

Dave Foley (Actor), Derek Richardson (Actor), Kevin Deters (Director), Stevie Wermers (Director) | Rated: G | Format: Blu-ray

(3 customer reviews)

List Price:	~~$20.00~~
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This title will be released on November 6, 2012.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Discovery Science Center Collaborates with Cal State Fullerton for 5th Annual Pumpkin Launch

Discovery Science Center and Future Scientists and Engineers of America are teaming up for the 5th annual Pumpkin Launch on Saturday, November 10th. Families and friends of all ages are invited to this free event hosted at California State University, Fullerton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., held rain or shine.

This family fun occasion offers a variety of activities for visitors to take part in. Engineer enthusiasts can witness pumpkins being launched with self-made trebuchets and other catapulting devices. For a more hands-on lesson on projectiles, children are invited to build their own miniature catapults out of popsicle sticks and launch marshmallows. Other interactive activities at the Pumpkin Launch include pop rocket building and a rubber band and whiffle ball catapult station. A medieval showcase by Adrian Empire will also present different costumes, weapons, weaving materials, and other tales of past times.

Guests who arrive on an empty stomach will be able to satisfy their cravings with unique cuisine while supporting local food trucks, including: Spudrunners, Barcelona-on-the-Go, The Lime Truck, Dogzilla, Pogi Boy, Crepes Bonaparte, plus many more!

This event is designed to give adolescents the opportunity to see what a college campus is like and to introduce them to academics in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related industries. Families not only get to enjoy time together, but they can learn about the science of flying pumpkins and other objects in a creative and interactive way.

“The annual Pumpkin Launch provides young people the opportunity to visit a university campus, interact with student engineers and consider an academic and lifelong career in a STEM related field,” says Discovery Science Center Vice President of Education, Janet Yamaguchi. “Also, it’s great fun to see amazingly engineered devices in action, launching pumpkins toward the targets!”

Registration for the Pumpkin Launch is now open online. For more information about this event and to register visit http://www.discoverycube.org/pumpkinlaunch.

About Discovery Science Center
Imaginations run wild with 120 hands-on exhibits at Discovery Science Center (DSC), Orange County’s leading destination for hands-on science entertainment. Take the Eco Challenge and become a green superhero, feel the power of a real rocket engine launch and explore the inner workings of a two-story tall dinosaur! DSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting educators with teaching science and technology and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. For further information, visit http://www.discoverycube.org or call (714) 542-2823.

California Wine Club: Discount Offer and Holiday Raffle!

Since 1990 The California Wine Club has grown by word of mouth. They only feature real-working artisan wineries. Try the club for yourself (or send a gift) and experience what has made us America's oldest and most trusted wine club.

To learn more about the California Wine Club, why not hear from the owners themselves? Watch the video below:
Here is your opportunity to give a fun and unique gift to yourself or to your friends and family who are wine lovers from the fine people at the California Wine Club!

The link below will let you see and set up the various levels of wine club memberships that the California Wine Club offers! Use the code Blog10 for a 10% discount!

California Wine Club makes for a fun and unique Holiday Gift!

Enter here for your chance to be one of the 104 winners to receive one of these prizes:
1) One of four, Three Month Wine Club membership (A $150 value you can give as a gift, or keep for yourself)
2) One of 50 handy Two Bottle Wine Totes ($25 value)
3) One of 50 Red Tulip Music wine country CD's ($15 value)

Click the link below to enter the first month of their raffle contest!

California Wine Club Raffle Contest!

They have 52 prizes to giveaway in November and 52 more to giveaway in December!

Candy Corn Martini with Pop Rocks Rim Recipe!

This Halloween themed Martini is fun and festive with Candy Corn Vodka and Pop Rocks rimming the glass!

Ingredients

1 ounce of Candy Corn Vodka
½ ounce of Vanilla Infused Vodka
¾ ounces of Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth
A few dashes Angostura Bitters
2-3 packages ‘Pumpkin Patch Orange’ (green and orange mix) Pop Rocks

Instructions

Place pop rocks into a shallow flat bowl or plate. Rim a cocktail glass with a lemon slice and dip glass into the pop rocks, twisting the glass to create full rim.
In a shaker with ice, combine the vodkas, vermouth and bitters. Shake and strain into prepared cocktail glass.

Source: http://boulderlocavore.com/2012/10/candy-corn-martini-with-pop-rocks-rim.html

The Stanley Cup Visits Disneyland!

The iconic Stanley Cup has been touring the Southern California area recently to celebrate the LA Kings NHL championship win. Yesterday, it stopped at Disneyland park to visit two other icons: Mickey Mouse and Sleeping Beauty Castle!