Chas' Adventures

2011-03-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

2011-03-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

2011-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

2011-02-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

Let the Memories Begin

2011-01-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is what?

2010-02-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Random Photos

2009-03-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

News Bureau Outing - Resorts/Downtown Disney team (Christie, me, Mish, Rod and Patti) at Wilderness Lodge

Disney's Dreamers Academy team

Kim Possible Excursion with Mish, Kim Wiley and Mom Blogger Stephanie Fauquet (and of course Paris :)

A little blurry of Leanne, Laura and I at the American Idol Experience Premiere

Dreamers Academy Event team

Congrats

2009-02-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

My friend Juliana just got her citizenship! Congrats!

Congratulations

2009-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

To my good friends Warren and Megan Barfield and their new bundle Warren III.

Salvation Army Photos

2009-01-05T11:27:00.001-08:00

I was out of town when the PR dept helped distribute toys; so I did it with our Special Events team. We helped out at the Salvation Army. And we were in the mix with peeps from Universal and Sea World. We had a great time.

Our Team

Our Universal friends

All of us together

Birthday Video

2008-12-23T18:08:00.001-08:00

Why do I sound like I'm on helium?

The Big 40

2008-12-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

We had my brother Tom's 40th birthday at the California Grill.

Tom, Mom and Bob

Richard (Tom and Edward's friend), Edward (Tom's roommate), Betty (Edward's Mother), Doug (Edward's Brother)

The Big Reveal

Salvation Army

2008-12-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

Had a great day with the Special Events team handing out toys at the Salvation Army. Sorry for the blurry photos.

Ms Mary

Santa Visits

San Fran

2008-12-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Pics from our event in San Francisco.

The gang

LA

2008-12-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Pictures from the Rotunda at the Walt Disney Studios.

San Fran

2008-12-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

Had a great event in San Francisco in a place called Casa Del Vista on Treasure Island, just off the Bay Bridge. Wonderful views of the city and bridges. Check out the video.

All For Me

2008-12-10T15:49:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Parade

2008-12-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

Washington DC

2008-11-28T16:12:00.001-08:00

Here's some video of our fabulous set up in Washington DC

Charm City

2008-11-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Those who know me, know I LOVE the Food Network and my favorite show is Ace of Cakes. My travels finally took me to Baltimore, which, of course, meant a geeky trip to the Charm City Cakes office :)

Chicago, Part 2

2008-11-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

Had great events in Chicago and Washington DC. Here's the team David, Cullen, Debby, Heather, Chef Brian, Ed, Dusty and Jason.

Chicago

2008-11-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Visited my friend Jen in Chicago. Her mom, gma and I went to see Wicked and had a few minutes to kill; so we went in to see the Macy's tree and windows.

More Fooling Around With The Flip

2008-10-26T09:40:00.001-07:00

Singing "Happy Birthday to Kayla"

New High School Musical Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Help

2008-10-23T15:42:00.001-07:00

Anyone know any Grammy voters? My friend Kerry's album is Grammy eligible.

http://www.kerrybutler.net/grammys.htm

My First Video

2008-10-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

My friends Kenny and Jen (Thanks guys) got me this Flip Camera for my birthday. Here's my first video from my lunch with friend Pam at Houston's.

Patti

2008-10-19T14:54:00.001-07:00

We celebrated my friend Patti's birthday on Friday. It isn't for another week, but this was the only way we could surprise her. If you couldn't tell by the photo, she's the big 50 this year. Happy Birthday Patti!

More NOJ Coverage

2008-09-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

CCM has just published their video/blog coverage of Night of Joy. You can hear me in a couple of these videos- Casting Crowns (correcting Mark on the name of Expedition Everest - sorry Mark)

http://www.cmcentral.com
http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/blogs/11582377/

Cut from the MercyMe video was me asking them about their "Cover Tune Grab Bag" - WHICH I LOVE!!! - The latest Cover Tune Grab Bag is "It's The End of the World As We Know It" from REM - http://mercyme.org/blog/

Mickey's Not-So-Scary

2008-09-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

Went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom last night. Got to hang out with some of the moms from the Disney Mom's Panel.

www.DisneyWorld.com/moms

Fireworks from the Train Station

Mom's panelist Darcie gets a special note from Goofy

Goofy stopped by to watch Fireworks.
Me with Justin, our Chief Magic Official! Justin had LOTS of candy
Perimeter fireworks!

Goofy stops by to say hi!
I know - Which one is goofy?

The Lonesome Strangers gave us a private concert - Grim Grinning Ghosts

Autism Walk

2008-09-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Two Saturdays ago (September 13, 2008) my cousins Chris and Eli with extended family members and friends participated in the Tennessee Walk for Autism.

Also, here is some information that we received from the corporate offices for Autism Speaks:

We Did It!

Thank you for your support of the Inaugural Tennessee Walk Now for Autism! On Saturday, over 2,000 people came together at Nashville Superspeedway and raised over $190,000 for autism research, family services, awareness, and advocacy. Without each of you, this would not have been possible, and for that, we thank you. Together, we made a difference in the lives of so many.

About Autism Speaks:Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.

Eli

Eli and Friend
Chris and Eli

Chris and Eli

My Friend Jen's new promotion

2008-09-24T12:39:00.001-07:00

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/fry-inc-announces-new-marketing/story.aspx?guid=%7B18D01CB6-92EB-4924-AA75-C17E1CC9BF70%7D&dist=hppr

Night of Joy Photos

2008-09-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

More Photos from Night of Joy

Aaron Shust
Brandon Heath

Casting Crowns

Former American Idol Finalist Mandisa (She was GREAT!)

MercyMe

tobyMac (and the "Diverse-City Crew")

Rush Of Fools

Chris Tomlin

Matthew West

Phelps Video

2008-09-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Disney Mom's Panelist Bret found me in this Michael Phelps video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Kt16iEJH8&fmt=18

I'm about 5:35 minutes in to the 7-minute clip.

Thanks Bret. His Twitter is DonaldDuckDad if you want to follow him.

Chas

Night of Joy blogs

2008-09-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Some Night of Joy artists blogged about their visits including

Mark Hall of Casting Crowns
http://castingcrowns.typepad.com/

Juan from Casting Crowns
http://castingcrowns3.typepad.com/casting_crowns

_guys_blog/2008/09/orlandorific.html

Chris Tomlin
http://www.christomlin.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Night-of-Joy-in-Disney-this-weekend.html&Itemid=29

Brandon Heath
http://www.brandonheath.net/updatesinfo.php?id=13

Aaron Shust
http://aaronshust.blogspot.com/2008/09/im-going-to-disney-world.html

PureNRG
http://www.purenrgonline.com/blog/caroline/i-love-florida

Night of Joy Photos

2008-09-09T06:14:00.001-07:00

Rita, Me, Leni and Mary at the Disney Radio Studios during Night of Joy. One of my less sweatier moments :)

Wild Adventures

2008-09-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

Went to Valdosta Ga, to see my friends in Third Day at the Wild Adventures amusement park. My friends David, Heidi, Max and Abby went with me. Great Concert!

Michael Phelps Comes to WDW

2008-08-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20222196,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines

Natalie Grant Concert

2008-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Darcy and her daughters Danielle and Denae with singer Natalie Grant.

Chapmans Speak

2008-08-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were on Good Morning America this morning doing their first interview since the tragic loss of their 5 year old daughter Maria. The video (10 mins) is on the ABC site. It starts after a 1 min commercial plays - http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5524419

Steven and his wife, Mary Beth will be together on CNN's Larry King Live tomorrow night. And People magazine is doing a big story with them that hits news stands on Aug 15th.

I can't watch the entire video yet - Maybe some day.

Win Night of Joy tickets

2008-08-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Win tickets to Night of Joy at Walt Disney World from CCMMagazine.com

http://www.ccmmagazine.com/just_for_you/giveaways/11580161/

Look at MercyMe's Q&A
http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11580212/.

Or Chat about your Night of Joy experience in their forums -

http://forums.ccmmagazine.com/
Disney's_Night_of_Joy/m_3678151/mpage_1/tm.htm#3678151

http://forum.cmcentral.com/index.php?showtopic=47835

Third Day Countdown

2008-07-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Third Day is counting down to the release of their new CD, Revelation. It's REALLY good! Pre-order or make your plans to get it on July 29.

http://thirdday.blogs.com/

Natalie Grant Rocks?

2008-07-14T14:48:00.001-07:00

Not exactly a sentence you hear every day, but it seems to be true. Check out her video for "I Will Not Be Moved"

http://youtube.com/nataliegrantvideos

When Boring Celebrities Fight

2008-07-10T14:46:00.001-07:00

The good-natured competition between actor Ed Begley Jr. and Bill Nye, the host of the educational series "Bill Nye, the Science Guy" began when Nye moved into the neighborhood two years ago. Since then the two moderately famous and slightly geeky environmentalists have matched wits over whose home can leave a smaller carbon footprint.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080710/ap_on_re_us
/celebrity_green_off;_ylt=AnP15VNWb1dREppwjvIeuoqs0NUE

Cover Tune Grab Bag

2008-06-19T12:03:00.001-07:00

MercyMe's latest "cover" - Rick Astley's "Never Going to Give You Up!" http://mercyme.org/blog/2008/06/19/cover-tune-grab-bag-never-gonna-give-you-up/

Hilarious!

Twitter vs. Blog

2008-06-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

Been Twittering a lot lately; so I thought I'd blog a sec. Had a great day in NYC, despite the rain. Caught up with a couple of media contacts. And when my 4 p.m. meeting was moved til tomorrow, I caught up with my friends Greg and Janna (the two on the left) in Lower Manhattan.

We shopped up and down Canal Street. Toured Little Italy, Noho and Soho and ate at a quaint little Italian restaurant named Il Palazzo on Mulbery Street, home of the famed Dr. Seuss book "And To Think It Happened On Mulberry Street".

And although the sign on a neighboring restaurant said it had "The Best Cannaloni on Planet Earth," we all three had the cannaloni special at Il Palazzo; and it was some of the best pasta I've ever eaten.

We also went to the famed Magnolia Bakery and got cupcakes - A REAL New York-y day.

It rained throughout the day and I looked like a wet dog for most of it, but that's what friends are for :)

Twitter

2008-06-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

I resisted for a LONG time, but I have started to Twitter. So, for those who complain I don't blog enough - Heidi - you can follow me there - http://twitter.com/ChasInc2

This is my team at the new Starbucks across the street. Not really having anything to do with Twittering, but I like to have photos with each post.

Cover Tune Grab Bag

2008-06-10T09:07:00.001-07:00

Christian Group MercyMe have put some interesting covers on their blog. Today's is "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" from Cyndi Lauper :)

http://mercyme.org/blog/2008/06/10/cover-tune-grab-bag-girls-just-wanna-have-fun/

Photos from Shuttle Launch

2008-06-10T08:38:00.001-07:00

Weddings Galore

2008-06-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

My friends Buck and Claudine got married this weekend. Mazal Tov!

Buzz in Space

2008-05-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Heading to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday to see the Space Shuttle Discovery Launch. Here's our initiative.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It's a dream come true for Buzz Lightyear as Disney Parks and NASA send the 12-inch-tall action figure "to infinity and beyond!" Buzz Lightyear will blast off aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-124. Liftoff from Kennedy Space Center is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. ET on May 31.

Outings

2008-05-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Went to Sea World on Saturday with Pat and Kenny.

Trying to make dinner reservations. Pat's dog Kansas (a kerran terrier, directly related to Toto from the "Wizard of Oz) needed to go to the kennel, but there was a mix-up on times and we had to leave right away to make sure they go there before the kennel closed.

Laura, an artist wanted to practice on someone, so Pat sat for her. She's very talented.

Condolences

2008-05-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

© 2007 Tucker Photography.(Left to right Will Franklin, Maria, Steven, Shaoey, Mary Beth, Stevey Joy, Caleb and Emily)

I was planning on blogging about American Idol today, but life has a way of changing the best laid plans. My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman, who lost his five-year-old daughter Maria yesterday in a tragic accident. The Chapman's adopted Maria from China, as they had two other daughters Shaoey and Stevie Joy; and have dedicated their lives to helping those who want to adopt from China through their foundation called Shoahannah's Hope. http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer

Words can never express the horror of losing a child. But for those who have faith, we also have hope.

Psalm 34:18-19 says: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Please keep The Chapmans in your thoughts and prayers throughout the coming weeks.

New Music Tuesday

2008-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Lots of great new music coming out today including Tenth Avenue North.

Had dinner with these guys last night and saw part of their show. Their new single "Love is Here" is getting some great play on Christian radio. Even better live. Hope you got home to West Palm ok today.

http://www.amazon.com/Over-Underneath-Tenth-Avenue-North/dp/B00175G7CM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211303314&sr=8-2

And another friend Warren Barfield. Love is Not a Fight is the first single. Great singer/songwriter.

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Fighting-Warren-Barfield/dp/B00175G7EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211303388&sr=1-1

CHECK THEM BOTH OUT!

Quote of the Day

2008-05-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

It's "a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of all involved," Disney's Stovall said.

To read more of my pithy comments regarding our media preview of Toy Story Mania! today in Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-rideopen1408may14,0,7929879.story

Spectacular CD - and a great honor!

2008-05-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Kerry, who is currently starring in Xanadu on Broadway, has a new album of Disney-related songs - released today! - AND SHE WAS JUST NOMINATED FOR A TONY!

It's a great collection of favorites and a couple of unreleased songs that were given specifically to her.

Tracks:
1. This Only Happens in the Movies" - A song written for a proposed sequel to Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
2. "When You Wish Upon a Star" - Disney's Pinnochio
3. "I’ll Try" - Disney's Return to Neverland
4. "Call Me a Princess" - written, but never released for Disney's Aladdin
5. "Colors of the Wind" - Disney's Pocahontas
6. "It’s a Small World/God Help the Outcasts" - Theme Park Ride Song/Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
7. "Baby Mine" - Disney's Dumbo
8. "Minnie’s Yoo Hoo" - From the Disney short film
9. "Second Star to the Right" - Disney's Peter Pan
10. "The Bare Necessities" - Disney's The Jungle Book
11. "When She Loved Me" - Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2
12. "Disneyland" - from Marvin Hamlisch muscial Smile

You can get it through her Web site:

http://www.kerrybutler.net/

Or at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Trust-Pixie-Kerry-Butler/dp/B001608R1C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210695311&sr=8-1

Baby Names

2008-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Biblical Names Again Dominate List of Most Popular Baby Boy Names

Emily again topped the list of most popular baby girl names last year, registering as No. 1 for the 12th straight time. Jacob led among names for boys for the ninth year in a row.

Biblical names continued to dominate the boys' list. Besides Jacob, other top picks for boys were Michael, Joshua and Matthew.

For girls, Isabella, Emma and Ava came after Emily, which has been the most popular female name since 1996.

Rounding out the top 10 for girls, in order, were Madison, Sophia, Olivia, Abigail, Hannah and Elizabeth.

The list for boys also includes Ethan, Daniel, Christopher, Anthony, William and Andrew.

Name experts have said the staying power of the top names may have something to do with appealing to multiple ethnic or religious groups and having no widespread negative connotations. Emily also has literary associations, including Emily Dickinson, evoking images of a woman who is both beautiful and smart, professors say.

For male twins, parents were most likely to combine Jacob with Joshua, Matthew with Michael and Daniel with David. The most popular combination for female twins was Ella and Emma.

Also popular in 2007 were names for girls that were based on spiritual and philosophical concepts. Rising to No. 31 was Nevaeh, or "heaven" spelled backwards; it previously ranked 43rd. Also represented in 2007 were Destiny (No. 41); Trinity (No. 72); Serenity (No. 126); Harmony (No. 315) and Miracle (No. 461). Cutting against the trend was Armani (No. 971).
Parents were less likely to name their sons based on spiritual concepts, although the 2007 list includes Sincere (No. 622) and Messiah (No. 723).

Social Security began compiling the name lists in 1997. The agency offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880 on the agency's Web site at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast

Girls:
1) Emily
2) Isabella
3) Emma
4) Ava
5) Madison
6) Sophia
7) Olivia
8) Abigail
9) Hannah
10) Elizabeth

Boys:
1) Jacob
2) Michael
3) Ethan
4) Joshua
5) Daniel
6) Christopher
7) Anthony
8) William
9) Matthew
10) Andrew

Grandma's Favorite T-Shirt

2008-04-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

My brother recently found this photo. This is of my grandmother's birthday. We surprised her at Maggianos with a party.

The T-shirt she's wearing was her favorite. She wore it EVERYWHERE. I can't remember where she originally saw it, but the minute she did, she had to have one just like it.

GMA

2008-04-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week is a very special week for my brethren/sistren in Christian Music, Gospel Music Association week, culmination in the 2008 Dove Awards tomorrow night.

http://www.gospelmusic.org/

The awards will be telecast Live this year on the Gospel Music Channel, which unfortunately, we don't get here in Orlando cable - only on Satellite.

They should be in full swing in downtown Nashville right now. Lots of early morning interviews, reunions and deal making.

Good luck to everyone. Get some sleep when you can. I'm with you in spirit.

Chas

Leaving/Port

2008-04-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's more than a week since we left for the cruise. I didn't know what to expect. My past cruising history isn't that good (If you don't know that story, we probably don't know each other that well).

All in all, it was a great trip. Good friends. As most cruisers who leave from Port Tampa do, we made a pit stop at the Florida Aquarium before we set sail.

http://www.flaquarium.org/

I hadn't been there since it opened in 1995. I worked for The Tampa Tribune at the time in their Special Sections department and we created the Special Section for the Aquarium's opening. Memories.

Getting Ready
Getting Ready, Part 2
The Carnival "Inspiration" from the top deck at the Florida Aquarium.
Pat at the Aquarium

Postcards from Hell

2008-04-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

I can't right-click on this computer, otherwise I would post photos, but we went on a shore excursion in Grand Cayman today. Our first stop is a small spot on Grand Cayman which is actually called Hell.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Grand_Cayman

This weird little spot actually has a post office where one of the "things" people do is send postcards and other assorted mail to friends and family postmarked from "Hell."

I don't think my friends or family will find this amusing; so I don't do it.

More on Grand Cayman Turtle farm and Stingray excursion later.

I don't have many pics as three of the four friends I'm sailing with are shutterbugs to the nth degree and it seems redundant for me to take the same photos.

Tomorrow: Cozumel and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum.

Sailing

2008-04-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sailing on the Carnival Inspiration this week.

http://www.carnival.com/Ship_Detail.aspx?shipCode=IS

New Third Day

2008-04-09T07:58:00.001-07:00

If yu want a taste of the new Third Day album, Revelation, you can now download the first single "Call My Name" from Amazon.

It's really great, BTW.

http://www.amazon.com/Call-My-Name/dp/B0016UDC44/ref=pd_ts_th_2?pf_rd_p=365487001&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=163856011&pf_rd_m=

ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0HYV6VN4MRJ89ZQA60NW

Latest Quote

2008-04-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not often quoted, but when I am, I make it count :)

http://www.forbestraveler.com/luxury/luxury-disney-world-story.html?partner=fp_disney

Star-Powered, 16-Act Lineup Slated for Night of Joy 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2008-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Me and Casting Crowns.

Star-Powered, 16-Act Lineup Slated for Night of Joy 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, tobyMac, Rebecca St. James, Aaron Shust and Fred Hammond among acts performing Sept. 5-6

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort, regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, will feature a 16-act lineup Sept. 5-6 that includes Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as current Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Aaron Shust plus 2004 Artist of the Year MercyMe and enduringly popular tobyMac and Rebecca St. James.

Now in its 26th year, Night of Joy is moving to a new venue, Disney's Hollywood Studios, which features both outstanding concert locations and must-do thrill attractions. Guests attending Night of Joy, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular theme park hours), can combine an evening of rockin' Christian music with the thrills and chills of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror plus the shoot-'em-up fun of Toy Story Mania! slated for a summer premier.

Concerts will take place at several stage locations, with eight national recording acts performing each evening. Here's how they'll line up:

Sept. 5 -- Tomlin, MercyMe, St. James, BarlowGirl, Matthew West, Rush of Fools, Brandon Heath and Britt Nichole.

Sept. 6 -- Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Fred Hammond, Marcos Witt, Mandisa, Shust, RED and Pure NRG.

The lineup represents a continuation of Night of Joy's historic blend of musical talents -- from Christian pop and rock to contemporary Gospel, Urban and hip-hop to Praise and Worship. Half of this year's acts have won Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, one of Christian music's highest honors. More than one million guests have experienced Night of Joy from 1983 through 2007, a 25-year period during which the event was held in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

Money-saving ticket options are currently available. One-night tickets purchased in advance are $44.95 (a $5 per ticket savings compared to tickets purchased on event days -- if available). Guests can save even more with a two-night ticket available in advance for $75.95. Individual tickets can be purchased by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy.

Youth groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by visiting www.nightofjoy.com/2008 or by calling 877/648-3569. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early as the event has sold out in recent years.

DWTS

2008-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

A new season of Dancing With The Stars has started. The Men started yesterday. They were ok. Jason Taylor from the Miami Dolphins and R&B singer Mario were the best. One of the weirdest pairings is comedian Adam Corolla and last year's dancer winner Julianne Hough.

Good Friends

2008-03-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

One of the great perks of my job is being able to share the parks with friends. My good friends Kenny (from San Fransisco) and Jen (from Chicago - where it's COLD now) were in town this weekend.

The Magic Kingdom was PACKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Us leaving - We look BEAT!

Jen, me with our friends Pat and David.
Dinner at Sonny's with my mom and Bob!
Waiting for the monorail.

Dumbo anyone!

NYC, Part 2

2008-03-11T13:37:00.001-07:00

Joyce, Pam, "Iron Chef" Cat Cora, Barb, me

Went up to New York last week to launch of our new original programming for Disney's Travel on Demand, including an exciting new show called "Disney's What's Cooking With Cat Cora," featuring Celebrity Chef Cora making sumptuous dishes for guests of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Launched across the country in May 2007, Disney Travel on Demand brings exclusive, interactive programs featuring a number of interesting topics from Disney Parks around the world to viewers of CableVision and Time Warner Cable.

The new show, hosted by Chef Cora, is just the latest vehicle highlighting the exquisite food and beverage offerings of Disney Parks including world-class restaurants like Jiko, California Grill and Spoodles at Walt Disney World and the Napa Rose at Disneyland Resort.

To see video from the program, check out http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/index?name=VideoOnDemandPage&bhfv=8&bhfx=8%2C0%2C0%2C0&bhax=1&bhqt=1&bhqx=7.3.0&bhsp=12761500&bhqs=1

NYC

2008-03-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Spent a week in NYC for an event - more on that later - but got to hang out with some of my ABC Daytime friends at a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The stars of ABC daytime dramas came out in full force, raising more than $300,000 in one night. They sang and danced their hearts out.

A highlight of the event was when Sierra Boggus and Sean Palmer (Ariel and Prince Eric from Broadway's "The Little Mermaid") sang a duet from the show and Sierra sang "Part of Your World." It almost makes you forget Jody Benson's version - almost.

Big Release Day

2008-02-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=346274&affcode=avalon

My friends at Avalon have a brand new album out today - "Another Time, Another Place."

It's composed of covers of top Christian hits of the past; and it's FABULOUS. Anyone who grew up with Christian music will have MAJOR flashbacks. This is the music I listened to as a kid - Friend of a Wounded Heart (Wayne Watson), People Need the Lord (Steve Green) Amy Grant's "Thy Word" -- it's like I'm back in junior high trying to make the 45 minute bus ride to and from Grace Christian School a little more bearable.

They also have a live DVD out that you can only get at Family Christian Stores. I was at this taping!!!

http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=55899

Also out today are new albums from Leeland http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=544721 and Pillar http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=544763.

New X-men Movie

2008-02-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

20th Century Fox has released the first look at Hugh Jackman in the latest X-men movie - X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

http://movies.ign.com/articles/852/852447p1.html

Guess what you'll be fighting over for your kids this Christmas

2008-02-19T06:33:00.001-08:00

Gizmodo has the first video of the latest Elmo and it apparently does more than just dance.

http://gizmodo.com/356488/first-video-of-elmo-live-singing-and-dancing-shows-he-got-skillz

Dance Wars

2008-02-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

Did anyone watch "Dance Wars" last night? I did only to see the new "Dancing With The Stars" cast.

It was a travesty. The really HORRIBLE Bruno team that showed off their abs and various other body parts every second -- think a Bowflex ad with a horrible pop song -- won over the actually talented, somewhat more clothed Carrie Ann team. Sex won over talent in Hollywood - I'm shocked.

And, frankly, no one came off well after the 30s-style Busby Berkley number - especially host Drew Lachey. I almost turned to American Idol.

Anyway, the lamest bit was probably the DWTS announce with SportsCenter anchor Kenny Mayne -- looking WAY too glittery -- bantering horribly with Jerry Rice and Lisa Rinna.

But we now know who will be competing for the Silver globe trophy Drew takes with him everywhere :)

-- Actress Marlee Matlin
-- Elvis ex Priscilla Presley (austensibly going for the Jane Seymour/Marie Osmond vote)
-- Penn Jillette, crabby magician/debunker
-- Adam Carolla, ex-"The Man Show"/radio big-mouth
-- Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic skating star
-- NFL player Jason Taylor –
-- Tennis (ex-)star Monica Seles
-- Marissa Jaret Winokur, from Broadway's "Hairspray"
-- Steve Guttenberg, "Three Men and a Baby" – ????? What Police Academy # are we up to these days?
-- R&B singer Mario
-- "American Pie" spokesmodel Shannon Elizabeth
-- Christian De La Fuente – Chilean-born telenovela actor and whose bio lists him as a "pilot in the Chilean Air Force."

New Indy Trailer

2008-02-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Check out the new trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/indianajones.html?showVideo=1

Resorts Weekend

2008-02-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

Our group at the new Teppan Edo restaurant at Epcot. (Yes the same restaurant as Sunday. I LOVE it)

My group riding Segways -- In the rain!

Had a great group of media in this weekend learning about resorts.

Our Trip to Epcot

2008-02-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

New Teppan Edo Restaurant
Friends David, Kenny and Pat.

Went to Epcot Sunday afternoon. Our friend Kenny from San Fran was in town for a conference.

'American Idol' is "Going to Disney World!"

2008-02-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

For those of you AI fans out there.

Disney Parks to create attraction based on the television and pop culture phenomenon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida · February 7, 2008 / — Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an "American Idol" attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, it was jointly announced today by Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

The attraction, slated to debut in late 2008, will be located at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive "American Idol" set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform "live" in front of a Disney's Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. After backstage preparation -- working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up -- it's lights up and showtime in front of a "live" audience and a panel of judges.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition -- to ensure no waiting in long lines. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Rasulo. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

Added Fuller, "One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar. Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at 'American Idol' feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality."

"This partnership," noted Hindle, "brings the number one show on television, watched in over 100 countries, to the number one theme park destination in the world. It's a perfect combination and opportunity to offer everyone a taste of the 'American Idol' experience."

The coming "American Idol" attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction's stage. It joins an all-star lineup at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a celebration of today's Hollywood in movies, television, music and theater. Among the new adventures debuting in 2008 is the just-opened "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" plus coming attractions "Block Party Bash," an interactive and moving DisneyoPixar spectacle filling the theme park streets; and Toy Story Mania! immersing guests in a 3-D interactive ride-through video game starring popular DisneyoPixar "Toy Story" characters.

About 19 Entertainment
Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment (of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol "CKXE") is recognized as a leading creator, provider and promoter of globally successful music-based entertainment, or "entertainment brands." The company has attracted a unique collection of expertise in people who work together to integrate and leverage activity across television, film, touring, merchandising, music publishing, recording, artist / writer and producer management, sponsorship and promotion. Simon Fuller is the most successful British music manager of all time having sold over 116 million CDs in North America alone, and is known as the creator of "American Idol," the most valuable TV format in the world with an estimated value in excess of $2.5 billion. For further information, visit http://www.americanidol.com/.

About FremantleMedia Enterprises & FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia Enterprises is the content exploitation arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment. It is a division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is a subsidiary of RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is 90% owned by Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's media markets. For further information, visit http://www.fremantlemedia.com/.

About FremantleMedia North America
FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative television programs for network, cable and syndicated platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon "American Idol" (FOX), "The Next Great American Band" (FOX), "America's Got Talent" (NBC), "American Inventor" (ABC), "Thank God You're Here" (NBC), "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" (Oxygen), "Property Ladder" (TLC), "Family Feud" (syndicated), "Temptation" (syndicated), "Million Dollar Password" (CBS), and the longest-running game show in television history, "The Price Is Right" (CBS).

About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. Disney features a collection of five of the world's leading family vacation destinations. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; the Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world's most popular destinations; the ESPN Zone dining and entertainment centers; the World of Disney stores; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.

CMO

2008-02-05T13:20:00.001-08:00

So we have this program looking for a "Chief Magical Officer" for Disney Parks.

http://www.dreamcmo.com/job-description-cmo.php

Check out my friend Peter's entry (And yes it's legal because I have nothing to do with the voting :)))

http://www.dreamcmo.com/view-dream-cmo-applicant.php?CMODID=CMO-C9F5328C296369B82F12DBEBBB22E33D

Match Game Return?

2008-01-31T13:10:00.000-08:00

Could it possibly be true that Match Game is coming back??

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_
display/news/e3i7d49b23ff1cbe31aa26d94db6033b6d1

My luck, it will go to the Game Show Network, which Brighthouse my cable company REFUSES to carry. But please let's have 16 ESPNs which I never watch. (But that's a separate rant)!

Chas

Are we REALLY this desperate for pizza?

2008-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-01-29-pizza-tracker_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Domino's, (DPZ) the pizza-delivery kingpin, on Wednesday will unveil a technology, Pizza Tracker, that lets customers literally track their pizza from the moment they place the order until it leaves the store en route to them. What's more, Domino's vows that its online tracking system — for phone or online orders — is accurate to within 40 seconds.

Third Day -- In the Trenches

2008-01-16T05:50:00.001-08:00

Pray for the guys in Third Day this week. They are on a USO tour of the Middle East! A link to Mark's blog is on the right side of this blog. They made it safe. YAY! Keep safe boys!

Xana-do!

2008-01-16T05:44:00.001-08:00

The cast album for Xanadu on Broadway, starring the beautful Kerry Butler, is FINALLY on sale. Pick it up! It's a complete hoot!

http://www.xanaduonbroadway.com/index2.html

http://www.amazon.com/Xanadu-Broadway-Original-Cast-Recording/dp/B000XUOLKW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1200491351&sr=8-2

Perk?

2007-11-28T08:14:00.001-08:00

One of the weirder aspects of the job is being quoted.

My latest hit :0

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21756740/

Perks of the Job

2007-11-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

One of the many perks of my job is not only to work with beautiful people, but VERY nice people as well. Tika Sumpter, also known as Layla from "One Life to Live" definitely falls into that category. She was at WDW with 30 of her counterparts from ABC soaps for Super Soap Weekend. Normally, I don't have my photo taken with the stars, but Eyes and Ears, our cast newsletter asked me to take this one (since they focus on cast, they try to get a cast member in each photo.)

Best Comedy EVER

2007-11-20T07:42:00.001-08:00

For those NOT watching "How I Met Your Mother," you are missing out on one of the funniest shows. For those lucky enough to be watching, you'll enjoy this even more

http://www.slapcountdown.com

New Best Dilbert Ever

2007-11-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

Adventures by Disney in New York

2007-10-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Spent the week with some spectacular people in NYC for Adventures by Disney. We took over a suite at the Palace Hotel. Jo and Luis were our Adventure Guides for the week. Chef Andy made delicious food from Peru (Aji de Gallina - chicken and spicy pepper), Australia (bunya nut pasty)and China (scallops). And Heather talked about 2008 trips in the Zen room, while Cara and I shuffled media in and out and Joyce kept us all in line.

Cara, Luis, Heather, Joyce, Chef Andy, me and Jo.
Joyce

Chef Andy
First room, our 50s Travel Agent's office.

Our second room - destinations for 2007.
Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic

Mask Making
Grand Tetons in Wyoming
Last room - The Zen room - Exotic destinations for 2008. The flash makes this room look really lit, but it had a really intimate, comfortable feel.

China

Australia

Peru

Celeb Sightings - NYC

2007-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Was in NYC for the past week. For some reason, I always have better celebrity sightings in New York than LA. A group of us went to see "Mary Poppins: The Musical" and who should be there - Leonard Maltin - film critic for "Entertainment Tonight" AND Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber.

We sat four rows behind Cindy, Randy and their kids and "Yes, they are that gorgeous in person." At first no one recognized them, except me of course, but soon they had a crowd of fans; so they high-tailed it into the theater.

Cindy, Randy and Leonard
Great show. A little dark and I kept thinking "Was this scene in the film?" Have to re-watch the film again.

Chocolate Chip Season?

2007-09-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

Went to the Magic Kingdom with some friends Sunday to see the new effects at the Haunted Mansion -- which is GREAT, by the way, If you're in Florida, you HAVE to see it! -- And went to an ice cream stand to get a toll house cookie ice cream sandwich as shown above. The cast member said "Sorry, we're not carrying those right now. They're seasonal."

????????

Which led me to wonder -- what season is chocolate chip season? Do they send workers out into the chocolate chip fields, who come back to say - "Nope, not ripe enough!"

Be Careful of Bloggers

2007-09-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today we announced that Night of Joy is moving to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2008 (currently known as Disney-MGM Studios), and MercyMe will be performing. We got to meet the guys for a photo. VERY NICE GUYS!

I sent out notes to relevant media and partners, and the Sentinel actually posted the letter. Didn't expect that, but whatever. We'll take it.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2007/09/night-of-joy-mo.html

Day 7 -- The Cliffs of Moher and Life on the Farm

2007-09-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Daylight at Dromoland
The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair, lit. cliffs of the ruin, also known as the Cliffs of Mohair from the Irish: Mhothair) are located in the parish of Liscannor at the south-western edge of The Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Republic of Ireland. The cliffs rise 120 meters (393.7 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702.1 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres away. The cliffs boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views. On a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara.

They wanted ot create a visitor's center, but didn't want to mess up the landscape; so they built it into the side of the mountain.

Monk's Seafood has been profiled on the Travel Channel.
Steven was our third driver of the tour. We didn't know if we were so bad no one wanted to work with us or so good that everyone did :)
Sara at the Ring of Kerry
Monk's

Jason shoots while Allan searches.
We wondered how many times this had to have happened before they put up a sign?
On the Ring of Kerry

Rathbern Farm
Making Scones

Sheep shearing at Rathbern Farm

Special entertainment for our farewell dinner.

Jason and Courtney
Jason, Courtney and the Kids

Sorry

2007-09-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posts. Been a crazy week with Night of Joy 2007. Will post photos of that later.

Day Six - Photos

2007-08-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Road from Killarney to Dromoland Castle, including Inch Beach, Adare and Bunratty Castle for a medieval feast. Will blog on this more, but thought I'd upload photos.

PT, our local expert, at Inch beach. We didn't get out of the bus because it was POORING the rain.
Lunch in Adare (Sara and Sandra come in)
Allan, Jenni and our waitress. (in Adare)

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle is a castle, now a luxury hotel with golf course, located near Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, Ireland. The present building was completed in 1835. However the first building constructed here seems to have been a 15th or early 16th century tower house and is recorded as being erected by Thomas, the son of Shane Mac Anerheny.There were at least three houses on the site, at various times, called Dromoland. While Dromoland later became residence of eight generations of the O'Brien family, early records suggest that the area was also occupied by other local Gaelic families such as the McInerney family during the 16th century. According to the historian James Frost, Dromoland translates as the "Hill of Litigation."

Grounds
Medieval Entrance - No one but our group gets to go through this way.
Stairs

Foyer and Staircase
Welcome Reception
My room at the Castle
My room at the Castle

My Bathroom at Dromoland Castle
Bunratty Castle - Heading toward our medieval feast.

Bunratty Castle is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It lies in the centre of Bunratty village (Irish: Bun Ráite), by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon airport. The name Bunratty, Bun Raite (or possibly, Bun na Raite) in Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. This river, alongside the castle, flows into the nearby Shannon estuary. From the top of the castle, one can look over to the estuary and the airport.

Tapestries in the Great Hall.
Evening Entertainment - Fiddle player and harpist were superb musicians. Fiddler was UBer-shy, but UBer talented.

The crowning of the Lord and Lady of the evening. Sorry it's so dark.

Wait staff are also the evening's entertainment - wonderful madrigal singers.

Sorry

2007-08-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have let the blog slip. Am back from Ireland, but still have a couple of days and a ton of pictures to post. Meanwhile, some of our staff took this pic today as a going-away present for a good friend Trish who's retiring soon.

Day Five - Irish Dancing Lessons

2007-08-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Day Four

2007-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today's theme is Cycle of Kings and Queens. Today's word is "Coill" (pronounced Quill) meaning forest.

Fun Fact: Killarney is one of five forest-carpeted national parks in Ireland.

I think I blew out the battery on my laptop. I thought it would work with only an adaptor and I think I actually needed a converter. Oops. Did that to my razor in Hong Kong. It works as a power cord, but won't hold any charge and is giving me a horrible red blinking light for the battery.

Breakfast in the hotel is an adventure. Lots of things in brown sauces. Eggs are marginal. I stick to Rice Crispies and Croissants.

Today, we visit Muckross House, a Victorian mansion. No ordinary transport, we used "jaunting carts," horse drawn carts, for the 30 minute trip. It was an invigorating journey. The drivers are called "jarvys" and the horses are relatives of Clydesdales, only smaller.

Muckross House was nice. Very Victorian. The owners had five years to get ready for a royal visit by then Queen Victoria. They spent a TON of money getting ready, expecting a title from it. Prince Albert died soon after and the Queen gave up her royal duties. So it was a huge contributor for the owners having to sell.

The team rode bikes from the House through the landscape to a huge waterfall. I skipped this trip to stay behind with one of our folks who couldn't walk it.

We headed back to Killarney and I led some folks on a wild goose chase for a toy store I visited on my last trip. It's obviously gone. :(( We saw the remnants of another store I liked. Sunrise, sunset.

Went to dinner at a pub called Danny Mann's with Sara and Sandra, a mother and daughter from St. Louis. The food was suprisingly good for pub food.

Day Four Photos

2007-08-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Muckross House is a mansion designed by the Scottish architect, William Burn, that was built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the watercolourist Mary Balfour Herbert. With sixty-five rooms, it was built in the Tudor style. Extensive improvements were undertaken in the 1850s in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. It is said that these improvements for the Queen's visit were a contributory factor in the financial difficulties suffered by the Herbert family which consequenced in the sale of the estate.

Muckross Lakes, one of the three major lakes of Killarney, as represented on their crest.
More Lakes
More Lake

Refurbishing a Castle
The road to Muckross House
Riley and her mom Melissa with the jaunting cart horse. His name is Timmy. He's a cousin of the Clydesdale, which you could tell by the hair on his feet if I actually had his feet in the picture.
Muckross House

Riley and the jaunting cart horses
Riley and Tory and the jaunting cart horses
Muckross House Gardens
Cathedral in Killarney

Day Three

2007-08-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

AMY FROM BIG BROTHER UK

Today's theme is "Celtic Kingdoms" and the word of the day "Go Raibth Matih Agat" meaning "Thank You."

We leave the hustle and bustle of Dublin for Killarney, a small town of about 13,000. We stayed in Killarney when I was here last at a B&B called Robeen House. It was one of my favorite stops because the proprietress actively sought out our laundry to do. :)

Am pleased to report that Robeen House still stands and is thriving. Most everything I remember is still here, the Internet cafe I used when I didn't have a laptop. The Subway I'd get lunch from :)

My favorite toy store is closed; but they've added an outlet mall and McDonalds. So on with progress I guess.

On our wat to Killarney, we stopped at the Rock of Cashel. The castle was up a steep hill; so I went along with one of our senior members of the group while the rest of the tour forged on through the main stronghold. To find a seat, we went into a makeshift theater to see the official documentary movie on the place; however, little did we know that they offered the movie in different languages and this time was the time for the French version. So, we watched the pretty pictures.

Lunch in Cashel was an interesting pizza with focaccia bread and small thick pepperoni slices. Company was great.

When we got to Killarney, a "town crier" met us at the hotel. We all took pictures with him and he regaled us with stories of the olden days of Ireland.

The group split into adults in kids. While the kids had a pajama party with the tour guides, the adults ate dinner in the formal dining restaurant. The food was superb, although I heard one of our group ate their the next night and had an altercation with the chef because their food was so bad.

As a personal aside, I've become addicted to two TV stations: one is BBC 3 and their continuous showings of Big Brother UK. Amy got voted out this week and BOY did she deserve it. And the second is sort of a classical version of MTV. Don't know if it's only shown in Killarney because I've never seen it before. It features YoYo Ma, Placido Domingo, Josh Groban and tons of other classical and semi-classical videos. FABULOUS!

Tomorrow's Blog: Day Four: Muckross House and More of Killarney

Day Three Photos

2007-08-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock , is a historic site in Ireland's province of Munster, located at Cashel, County Tipperary.The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion, though few remnants if any of the early structures survive. The majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century A.D. The buildings which crown the Rock of Cashel present a mass and outline of great complexity, rivalling other sites in western Europe. The complex has a character of its own, unique and native, and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

A respite on our trip from Dublin to Killarney
Views from The Rock of Cashel
Views from The Rock of Cashel

A plaque for the choir in their dining room at the Rock of Cashel
The Choir's Dining Room at Cashel
The Rock of Cashel
Views from The Rock of Cashel

Views from The Rock of Cashel
The Town of Cashel
The town of Cashel

The "Town Crier" of Killarney

Day Two

2007-08-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today's theme is "Life on the Liffey," the river which flows through the city of Dublin, splitting the city into Northern and Southern halves. The phrase of the day is Taoiseach (pronounced "tea shock,") as in the head of the government or Prime Minister.

We started our Dublin adventure at Dublinia, a museum dedicated to Dublin's history, both Viking and Norman. The Middle Ages were difficult. We learned that the poor used square wooden plates for their food, which is where we get the phrase "a square meal." They have bones from a Medieval woman and the University of Glasgow (where I once studied) did a facial recreation on her, seeing what she'd look like today. Fascinating Stuff. We had a couple surprises along the guided tour and even a shock or two :)

From there, we headed to Dublin Castle. Only one turret stands from the original castle, but the rest was rebuilt it in a Georgian style palace. The Taoiseach is sworn in every seven years and today's Taoiseach is a woman. This is the second woman PM they've had in Ireland. Take that Hillary!

After the tour, a short bus ride to the Guinness Factory store. The building is shaped like a giant pint glass with a "Gravity Bar" at the top. Lunch and the tour were great. The Gravity Bar has one of the best views in Dublin, kind of like the California Grill at Disney World.

All in all the food's been very good. Lots of variety in the menus.

Back to the hotel for a quick drop off of stuff and then we walked over toTrinity College, across the street from our hotel, to see the Book of Kells. Trinity, one of Ireland's oldest colleges, was only open to Protestants until 1970. Now they let all faiths in, provided your grades are good. The current Taoiseach was a graduate and a Catholic. Asked how she got in before 1970 and she said her father new the Archbishop and he pulled some strings.

The Book of Kells (Dublin, Trinity College Library, MS A. I. (58), less widely known as the Book of Columba) is an ornately illustrated manuscript, produced by Celtic monks around AD 800 in the style known as Insular art. It is one of the more lavishly illuminated manuscripts to survive from the Middle Ages and has been described as the zenith of Western calligraphy and illumination. It contains the four gospels of the Bible in Latin, along with prefatory and explanatory matter decorated with numerous colourful illustrations and illuminations.

We had that afternoon and evening free; so I took a train to the outskirts of the city to find a specific gift for a friend. It was a long hike, but I met some nice people on the train back who offered me on the beers they were drinking. It was a nice guesture. The advertisement at the bottom of yesterday's photos was on the train. I always take interesting ad photos for our "Creative Inc" team at work.

That night, the group split up; some went to dinner, others to shows. Riverdance happened to be playing at a theater up the way from our hotel. I thought "when in Rome," right? They were technically SOLD OUT, but I took a chance on finding a single seat and they had one. I liked it better than I thought. The singing and instrumental music were phenomenal. They also included other dance styles than just Irish dancing. They included a tap number, a Flamenco dancer and some ballet themes.

Tomorrows Blog: Day Three: Road to Killarney and the Rock of Cashel.

Day Two - Photos

2007-08-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Am using the hotel's computer and I only have five more minutes left. Needed to upload photos. Will blog more about them tomorrow.

Night one - Welcome Dinner w/ Harpist

Dublinia
Kids at Dublinia
Kids at Dublinia

Our Dublinia Guide
Scribe's Booth
Viking History Museum at Dublinia
Cute poster featuring Mickey Mouse.

Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle

Sand Sculpture
Throne Room @Dublin Castle
Chandalier - Dublin Castle
Ballroom @ Dublin Castle

Guiness Factory - Private Lunch
View from Lunch @ Guinness Factory
Guinness Architecture

View from Gravity Bar @ the top of Guinness Factory.

The Gravity Bar at the Top of the Guinness Factory Warehouse.
View from the Gravity Bar at the Top of the Guinness Factory Warehouse.

View from the Gravity Bar at the Top of the Guinness Factory Warehouse.
Entrance to Trinity w/ Bell Tower

More Trinity
Trinity College Quads
Our group at Trinity College - right before we went to see the Book of Kells. (7-year-old Riley took this photo. She's becoming our group photographer.)

Irish dancers - Filming something maybe an advert. They took pictures with the crowd when they were done filming.

Cute Advert on light rail. Went shopping in outer Dublin. Got offered a beer on the way back :)

Night One

2007-08-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

My Hotel Room

Night One was our Welcome Reception. We're a small group, only 11 for our two Adventures By Disney guides, Jason and Courtney.

Three Kids: Allan, Tori and Riley. Riley (age 7) is going to be the wild card. She's cute and funny and crazy with energy. Allan and Tory are quieter, but seem to be great kids. Tori's mom said she went into a shop yesterday and after telling the shopkeeper her daughter's name, he asked her why she would ever name a child "Tory." Guess he's voting Labour this year :)

All the adults seem to be getting along just fine as well. REALLY great group of people.

We had a wonderful Irish dinner and a harpist played for the reception.

We have a theme for each day. Today's theme is Caed mìle failte or "A hundred thousand welcomes." We get a pin each day if we remember correctly. Gotta love Disney.

Memo to self: This typing would be easier if I remembered that the @ symbol and quotation marks are in different places on British typwriters than on American typewriters.

Tomorrow's Blog: Day Two: Lot's of Dublin History including Dublin Castle, the Guiness Factory tour, Trinity College and the Book of Kells; and Riverdance!