Company Files Lawsuit Against Walt Disney Company and Others

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September 17, 2012

Eolas Technologies and the Regents of the University of California filed lawsuits last week against the Walt Disney Company, Facebook and Wal-Mart over four patents they believe the companies are infringing. The four patents that are allegedly being violated are for interactive technology, including hypermedia display and interaction. These patents were issued to the university and licensed to Texas-based Eolas, Reuters said.

According to its website, Eolas was originally founded to assist the university in commercializing a patent, then continued to work with UC to develop several other technologies. Eolas is no stranger to suing large companies including the likes of Microsoft, Google, Apple and others. Two of the patents cited in the latest lawsuits were declared invalid in February by a Texas jury in a separate lawsuit. The process by which Eolas could launch new lawsuits concerning those same patents was unclear.

The patents for interactive technology, including hypermedia display and interaction, were issued to the university and licensed to Eolas, a Texas company chaired by Michael Doyle.

A University of California spokesman said it considered the patents public assets and “should be paid a fair value when a third-party exploits that university asset for profit.”

A Facebook spokesman said the company believed the lawsuit was without merit. “We will fight it vigorously,” he said. A Wal-Mart spokesman said the world’s largest retailer respects the intellectual property rights of others. “We take these allegations seriously and are looking into the matter.” Disney and Eolas did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Company Files Lawsuit Against Walt Disney Company and Others

How to Start Planning a Disney World Vacation

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 17, 2012

The decision has been made; your next vacation will be to Disney World! Congratulations! Now comes the fun part, planning! No, really, it is fun! I’m here to help you plan your trip. Maybe you’ve been before or maybe this is your first time. I hope everyone can find information to help plan a most magical trip!

The first step is to make the big decisions: when will you be going, where will you be staying, how many days will you be there, who all is going/what are their ages and most importantly, what is your budget?

Step two would be to fill in a few details such as: are you going to drive or fly, do you have someone in your party with special needs (wheelchair, dietary needs, medical concerns), are you going to use Disney transportation only or will you have a vehicle, what are the dining options, should you add the Dining Plan, are you going to purchase park hopper tickets, should you add the parks and more option?

Once these decisions are made, then it’s time to customize your vacation to your individual needs. What park are you going to go to on what day? (Crowd calendars can be a great tool to help with this decision. Touring Plans Crowd Calendar has been my source for this information since 2008. They are fantastic!) What attractions do you want to see? Which table service and counter service restaurants should you go to? What is Disney PhotoPass? These are just a few of the items I will be writing about.

And then there are the ultra-fun add-ons. For example, we make our own matching shirts every year. Some guests decorate their room or their windows. Sprinkle some extra pixie dust on your children by scheduling a visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or to the Pirates League. You can plan the basics, or you can plan every detail, it’s all up to you.

These are some of the first steps in planning your Disney World vacation. So let’s start with one of the most asked questions, “When is the Best Time to go to Disney World?” There is no one answer because it depends on several factors:

Are you taking children?
Are they in school?
Do you want to go while they are on vacation (Christmas Break, Spring Break, Summer)?
Or are you going to take them out of school?

Do you want to be there during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) the Epcot Food and Wine Festival or another special event?

If you can go any time, then are you interested in the lowest rates, best temperatures, or lowest crowds?

In short, there is no “best time” to go to Disney World. I’m sure if you ask any Disney fan, they would tell you, “anytime is the perfect time!” For a month-to-month comparison, check out What Month Should You Travel to Walt Disney World.

Amy is a Disney Addict and stay at home mom who loves to craft, cook and plan Disney trips. She’s been known to shed a tear at the end of Wishes and has to walk out of the room when Mufasa dies.

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How to Start Planning a Disney World Vacation

Kid Networks Monitor Kids’ Web Pages To Protect Shows

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 17, 2012

Kid Networks Monitor Kids' Web Pages To Protect Shows

As if teenage stars had enough to worry about now they have one more thing – studio executives who patrol Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites to make sure that their employees are not “spilling the beans” or disparaging their shows.

Talent Managers and casting agents for many of the kids networks monitor the social media activity of their cast members for messages that might harm their shows. Such details as too much information about characters, upcoming plot twists or anything that might offend current or potential advertisers is looked for with punishments as high has legal actions for posting something bad.

Disney Channel is no exception to making sure that their child actors behave well online. “Kids are our business. We know that their first instinct is to go on social media,” said Judy Taylor, the Disney Channel‘s senior vice-president, casting and talent relations. Taylor said Disney often reminds kids to “think before you tweet,” which she says helps prevent misfires. “These things happened in the past and that’s why it has happened now less and less,” she said.

The cast of Disney’s “Good Luck Charlie” were instructed this summer not to say anything online about the show’s plan to introduce a new baby boy to the Duncan family.

In this day and age many actors are asked to sign NDA’s (non disclosure agreements) before even seeing a script, and if an actor let’s info slip that they shouldn’t it could mean being banned by a casting director or agent from representing them in the future.

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‘Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season’ DVD Review

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2012

'Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season' DVD Review

Dana Delany is back, and better than ever, as Dr. Megan Hunt, a Philadelphia medical examiner who solves many of the toughest crimes thrown her way, in ‘Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season’. The show, now in its second season, has become one of ABC’s flagship shows, gaining quite a following. I watched the show on and off in its first season, but watched constantly during its second. The show really found its footing, and I can see why fans love it. It’s a well written, superbly acted show that brings some of the best procedural storytelling to TV every week. So I’m glad to see that Disney has treated the show very well on this ‘Complete Second Season’ DVD. Featuring a bunch of special features, and all twenty episodes of the second season, this is one fans of the show will be very pleased with.

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Bambi: Disney Classics Arrives for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2012

In celebration of the newly released app Dumbo: Disney Classics app, Disney Publishing has opened up their entire Disney Classics library for a special sale! From now until September 26th, all of the Disney Publishing “Disney Classics” apps for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch are on sale for the low price of $1.99! These apps normally sell for $3.99, so you are getting a great app for 1/2 off!

In the Bambi: Disney Classics app, you’ll learn alongside Bambi as he learns from his mom and pals Thumper and Flower the wonder of nature and the power of friendship and family. Some of the special features include that classic Disney illustration and charming animation, music, whimsical sound effects, and an interactive Coloring Book, Matching Game, and Musical Activity!

Look for a review in the upcoming week!

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Bambi: Disney Classics Arrives for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch!

Cinderella: Diamond Edition on Blu-ray & DVD October 2, 2012

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2012

Hear ye, hear ye…

At the stroke of midnight on October 2nd 2012, dreams will come true as Disney releases Cinderella: Diamond Edition on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital and On-Demand viewing. The timeless and beloved masterpiece is an enchanting classic that comes alive for the very first time on Blu-ray high-definition with enhanced picture and sound. Bonus material includes “The Real Fairy Godmother” the incredible true story of Mary Alice O’Connor who was the inspiration for the character of the Fairy Godmother, “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-You” a second screen personalized digital storybook and more!

Originally released in 1950, this Disney film favorite has a fan following that spans the generations. I remember watching this beloved movie with my Aunt when she would babysit me. I remember how I felt as I saw Cinderella magically transformed by her fairy godmother. I remember the romance of the “So This is Love” ballroom scene. The magic of that moment for me lives…I experience it every time I walk into the Magic Kingdom and see that wonderful castle! So, it should come as no shock to you that I am LITERALLY counting down the days until October 2nd. I can’t wait to see this film as it is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo-ed into Blu-ray perfection!

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Last Minute Tips before you leave for Walt Disney World!

By

Chip

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September 16, 2012

The time is near, you’ve been counting down the days until your next Walt Disney World vacation for what feels like years! You’ve made all your reservations, your ADRs, and everything else related to your visit. Is there anything else you need to worry about? Here are some tips that may help you out!

Don’t forget to stop your mail delivery, or have someone pick up your mail for you. The last thing you want is to not be able to enjoy your vacation because you are worried about your mailbox being disturbed. Just go to the United States Postal Service website to schedule your mail stop.
Have you checked the weather forecast for what the weather will be like at the parks when you are there? If not, you might want to do so, and then just make sure that the clothing you have packed is appropriate for the weather.
Are you driving or flying? If you are driving, make sure that you have appropriate snacks, games, movies, and whatever else you need to keep yourselves occupied while in the car. If you are flying, you may be able to take care of part of your flight business online. I can’t remember, it’s been six years since I flew anywhere, but look into it.
When we are leaving for Disney World, one thing that I always make sure we have plenty of for the car is Disney music! I’ve got several playlists, and we are always changing them out in the car, so don’t forget that!
If you have small children, one thing you might want to do is make sure that you either bring a stroller, rent a stroller, or something, depending on whether your kids need it or not.
Also, bring some snacks with you that you can share when you are standing in line as a way to keep your energy up!
One more last tip that I am sure you won’t have any trouble remembering is this: Remember to have fun! The whole trip is part of the vacation, from the moment you wake up early that morning until the moment you get home, so enjoy the journey as much as you do the destination!

Have a great and safe trip to Walt Disney World? What tips would you also include in our list? Just post them as comments!

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Last Minute Tips before you leave for Walt Disney World!

It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like… Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2012

We are just about half way through September and I don’t know about you, but for me, time is literally flying! Before you know it we’ll be putting out pumpkins, carving them, cooking them up in pies and trading them in for tinsel and trees. Yep, Christmas is officially on its way! With all these feelings of yuletide bliss, perhaps you’ve stepped into the planning phase of a “Disney at Christmas” trip. Today I am sharing with you top tips for those of you planning on partaking in the Christmas cheer at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

#1 Get your tickets ahead of time

I know this seems like a pretty common sense idea, but I think this is a really important thing to do. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but they are about $10 more expensive and you run the risk of a sellout. Purchasing tickets ahead of time saves you money and stress! I like to plan my meals (see the next section for more details) and my day around this date. You do have to have a special event ticket to get into this party so, getting a ticket is really something you shouldn’t let slip!

#2 Think through Dining options

Once I choose a date and purchase tickets to MVMCP (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), I like to make my ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations)…I know lots of acronyms…sorry! MVMCP is held in the Magic Kingdom. Keeping this location in mind when making your ADRs for the date of your party is a good idea; that way you don’t make them for another park, thus wasting your money and time. Another thought is to try not to make them overlap with the start of MVMCP. If you are on the dining plan, I would try to use my Table Service credit at lunch. That way you don’t have to feel rushed or confined to a park. Because MVMCP offers many unique activities, parades, and shows, I wouldn’t want to spend my time eating a meal instead of enjoying the festivities. Especially when it is a meal I could eat any other night at Disney World. Instead, I would suggest going with a quick service meal at the Magic Kingdom. In fact, restaurants like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe offer special music and dancing during MVMCP. A smaller meal will come in handy when you come across all the “free” (okay…maybe not so free…but included) snack offerings. When I went before you could get cocoa/apple juice and cookies/apple slices. Be careful not to fill up before you go, think through those dining options and leave some room for those cookies!

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“Slugterra,” An Animated Sci-Fi Adventure Series Premieres Monday, October 15th on Disney XD

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 16, 2012

“Slugterra,” a sci-fi comedy adventure set in a fantastical underground world, debuts MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 (3:30 p.m., ET/PT), with new episodes premiering Monday through Friday on Disney XD.

Filled with grand battles, cool creatures, and themes of friendship, courage and honor, “Slugterra” follows the heroic journey of teen Eli Shane and his best friends, the Shane Gang, as they fight for justice in the mysterious, high-tech underground world of Slugterra. Eli is determined to follow in his father Will Shane’s footsteps, and become Slugterra’s greatest slugslinger. In order to master the art of slugslinging, Eli must collect, train and learn the art of dueling with magically powered critters called slugs, who transform into battling creatures. Eli and his team “slug it out” to try to protect the citizens of Slugterra from the evil Dr. Blakk, before he takes over this mystical underground world.

“Slugterra” was created and is executive produced by Asaph Fipke and features the voice talent of Sam Vincent (“Voltron Force”) as Eli; Lee Tockar (“George of the Jungle”) as Pronto; Shannon Chan-Kent (“My Little Pony”) as Trixie; Andrew Francis (“Voltron Force”) as Kord; and Mark Oliver (“Shadow Raiders”) as Dr. Blakk. The fantastical series is a production of Nerd Corps Entertainment and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

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‘Epic Mickey 2’ Comes to Wii U This Fall

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2012

'Epic Mickey 2' Comes to Wii U This Fall

It looks like ‘Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’ isn’t going to be coming home this year just on PS3, Nintendo Wii, and XBox 360. Disney Interactive has announced that the highly anticipated followup will be heading to the new Nintendo Wii U as well, the newest family member of the Nintendo console line. This is Nintendo’s first HD system, so now fans will be able to experience Mickey and Oswald’s newest adventure through Wasteland in all it’s HD glory on a Nintendo system.

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‘Ghosts of the Abyss’ Blu-ray Review

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2012

'Ghosts of the Abyss' Blu-ray Review

Nine years ago, the award-winning and critically acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron took us on a breathtaking and haunting journey down to the grave site of the Titanic, something no one had ever done before. Using state of the art technology, Cameron, alongside actor Bill Paxton and a team of explorers, take us on an awesome and beautiful experience that is truly breathtaking. This was the first 3D film that Walt Disney Studios ever made, so it’s appropriate that Disney has returned to it now with the recent resurgence of 3D films. This is one of my all time favorite documentaries, and I’m so glad to see that Disney has returned to it for a blu-ray release. Featuring a completely new digitally restored version of the film, the original 60 minute version in 3D, and the extended ninety minute version, this is a set that doesn’t disappoint.

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Matterhorn at Disneyland is Getting a Spot in the National Roller Coaster Museum

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2012

Matterhorn Bobsleds

The National Roller Coaster Museum in Arlington, Texas, just acquired what they refer to as the “holy grail” of roller coast artifacts. But Disneyland park guests probably would not describe the items the same way. In fact, park guests may describe them as old, cramped, and uncomfortable. But, one man’s trash is another treasure’s and the classic ride, the Matterhorn, in Disneyland, has donated two of the old cars from the Matterhorn Bobsled roller coaster to the National Roller Coaster Museum.

Disneyland announced on Tuesday that it was donating the two cars and museum officials in Texas were thrilled.

“The Matterhorn started the modern era of roller coaster design and launched the themed ride industry,” said museum Chairman Gary Slade.

The Matterhorn underwent major renovations this year, closing down the popular ride for six months. Amongst other things, the ride got new bobsled cars which changed a lot for some rides. The old bobsleds had two riders per car with one sitting in the lap of the other rider. The new cars are single rider cars with make most people very happy. The Matterhorn has always been a guest favorite, ever since it first opened in 1959 and it seems with these renovations it will continue to be a crowd pleaser.

The Matterhorn is 14 stories high and has riders speeding along a long path that ends in a splash pool at the bottom. The ride is themed after the Swiss peak which is aptly named “The Matterhorn” in German.

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Matterhorn at Disneyland is Getting a Spot in the National Roller Coaster Museum

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