Run for the dream off the paddle one April 16

Today most of the major news channels covered the story of Tilikum’s return to live performances at SeaWorld Orlando. Tilikum was involved in the tragic death of a trainer just over a year ago. That tragedy resulted in huge changes for the Shamu show at all SeaWorld locations, including the removal of trainers from being in the water at the same time as the Killer Whales.

From tragedy, rises the possibility of hope. In this case hope is represented through the Dawn Brancheau Foundation, named after the trainer who lost her life doing what she loved. The foundation is being run by family members, and although it has had some help from SeaWorld, it could use your help to get its first year off to a tremendous star.

This April 16th the Dawn’s Dream Big 5K will run through SeaWorld Orlando. You can enter for just $25 and choose to either run 5K, walk 1 mile, or just donate to support the cause. Register today to show your support for this great cause.

Run for Dawn’s Dream on April 16th The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans

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Family Films

Cooking to the signal off has off new history for the cook Dick, to form owner off studio off Disney

Not every film can be a hit, but Dick Cook’s record at Walt Disney Studios was much better than average. Disney’s had two films that grossed more than a Billion dollars last year, the first ever studio to achieve that milepost, both of which got their start under Cook. So when he was forced out to make way for new studio chair Rich Ross, more than a few eyebrows were raised. After all, Cook was one of the most liked people in Hollywood and had the backing of some of the best talent in the business when it came to acting and directing.

The Hollywood Reporter caught up with Cook as he prepares to receive the Pioneer of the Year Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (awarded by distributors and exhibitors) tonight. That’s a bit awkward when your ex-employee is receiving awards for work he did for you, don’t you think.

It’s the first time anyone can remember the storied honor going to someone who isn’t currently ! an executive at a studio or theater chain (the first Pioneer award went to Paramount mogul Adolph Zukor in 1947).

Many in the film industry are still smarting over Cook’s ouster from Disney, where he spent nearly four decades, beginning as a monorail and steam locomotive operator at Disneyland in 1970.

THR also inquired as to his career path at Disney and his future plans which are rumored to involve his own production company. A good read for anyone interested in Hollywood’s inner workings.

Wherever Cook goes, we’ll be sure to watch.

Via THR.

Cooking up a new story for Dick Cook, Former Disney Studio Boss The Disney Blog - Disney News and Information -- by fans, for fans

                          

Family Films

Review: The adventure off the life

It’s no wonder I’ve been a Francophile for the past 30 odd years… They not only make great bubbles and cheese but books are something that pour out of France with such creative ferocity and charm, I’m in serious danger of overloading on book bliss.Our friends across the ditch, Gecko Press, also know a fabulous book and here they have republished a glorious French book â€" The Adventure of Life â€" so scores of Antipodeans can join in the fun. The catchphrase for Gecko Press is ‘curiously good books from around the world’ and that about sums it up.The Adventure of Life is part of the Step-by-Step series which teaches kids about the world, step by step. In this adventure we learn about the earth. How old is our planet? What did the first living creatures look like? Why did the dinosaurs die? And many more pre! ssing questions everyone absolutely must know . . . especially kids.Packed with wonderful snippets of meaty info, kids can learn how fast humans grow compared to mice, how the earth first appeared, why different types of fox have different shaped ears, and how humans developed from apes.There’s even a quiz at the end to test your reading attention span.Quentin Blake-inspired illustrations lend a retro look to this book that many will adore â€" and plenty a quirky picture lends humour and charm to plain old (but nonetheless fascinating) fact.Brilliant.Title: The Adventure of LifeAuthor: Jean-Benoît Durand Illustrator: Robin GindrePublisher: Gecko Press, NZ$19.99Publication Date: February 2010ISBN: 9781877467509Format: Soft coverFor ages: 5+Type: Information Book
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