Woman fakes cancer to visit Disney

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February 4, 2010

Dina Leone gets in touch with her schoolmates through Facebook, asks them to pay for the ‘treatment’ and fulfill her last wish to visit Disneyland

An uninsured mother of two from Baltimore has been accused of conning tens of thousands of pounds out of school friends by pretending to be dying from cancer.

Dina Leone used the social networking website Facebook to get back in contact with her former friends and cheat them out of money. Soon after they began corresponding through the site 37-year-old Leone dropped the bombshell that she was suffering from stomach cancer. She asked her friends for money to pay for treatment that could prolong her life. She even shaved her head to keep up the pretence of having the illness.

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Disneyland hotel union plans hunger strike

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Chip

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February 4, 2010

Disneyland hotel union plans hunger strike

Disneyâ€™s hotel union is organizing a hunger strike to bring attention to a drawn-out contract dispute over health care and workloads.

About 2,150 hotel employees in Unite Here Local 11 have worked without a contract for two years, mostly because of a clash over health-care costs. Recently, house cleaners have complained about their workloads, leading to two December walkouts.

â€œThis is just another tactic from Local 11 leadership to distract from the fact that after two years their members are still without a contract,â€ said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, in a prepared statement.

On Thursday, the union is scheduled to announce its plan to hold the hunger strike, in front of Disneyâ€™s Grand Californian Hotel starting Tuesday.

Ten people are planning to consume only water during the fasting period, said Leigh Shelton, a union spokeswoman. Seven are Disney employees, one is the adult son of an employee and two are union representatives.

The participants are expecting to sleep in tents and check in with nurses daily, Shelton said. She declined to say how long the hunger strike would last. Employees plan to take vacations or unpaid time off.

â€œWeâ€™re doing this because workers feel unsafe on the job,â€ Shelton said. â€œThe goal is to make Disney listen and see whatâ€™s happening.â€

Earlier this week, union members said they would agree to meet with a federal mediator, at Disneyâ€™s request. But Disney had yet to receive a response from union officials as of this afternoon, Brown said.

â€œThis calls into question their commitment to meeting with an independent federal mediator in the hopes of making progress on our negotiations,â€ said Brown in the prepared statement. â€œIt also concerns us that they would jeopardize the health and safety of their members in this manner.â€

Hotel cleaners say that renovations to guest rooms, including larger bedding and mattresses, have led to more work and contributed to more injuries. But Disney officials say that the workload remains about the same and they have not seen an increase in injuries. Read more about the hotel cleanersâ€™ issues and statistics HERE.

For the past two years, the main sticking point has been health-care costs. Disney wants the union to join its company plan, which requires employee payments. Hotel employees favor the union-run plan, which has no employee contributions.

Thirty of 31 Disney unions agreed to the company-benefits plan.

Disneyland Resort has three hotels: the Grand Californian, Paradise Pier and Disneyland.

Check back Thursday for news about the announcement.

Follow the Registerâ€™s coverage of the union issues HERE.

See the unionâ€™s Web page HERE.

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Samantha Brown Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary on Travel Channel

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Chip

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February 4, 2010

Travel Channel host Samantha Brown will celebrate her 10th Anniversary on the network, and a decade of inspiring audiences to look past the standard travel guides. To honor this milestone, the network will broadcast four original hour-long specials with Samantha beginning Monday, February 8 at 8PM.

“The past ten years has been an incredible journey — literally and figuratively,” said Samantha Brown, Travel Channel host. “Meeting and interacting with people around the country and around the world has been both a life-altering and humbling experience. I’m excited to uncover the adventures that lie ahead for me in the next decade.”

Visiting dozens of countries, hundreds of cities and staying in countless hotels around the world, Samantha has been a familiar face on Travel Channel. She began on the network hosting the Great Vacation Homes series, then Great Hotels, and over the years Samantha carved out a distinctive style unparalleled by any other talent on television. With fan favorites like Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America, and her latest series, Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends, Samantha’s ability to convey the feeling of a specific place — not just the basic facts — has established her as an inspirational resource for prospective travelers.

“For more than 10 years, Samantha Brown has been entertaining our viewers with her engaging personality, infectious spirit, and quirky humor,” said Jonathan Sichel, acting general manager, Travel Channel. “Through her many adventures, Sam has become one of Travel Channel’s most popular and recognized talent, and a key personality that drives our business and brand. Looking ahead, we are excited about building Sam’s presence on Travel Channel.”

Traveling over 230 days a year, Samantha has an infinite amount of stories from her journeys — some humorous, some bizarre, but all entertaining. As she enters her second decade with the network, she shares her favorite moments and gives fans an up-close and personal look at the past ten years on Travel Channel with the below all new one-hour specials.

* Samantha Brown’s Vancouver (February 8 at 8PM) where Samantha discovers the natural beauty, winter activities, food and culture of the 2010 Winter Olympics host city.

* Samantha Brown: Inside the Suitcase (February 9 at 8PM) Samantha shares her travel secrets, packing tips and her favorite moments from the road.

* Samantha Brown Fan-a-thon (February 10 at 8PM) Samantha celebrates ten years of travel at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida with some VIPs — her fans. Fans share some of their favorite show moments.

* Samantha Brown’s World of Sports (February 11 at 8PM) Samantha takes viewers through a personal compendium of her best and worst sports-related moments throughout her time on the Travel Channel.

2010 Annual Passholder benefits now available

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Chip

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February 4, 2010

2010 Annual Passholder benefits now available

WDW Magic is reporting the new 2010 Annual Passholder benefits. It includes dining & shopping discounts along with pricing. It is a looooong list so be prepared for some reading.

The new 2010 Annual Passholder benefits are now available. The benefits for passholders include discounts on dining, merchandise and tours. New for this year are discounts on several new restaurants, including T-Rex, Kouzzina by Cat Cora, Sanaa, and Paradiso 37.

You can view the full list here.

New Downtown Disney Restaurant to open late 2010

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Chip

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February 4, 2010

campero Logo

Pollo Campero and Levy Campero Announce First Combined Restaurant Concept to Open at Downtown Disney^Â® Marketplace.

Pollo Campero, an international Latin chicken quick-service restaurant chain, has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to deliver a new restaurant concept in Downtown Disney^Â® Marketplace at Walt Disney World^Â® Resort. The restaurant will feature Pollo Camperoâ€™s signature Latin chicken, as well as a new restaurant concept featuring fresh, healthy food.

â€œIts diversity of offerings and well-balanced options are the perfect addition to our current blend of dining experiences.â€

â€œThis is an exciting opportunity for Pollo Campero to introduce its famous chicken, along with our newest fresh restaurant concept of salads and wraps, to visitors from all over the world,â€ said Adam Cummis, president of Levy Campero. â€œWe are thrilled to collaborate with one of the strongest brands in the world to showcase our Latin delicacies and look forward to a long working relationship.â€

Walt Disney World guests will be able to savor combinations of freshly prepared Campero Latin chicken, unique, flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. The menu also will include nutritious and delicious meals such as chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and wraps using simple recipes derived from only the freshest ingredients.

â€œWeâ€™re pleased to offer this new Latin-style restaurant to our guests at Downtown Disney,â€ said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. â€œIts diversity of offerings and well-balanced options are the perfect addition to our current blend of dining experiences.â€

â€œFor decades, Walt Disney World has introduced its guests to rich cultural experiences,â€ said Juan Jose Gutierrez, chief executive officer of Pollo Campero. â€œWe will build on the parkâ€™s rich cultural heritage, helping visitors discover the unique tastes and togetherness of family-style Latin dining.â€

Pollo Camperoâ€™s food is freshly prepared each day. Fried and grilled chicken is marinated, sending the distinctive Campero flavor all the way to the bone. Fried chicken is hand-breaded in seasoned flour and slowly pressure-cooked without trans-fats, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal. Grilled chicken features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers, and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices. The new fresh concept menu will feature fresh salads, sandwiches, fruits, and healthy snacks, as well as vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-sodium or organic offerings.

This new family-oriented location at one of Americaâ€™s beloved destinations â€“ Walt Disney World â€“ exemplifies Pollo Camperoâ€™s drive to become one of the top 50 quick-service restaurant brands in the United States. Pollo Campero has spent decades building a brand while retaining the values and service of a family-run business. By combining its efforts with Levy Campero, Pollo Campero has opened new doors including the expansion into Walt Disney World Resort.

About Pollo Campero

The worldâ€™s largest Latin chicken restaurant chain, Pollo Campero offers its customers â€œFlavor You Canâ€™t Campero.â€ The company serves more than 85 million customers each year at more than 300 restaurants in 12 countries around the globe. This includes more than 50 locations already open in the United States, with additional stores slated for this year. For more information, visit www.campero.com.

About Levy Campero

Levy Campero is a subsidiary of Levy Family Partners, LLC, a holding company established by entrepreneur Lawrence F. Levy for his familyâ€™s investments in real estate partnerships, securities and private businesses. Levy Campero owns the franchise rights to operate Pollo Campero restaurants in Florida and Illinois, and is headquartered in Chicago. The company currently operates five restaurants and is focused on successfully developing and operating Pollo Campero franchised restaurants in its territories.

I found a photo of a restaurant online kinda reminds me of a McDonalds & KFC.

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A Sad Day – Downtown Disney McDonald’s to close

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Chip

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February 4, 2010

The Golden Arches will soon come down at Downtown Disney’s Marketplace Shops . McDonald’s announced it will be closing its restaurant which is flanked by the Lego Imagination Center and T-Rex Cafe at Walt Disney World Resorts’s shopping and dining complex.Â The “Mickey D’s” will be replaced with a Pollo Campero , billed as the world’s largest Latin chicken restaurant chain.

The restaurant will feature Pollo Campero’s signature Latin chicken, as well as a new restaurant concept featuring fresh, healthy food, according to a news release sent to FOX 35 by the Dallas-based restaurant. The restaurant also offers typical Latin side dishes like yuca fries and sweet plantains. Latin-themed beverages will also be served including horchata and tamarindo. The menu also will include nutritious and delicious meals such as chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and wraps.

“We’re pleased to offer this new Latin-style restaurant to our guests at Downtown Disney,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney . “It’s diversity of offerings and well-balanced options are the perfect addition.”

Pollo Campero serves more than 85 million customers each year at more than 300 restaurants in 12 countries around the world, 50 of which are already open in the United States. The Downtown Disney location is expected to open in late 2010. McDonald’s will be shuttered in late April but will continue to operate at other locations around Walt Disney World Resort.

Source

Exclusive ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Images

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Chip

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February 3, 2010

Fandango got an exclusive 6-shot progression of Tweedledee and Tweedledum from their greenscreen beginnings up to the final product. Take a look and let us know what you think!

Click here for the rest of the pictures

Disney Fairies jewelry recalled for excessive lead

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Chip

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February 3, 2010

Just days after Disney Princess and the Frog necklaces were recalled for containing the heavy metal cadmium, another Disney branded jewelry line is being recalled for lead, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

This time it’s charms sold with Tiny Tink and Friends Children’s Toy Jewelry Sets. More than 250,000 sets contain excessive levels of lead including Tinker Bell’s Lil’ Tinker Bracelet, Rosetta’s Rosebud Key Chain and Silvermist’s Water Lily Necklace.

A metal connector that links the charm to a necklace, bracelet or keychain is the part that contains lead. Sets with plastic rather than metal connectors are not subject to the recall.

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Avril Lavigne – Alice (Underground) Song

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Chip

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February 3, 2010

This song is going to be the first single of her fourth album. It is also on the soundtrack “Almost Alice” for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland movie releasing next month.

Check out the related post section below to see this song in the ABC Family Alice in Wonderland TV Spot.

FYI – This is not her music video but just some pictures set to words.

Alice in Wonderland ABC Family TV Spot with Avril Lavigne

By

Chip

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February 3, 2010

This trailer is accompanied by the sounds of Avril Lavigne performing â€œAlice (Underground)â€, the filmâ€™s closing credit song that will be the first track on the soundtrack titled Almost Alice.

Check the related post section for more music from that album

Click here for a full track listing from the Almost Alice album. The song will also be featured on Lavigneâ€™s upcoming 4th album, scheduled to release at some point this year.

IBM SmarterPlanet Experience at Epcot’s Innoventions Video

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Chip

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February 3, 2010

On January 29, 2010, IBM opened its new Smarter Planet experiential exhibit at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The exhibit is powered by a Smarter Data Center, providing a real-life demonstration of optimized computing that reduces energy costs by up to 25 percent. The exhibitâ€™s version of IBMâ€™s Scalable Modular Data Center has been implemented by hundreds of IBM clients around the world.

Disneyworld “Lines” & Touring Plans.com Review

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Chip

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February 3, 2010

So we are recently back from our Disneyworld vacation and wading through all the emails, news stories, photos and reviews that are on my to do list I wanted to start off with a review for the guys over at Touring Plans.com

Around 5-6 months ago I made a schedule of parks we wanted to visit, restaurants we wanted to eat at, and tried my best to determine if they would be busy or not. Lets just say if I would have went first to the Crowd Calendar on Touring Plans website things would have been a heck of alot easier. Luckily I was able to use their website weeks before we left and make the proper modifications to our Park and Dining reservations on my schedule. (yes I am a planning nerd)

So before leaving for Disneyworld I created an account at http://m.touringplans.com and bookmarked their page on my Droid phone. I tested out the page, checked the wait times, and played around with their user interface before embarking on our vacation. (still a nerd)

Once we arrived at Disneyworld the first thing I did after checking in was bring up their webpage and check to see what park would be the busiest, and which parks would be ok to visit that day.

(I will have to say for January the parks were really busy, I was at Disneyworld last February and the lines were no where near as long as they were last week)

So having checked Lines we determined what park to attended that day. My family and I are big park hoppers, we like to take advantage of all the Disney transportation and sometimes visit all 4 parks in a day. (Boat ride between Epcot and HS is the best)

While all the parks were pretty busy, Lines was correct in determining which park was the busiest. A few times we had no choice and had to visit the “Park to Avoid” for breakfast or dinner, but once that was done we left and went back to one of the other parks.

I also found myself submitting wait times while hanging in line. Their submission page is simple to use and most times I just glanced at the sign before walking into a ride or as I walked past.

We didn’t start a day without visiting their webpage, and while in the park using the wait times to guide us through our day. I know Verizon and Disney have their own apps that basically do the same thing but for now why should you pay for an application that the guys over at Touring Plans is offering for free.

In conclusion their program & touring plans made our vacation 100% more enjoyable and I will be a life long supporter of their products. So if you have a smart phone and a DisneyWorld trip coming up what are you waiting for check them out today!