Tammy Bruce

Swimming toward saving lives in Shreveport - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports

The video soon went viral, and the educational world began to pay attention to Traviss message that technology and education can, in fact, be combined effectively to engender authentic student engagement and increased learning. Through this experience, the idea for iSchool Initiative was born. The foundation for this successful company was built over the next few years, ignited and fueled by LIFE Leaderships products, speeches, and events. Following LIFE Leaderships example, Travis started iSchool with a team that gave motivational speeches to build awareness of how technology could be successfully paired with education. These teachings became widespread and sought-after, and the Digital Learning Revolution (DLR) mobile classroom on wheels was born. Today, Allen's company also offers professional development, consulting, and a mobile toolkit. Nearly 90 percent of the work is with teachers in grades K through 12. To date, the company has recruited several large clients, including a $1.4 million account, from schools that wish to purchase large numbers of iPads for their classrooms.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Travis Allen, Founder of iSchool Initiative, to Speak at Walt Disney World® Conference on June 25, 2014

RockSolid is an organization that provides free, grant-paid swim lessons. The young and old all gather at local pools for group training, because learning to swim will save lives. My baby, he fell in the pool at Disney World two years ago, so that prompted me to get him some type of swimming lessons, Jauhida Shepphard said. Her familys near tragedy made Shepphard realize its time for her boy to learn to face his fear of the water. It traumatized him a lot," she said. "I see him now having trouble dunking his head under the water and then for like three more months, you couldn't put water on his face, he would freak out." And now, Jace Shepphard clings to the side of the pool, his first step in facing his biggest fear: the water and going under, and not being able to get out. The importance of learning how to swim is that its a survival skill, its something that we dont look like we have to have every day because youre not in the water," said LaVance Henderson, a swim teacher. "But at some point this is something youre going to need." Little Jace is given an all-out challenge as he hugs the pool wall. Put our arms out straight, were going to put one foot on the wall, one swim teacher coaches. Jace is heard yelling in surprise: What! What! I cannot do that! I cannot do that! But these free swim lessons hope to change those "cannots" into "cans." For me it will give me that ease, if he was to go to a pool and have kids get rough and push each other, and push each other in, hell be able to handle it and be able to swim Jauhida said. Learning to stay calm, is important for kids like Jace, who may be facing their phobias, Henderson said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Swimming toward saving lives in Shreveport - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports

Prayer vigil held for Cottontown woman battling cancer - WKRN News 2

Morgan Hutcherson was diagnosed with a brain tumor on March 31, 2013. Doctors were able to successfully remove 98% of the tangerine-sized tumor days later, but the tiny remains left behind have spread at an alarming rate. Doctors then gave her 12 to 18 months to live. Morgan created a bucket list, and has already marked several items off, including a trip to Disney World with the help of a Nashville businessman and going skydiving . Due to her declining health, Morgan is currently bedridden. The vigil was held at the White House Municipal Park on Highway 76 at 8 p.m. in White House, Tennessee. For those who wish they have participated but were unable to attend, organizers said to light a candle at home and say a prayer for Morgan. For more information on Morgans battle, visit her Facebook page .
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Prayer vigil held for Cottontown woman battling cancer - WKRN News 2

Unfortunately for Brer Rabbit, however, he tended to laugh just a little too long at his own joke and before he knew what was happening, Brer Fox captured that hapless hare. Brer Rabbit was dragged by the ears up to the top of Chick-A-Pin Hill, where Brer Fox’s lair was hidden in a hollowed log that jutted out over the mighty Splash Mountain waterfall. Brer Fox threatened to skin Brer Rabbit, and then to roast and eat him. But thinking quickly, Brer Rabbit told Brer Fox to go ahead and do anything with him he wanted, so long as he didn’t throw him over the waterfall into the Briar Patch. Slow-wittted Brer Bear liked the idea and decided that flinging Brer Rabbit into the briar patch was the best thing to be done. Brer Fox tried to prevent him, and in the struggle, all three went over the falls and into the briar patch. The briar patch is, of course, Brer Rabbit’s home sweet home.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Splash Mountain at Disneyland Park

There are 16 flavors, but, seriously, that chocolate-chocolate sensation is a must. Another favorite? The hand-pressed brioche ice cream sandwich. Try something different at the new Morocco Juice Bar at Epcot World Showcase, where the chef is making bold ice cream flavors like chocolate and cinnamon, green tea, pistachio with orange blossom water (our favorite), strawberry and red bean, and toasted almond with rosewater. For a Magic Kingdom pick-me-up, grab the latte iced coffee float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland. (The kids can get a caramel or hot fudge sundae.) At Disneyland Resort , we always make a stop at Clarabelle’s at Disney California Adventure park for the hand-dipped ice-cream bar. Choose vanilla, chocolate or mixed berry sorbet, ask for it dipped in milk or dark chocolate, then add a flourish of toppings like chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles. Made on the spot while you watch. Get fancy at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with a single, double or triple scoop of artisanal ice creams: Scharffen Berger chocolate chunk, Tahitian vanilla bean or creamy California strawberry.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Eight Delectable Disney Parks Treats for National Ice Cream Day

Without the air conditioner running, the train car got pretty hot over the next 90 minutes. As they waited for firefighters to help them off, the stranded visitors passed the time by chatting with each other and messaging friends. No one seemed to panic, Lily said. Firefighters later managed to pop open the top hatch of the train car -- but opted to escort passengers out through the doors, using a lift. That actually disappointed Lily. "I kind of wanted to go through the top, I thought it'd be fun," she said. Despite the mishap, Lily said she'll definitely be back -- especially after getting free passes for the inconvenience. And for a teen who visits Disney World at least three times a year, the experience was actually pretty cool. "I just kept saying this is the most exclusive ride, having to evacuate the monorail," Lily said. Her mother, Melissa Mock, has been visiting Disney World since she was 8 years old.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Disney World monorail evacuated after outage | National News - WGAL Home

World's best water parks and amusement parks - CNN.com

Sunday, July 13, 2014 | Posted: 10:00 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2014 Disney World monorail shut down by weather-related power outage; passengers evacuated Sponsored Links LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. About 120 passengers were evacuated from a Walt Disney World monorail Sunday evening due to a weather-related power outage. The monorail stopped on a stretch of track between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Disneys Wilderness Lodge. Workers spent about 30 minutes trying to restart the monorail to return it to a station to unload the passengers, officials said. Once those measures proved unsuccessful, the Reedy Creek Fire Department spent an hour evacuating the passengers from the monorail using a special stairwell device and other vehicles equipped with platforms, Fire Chief Bo Jones said. No one was injured, and there were no medical emergencies. Once lowered to the ground, the passengers were escorted to busses provided by Disney. Stay with Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates to this story.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Disney World monorail shut down by weather-related power... | www.wftv.com

Disney World monorail shut down by weather-related power... | www.wftv.com

PortAventura Park, Salou, Spain 10. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida World's top water parks 1. Siam Park, Adeje, Spain 2. Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil 3. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Orlando, Florida 4. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park,Orlando, Florida 5. Waterbom Bali, Kuta, Indonesia 6. Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 7.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit World's best water parks and amusement parks - CNN.com

If you’ve been on a Disney cruise , there’s no doubt you’ve noticed the variety of cuisines available for you to try. Part of the fun of traveling is experiencing new things, which we make possible for our guests in many ways … including dining! Today’s dish is Cajun-inspired, so its preparation is simple. Just toss all of the flavorful ingredients together for a delicious Louisiana-style meal! Check out the full recipe below and download our keepsake recipe card here. Enjoy! Cajun Shrimp Slaw with Louisiana Sauce Serves: 6 5 21–25 shrimp (cooked and peeled) 1 white onion (finely sliced) 1 carrot (shredded) 1?4 cup tomato ketchup 1 tsp. cajun spice 1 tbsp. curly parsley (chopped) salt and pepper
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Disney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Slaw

Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…

How ‘bout them apples? They’re red and delicious and perhaps our most difficult mystery puzzler of the summer. These apples can be seen somewhere at Disney Parks but you’ve got to have an eagle-eye to spot them. Any guesses? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today. Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…

Earlier today, Anna and Elsa, the royal sisters from “ Frozen ” were officially welcomed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios , well, for the first time in forever! Gallery view all “ Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome ” is a new daily procession that gives everyone a chance to enjoy the pageantry and cheer of the grand arrival of the royal sisters of Arendelle. Stepping off at the front of the park, Anna and Elsa proceed through the parade route in a royal horse-drawn sleigh, while their friend, Kristoff, travels on a Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post float. Our “Frozen” friends are flanked by plenty of royal entertainers, including a flag corp twirling the flag of Arendelle, a troupe of ice men performing a routine with ice picks, sliding skiers, skating snowflakes, and more. Upon arriving at the stage in the center of the park, the sisters receive their official welcome to “Hollywoodland” before returning to their carriage and completing the rest of the parade route, ending just before the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction. I was there to see today’s inaugural procession for myself, along with my son, who like so many kids, watches “Frozen,” plays “Frozen,” and even sings “Frozen.” By far, one of my favorite elements was seeing the kids who were chosen to join in on the fun. Each day, 20-30 of our young park guests are going to be randomly invited to become honorary royalty of Arendelle and march along in the parade. Although these children are randomly selected to appear in the procession, word on the street is that one way to increase your chances of being selected is to dress and be seen in your Arendelle best!
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Inaugural ‘Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome’ Parades Through Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Happy Fourth of July! We know that holidays are when many families reconnect and spend time together, which is why we work to make them special for those celebrating onboard with us. Today, it’s not just our ships adorned with red, white and blue… Up on deck, we’re throwing a special party, complete with streamers, American flags and patriotic music, plus a special performance by Mickey and the gang! Kids can get their faces painted, join in on arts and crafts and help decorate the youth clubs in red, white and blue. We’re even serving patriotic food and beverages, including blueberry muffins with red, white and blue icing for breakfast, an American themed buffet for lunch and additional All-American selections for dinner. Our drinks of the day are “The American” and “BlueBerry Lemon Ice Tea.” If you weren’t able to join us onboard today, make yourself one of these refreshing drinks and say “cheers” with your family to your next Disney cruise ! The American 1 ½ oz White Tequila ½ oz St Germain Elderflower Dash of Watermelon Syrup ½ oz fresh lime juice Garnish- watermelon skewers
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Celebrating July 4th With Disney Cruise Line

Historic American Flags in Frontierland at Disneyland Park

In fact, Walt Disney dedicated Frontierland in Disneyland park by saying: “Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America.” If you are looking for ways to celebrate our nation, take a moment to appreciate the flags on top of the Frontierland Landing the next time you board the Mark Twain Riverboat or the Sailing Ship Columbia . Each of these eight flags represent significant moments in American history. In honor of our Independence Day, let’s take a closer look at plaques mounted to each flagpole. The John Cabot Flag: The first flag flown over the mainland of America. Under this flag, the Constant brought the settlers to Jamestown in 1607 and the Mayflower, the Pilgrim fathers, in 1620. The Kings’ Colors Flag: The banner under which the English colonization of America was effected, it remained the flag of the colonists for more than 100 years. The Continental Flag: This flag entirely eliminated the British emblems from the colonial banner and was carried by American troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Pine Tree Flag: The first flag carried by the then infant American Navy, which consisted of only one fleet of six ships. The Grand Union Flag: This flag marks the beginning of our national existence and was raised at Cambridge by General Washington in 1776.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Historic American Flags in Frontierland at Disneyland Park

There will also be a special Independence Day fireworks display. Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will be held over the park at 9:00pm. Epcot will open at 9:00am on July 4, with World Showcase opening two hours later. The park will close to the general public at 10:00pm, and will then have two Extra Magic Hours for Walt Disney World resort guests. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will take place at 10:00pm. There will be an extra five minutes of fireworks called The Heartbeat of Freedom after IllumiNations. Disney's Hollywood Studios will open at 9:00am on Independence Day, and will remain open until midnight. Fantasmic!
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Hours at Walt Disney World for Independence Day 2014 - National disney world | Examiner.com

Apple iWatch And Disney - Business Insider

It essentially acts as a digital ID that you wear around your wrist. The sensors within the band are also contextually aware and can detect where you are. Here's how Bajarin described one experience: But these RFID bands also had proximity features so when we were on a ride like Splash Mountain where they take a picture of you as you start the downward slide, it automatically sensed from our bands we were on the ride and that picture was automatically sent to our Disney picture site as well. Bajarin notes this mobile identity aspect could be crucial for the success of the iWatch. He even went so far as to say that Apple "would be crazy" not to pursue such an idea. What's more, this concept appears to seamlessly fit with other initiatives Apple is rumored to be prioritizing moving forward. Numerous reports have suggested that the company will dive deeper into mobile payments this year, and Bajarin's reasoning makes the iWatch seem like a perfect fit for that goal. Bajarin writes: Imagine going into a Starbucks and just touching your iWatch or iBand to the terminal, entering a PIN numberand it is charged to your Apple account...Yes, you can do this with an iPhone now but that means taking it out of your pocket or purse and it is only single authentication at present. In a wearable, it is much easier to use for entering the home and for all types of interactions and transactions. New products around the connected home will also supposedly be a big priority for Apple in the coming months. Apple just announced its HomeKit smart home platform for developers earlier this month, and the company is said to be working on its own connected home hardware as well.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Apple iWatch And Disney - Business Insider

(Disney owns ABC. ) As always, the familys rough luck dogs them until they are the unlikely recipients of a significant room upgrade. Instead of being crammed into a regular Disney hotel room (garden view), the working-class Hecks get to luxuriate in a suite made for a king with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, TVs in all rooms (including embedded in the bathroom mirrors), a living room, a media room and a full kitchen with high-end appliances and granite countertops. This, however, is not the realm of the writers imaginations. Its the newest suite at the resorts premier Grand Floridian hotel, and its available to anyone who wants to cough up the $2,400-a-night rate. Disneys latest (and most luxurious) suite inside the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa costs up to $2,400 a night!Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney The suites, which sleep 12 (so opportunities abound to split the bill), are part of the Disney Vacation Club timeshare properties and range in size from studio suites to capacious luxury villas. What many people dont realize is that you dont have to be one of the timeshare owners to enjoy them unused properties go into the reservation system for guests to book at rack rates through all the usual travel sites. Visitors to Disney World this summer will also be able to enjoy the new, ticketless, technology-based experience at the parks. The technology is called MyMagic+ a Web site, mobile app and wristband combo that will shape and, its hoped, streamline your theme-park vacation.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Luxe suites and tech factor are new additions to Disney World | New York Post

Walt Disney World joins food truck brigade - Orlando Sentinel

Throughout the holidays, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season. Preparation Provide current headshot/resume. Please prepare a one minute monologue. Other Dates Performers are identified from the local Central Florida area and are under seasonal contract from November December 2014. Other Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States Callbacks will be held in August by appointment in FL Personnel A monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Performers of all ethnic and racial background are encouraged to attend. Always bring your Equity Membership Card to auditions. Breakdown
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Audition for HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD at Walt Disney World in Kissimmee on 07/18

Audition for HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD at Walt Disney World in Kissimmee on 07/18

All of the Disney trucks have limited menus so that food can be in the guests' hands in a timely manner. The Disney trucks at the event are Namaste Cafe, inspired by the flavors of Disney's Animal Kingdom and offering items such as butter chicken and tandoori shrimp; Superstar Catering, offering favorites from Disney's Hollywood Studios such as Margherita flatbread; Fantasy Fare, with popular tastes from Magic Kingdom parks all over the world, including sticky chicken and waffles and Disneyland's famous corn dog; and World Showcase of Flavors, serving pierogies and grass-fed beef sliders inspired by the theme park's many festivals. "We don't see the food trucks as a waning trend," said Kleinschmidt. "It's going to continue to grow as people are continually inspired to seek out new flavors from here and around the world." The Downtown Disney event, which is from 5 to 10 p.m., will be staged on the event lawn near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil . And even though Pluto is welcome at the event, your pets are not. hmcpherson@tribune.com or 407-420-5498 Disney food-truck rally What: Fourteen food trucks, including Disney-built vendors as well as local favorites such as T.J.'s Seafood Shack and La Empanada. When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday Where: Downtown Disney's West Side, event lawn near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil. Best parking is in lots O, P and Q behind Cirque du Soleil, via entrance 5. How much: Admission is free; food prices a la carte.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Walt Disney World joins food truck brigade - Orlando Sentinel

The technology is called MyMagic+ a Web site, mobile app and wristband combo that will shape and, its hoped, streamline your theme-park vacation. The MyMagic+ experience begins even before departure at MyDisneyExperience.com. Here, you can plan your trip, synch it with other members of your group, and most importantly, order and load up a waterproof bracelet that will be your new key to the magic. (Read: key and charging.) This MagicBand, which comes in a variety of colors and personalization options, will also act as your PhotoPass and FastPass+ to further streamline your visit. Three passes per day can be loaded onto the band up to 60 days before your vacation (30 days for those not staying at onsite hotels). At the park, once you have used a FastPass, you can then log on to the mobile app or head to a park kiosk to load up another. One of Disney Worlds youngest visitors tests out the MagicBand at a park.Photo: Disney Make sure to book a pass on the seasons key new attraction in the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which has you riding in buckets on a smooth and family friendly roller coaster. You can also pre-book dining reservations and new, this season pick VIP spots for shows and parades. Theres even the option to save a time slot for character photo opportunities, thus avoiding the often lengthy and arduous ordeal involved in meeting Mickey (or, since the runaway success of Frozen, Princesses Anna and Elsa). For those who prefer not to have their vacation organized like a military assault, never fear these plans can also be customized and changed during the visit via the app. Just make sure to get yourself a good data plan and dont forget the phone charger.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Luxe suites and tech factor are new additions to Disney World | New York Post

Audition for HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD at Walt Disney World in Kissimmee on 07/18

Throughout the holidays, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season. Preparation Provide current headshot/resume. Please prepare a one minute monologue. Other Dates Performers are identified from the local Central Florida area and are under seasonal contract from November December 2014. Other Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States Callbacks will be held in August by appointment in FL Personnel A monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Performers of all ethnic and racial background are encouraged to attend. Always bring your Equity Membership Card to auditions.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Audition for HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD at Walt Disney World in Kissimmee on 07/18

Later this summer, more than 50 of your favorite Disney villains will run wild in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a special after-hours night of fun called “Villains Unleashed.” And this week, we shared a sneak peek at a portion of the invite list. Cruella De Vil, Captain Hook, Darth Vader and more will be making appearances during the event. Check Jennifer’s story for the entire list and to find out more information about our August 23rd event at the Walt Disney World Resort. Also this week, new Disney Parks Blog author Jerry Brown shared a look at one of the newest animal experience destinations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom , “It All Started with a Mouse,” located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch . “It All Started with a Mouse” showcases Walt Disney’s lifelong love of the animal world and his belief that “what everyone will learn who studies it is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants.” Jerry has more information about the experience and images in his original story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Summertime at the Disneyland Resort Keeps Getting Happier – With so many choices on what to do this summer at Disneyland Resort, it’s almost too hard to choose! Instead, we put it all together in a video.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

An image of Olaf “chillin’” on a beach will be found on a beach towel, a tumbler, and an open edition pin (the latter will be released in August). A pin trading starter set that includes four pins (one being Olaf) and a lanyard also arrives in August. Toward late summer, look for an Olaf-themed, fuzzy bag with a pouch to carry your mobile phone. Finally, Anna and Elsa will join Olaf on a new coffee mug (yes!) coming in early fall (the perfect time to remember summer as the weather turns cooler). My favorite item, however, has to be the Olaf hat also coming this fall. I couldn’t resist getting a picture wearing it while dreaming of being on a beach somewhere in sun. Look for these items in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in the coming months.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit Chill Out This Summer with New Olaf Merchandise Coming to Disney Parks