Florida Beach

The 2009 hurricane season officially ends November 30. This hurricane season fits the mold of the long term averages. For the 2009 season there were 10 named storms of which 3 became hurricanes and of those 2 major hurricanes. A category 3 or higher on the Saffir_Simpson scale is considered major.

In the Atlantic basin, long term averages show that there are about 10 named storms of which 6 become hurricanes and 3 of those major hurricanes. Since 1995 there has been a major upswing in tropical cyclone activity. During this period there has been an average of 15 named storms of which 8 became hurricanes and 4 of those major hurricanes.

The return of El Nino was the likely cause in the decrease in tropical cyclone activity, especially affecting the number of hurricanes that formed. The El Nino causes an increase in wind shear which creates a hostile environment for hurricane development in gerneral.

Rich Johnson – Tropicalweather.net

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Welcome to Stats Suck Sunday! If you’ve never heard of Stats Suck Sunday before this is where you post random thoughts on your blog in bullet points like I’m about to do.

• My dog, Buttercup, passed away on Wednesday..
• I fell out of my bed the other day and hurt myself.. it still hurts.
• I’m listening to my Jeremy Camp Live CD that I got in the mail yesterday..
• That’s the 5th CD this month.
• Snickers Ice Cream Bars are awesome.
• I still need to finish listening to last week’s show of The WDW Radio Show..
• I like Jeremy Camp’s song “Take My Life” a lot.
• Lay Down My Pride..
• I want a churro.
• Why do Stats Suck on Sundays? Hmmm..
• Going to Disney World on Friday for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Recording. It will be on TV on Christmas Day on ABC.
• Listening to A Muppets Christmas – Letters to Santa Soundtrack now..
• Can’t wait to go to Disney World. Yay.
• We have to be there at 7 AM though.
• It’s almost December.. which means it’s almost Christmas. w00t.
• I need to blog more.. I only posted once this week and only because it was Thanksgiving.

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.. The Muppets “Bohemian Rhapsody”..

Costly accommodations, exorbitant theme park ticket prices, overpriced meals and loads of unnecessary souvenirs have the potential to turn a dream family vacation at Disney World into a true nightmare for your wallet! Fortunately, by following the tried-and-true tips below, you can save up to $1,000 on your next Disney World getaway:

Plan Ahead
Don’t just wing it! Research the destination thoroughly before you arrive and sketch out your Disney World itinerary. Don’t make it too rigid (you’ll want to leave some room for spontaneity). Check out comprehensive online vacation guides to Orlando and Disney World such as Orlando-Florida.net, which provides detailed information on Walt Disney World Resort such as theme park attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, resorts and specialty shops, as well as great deals on discount theme park tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

Travel During the Off-Season
Avoid the crowds! Walt Disney World theme parks are most crowded during Spring Break, from mid-June to mid-August, Easter weekend, Thanksgiving week, the week before Christmas through New Year’s Day and on three-day holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Value season typically runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of September, the week after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and after New Year’s Day until just before Presidents’ week in February. For an added bonus, schedule your vacation around one of Disney’s immensely popular annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Holidays Around the World, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Star Wars Weekends.

Seek Out Budget Accommodations
Believe it or not, you can still stay on Disney property without spending a fortune by booking a reservation at one of Disney’s budget all-star resorts – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – all of which provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney World theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney. However, you will enjoy even more savings if you opt to stay off Disney property at one of the numerous budget motels and hotels that lie near the main entrance to Disney World along Highway 192 in Kissimmee or along world-famous International Drive. Before you book your reservation, check to see if the motel or hotel offers a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning for guests. If you have a large family or are planning a family reunion, look into renting a vacation home – many of which offer private backyard pools, enclosed garages and washer/dryers.

Take Advantage of Complimentary Transportation
All Disney World resorts provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney theme parks and many area hotels, motels and resorts also offer free scheduled shutttle service to Disney World, as well as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney resort, enjoy free shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport aboard Disney’s Magical Express (reservations are required).

Purchase Multi-Day Tickets
Believe it or not, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World is currently $71 plus tax! Fortunately, there are more Disney World multi-day ticket options than ever before. Look into Disney “Park Hopper” tickets, which allow you to come and go as you please throughout any of the four Disney World theme parks: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Choose the appropriate Disney ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo it – you should definitely schedule time for rest and relaxation during your Disney vacation. Most importantly, do not purchase your Disney World tickets at the gate – seek out the best online deals before you arrive to the theme park.

Eat Out Wisely
If you plan to eat at one of the Disney World theme parks, make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are significantly lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase). Also, don’t forget to bring along some water bottles and small snacks for the kids. In addition, you don’t have to spend a fortune at one of the Disney Character Breakfasts for autographs and photo opportunities – just take your kids to one of the free character meet and greet areas throughout all of the Disney World theme parks such as Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have a large family, check out one of the many budget, all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney property on Highway 192 and along International Drive. Also, pick up a copy of free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain discount coupons for Orlando restaurants. Finally, many motels and hotels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats per paying adult).

Set a Budget for Souvenirs
Establish a budget for Disney souvenirs and, most importantly, stick to your budget! Check out some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets for Disney merchandise at substantially lower prices. In addition, purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at the theme parks, since prices at Disney are more expensive for those items.

Take a Break from the Theme Parks
Plan some time to take occasional breaks from the Disney theme parks and you can unwind and save money in the process. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, both of which offer theme restaurants and specialty shops. If you really want to get away far from the madding crowd, consider a hike through the scenic, 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is just $3 for adults and $2 for ages 6-17.

Enjoy Membership Discounts
If you are an AAA or AARP member, make sure to take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation at hotels, restaurants and Orlando area attractions. Also, if you are a Florida resident, check with Disney World about any available discounts.

Book Your Disney Vacation Online
The best way to enjoy significant savings on your next Disney World vacation is to seek out the best online deals for discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations on or off Disney property and individually tailored Disney vacation packages. Several leading online vacation providers such as HotelsCorp.com serve as comprehensive “one-stop” resources for incredible deals on Disney tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

“A variety of online vacation providers are available but HotelsCorp.com prides itself on offering the best online prices for Disney World vacations,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com.

Orlando, Florida Guide, the most comprehensive online guide to Orlando and Disney World, also features discount Disney World tickets, incredible deals on Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.

Since it opened on May 1, 1989 as the third major theme park at Walt Disney World(r) Resort, Disney-MGM Studios has celebrated the golden age of Hollywood with such classic attractions as The Great Movie Ride, Magic of Disney Animation and the fascinating Backlot Tour. However, starting in January 2008, Disney plans to change the theme park’s name to “Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” which reflects “how the park has grown . . . to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer – in music, television, movies and theater,” according to Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton (August 9, 2007, press release).

Along with the name change to “Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” the 135-acre theme park will launch a slew of new attractions, live shows and special events in 2008 to complement such classics as Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Major attractions and live entertainment venues to be added for 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include the following:

Block Party Bash
An all-new Disney-Pixar inspired parade, Block Party Bash, will enable guests to sing and dance along with their favorite characters from such hit Disney animated films as A Bug’s Life, Cars, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille and Toy Story. The Block Party Bash also features high-flying acrobatics and is a must-see for guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting in the spring of 2008 (replacing the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade). .

High School Musical 2: School’s Out!
The interactive High School Musical 2: School’s Out show makes it debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a lively cast that dances and sings to hit songs from the wildly successful Disney Channel original film, “High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” Catch “Wildcat fever” at the High School Musical 2: School’s Out show, which will be presented multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Jedi Training Academy
Based on the incredibly popular Star Wars films, the Jedi Training Academy at Star Tours features an intergalactic entertainment experience that gives young Jedi students the opportunity to learn the “ways of the force” in order to battle and defeat the evil Darth Vader and his minions. The Jedi Training Academy will take place multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Play House Disney-Live on Stage!
A whole new Play House Disney show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include a host of new Disney Channel characters from such programs as “Handy Manny,” “Little Einsteins” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” Designed for preschoolers, the live Play House Disney show will last approximately 20 minutes and take place multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Playhouse Disney is located on Soundstage 5 in the Animation Courtyard, directly across from The Magic of Disney Animation.

Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity . . . and beyond! Inspired by the classic Disney-Pixar animated movie, Toy Story, Toy Story Mania! will make its debut in the summer of 2008 as the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With state-of-the-art, 3-D technology, this thrilling interactive ride will take guests on a wild adventure through a video game where they use spring-action shooters to toss rings at aliens, throw eggs at barnyard targets and launch darts at balloons (scoring points in the process just like at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin). Toy Story Mania! will feature all your favorite Toy Story characters such as Woody, Hamm, Rex and much more.

In addition, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be an integral part of Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration, which has been extended throughout 2008. Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration will feature the Disney Dreams Giveaway, which boasts “more dreams that only Disney can make true” such as a night’s stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, a star-studded trip to the “High School Musical 3″ film premiere, a flight in a hot air balloon high above a Disney World theme park or a private day at Disney’s tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay.

Special events such as ABC Super Soap Weekend (November), the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (November-January), ESPN the Weekend (late February) and Star Wars Weekends (June) will continue to take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008. In addition, Night of Joy at Walt Disney World will be hosted for the first time by Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Held in early September (September 5 and 6 for 2008), Night of Joy features some of the most talented singers in contemporary Christian music for a magical celebration full of joy and inspiration. Four popular acts have already confirmed for the 2008 Night of Joy: MercyMe, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Rush of Fools.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008 will also continue to feature opportunities for kids of all ages to meet and greet their favorite characters such as the Power Rangers, JoJo and Goliath and Little Einsteins as well as Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney-Pixar’s animated movies, Cars.

“Make plans to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008 and experience all of the new entertainment options that this dynamic Disney World theme park has to offer,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com. “And by booking your Disney World vacation online today, you can enjoy unbeatable savings on discount Disney tickets, hotels near Disney and Disney World vacation packages.”

Orlando, Florida Guide, the best guide to Orlando, offers discount Disney World tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount Sea World Orlando tickets, as well as discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.

Keri and I went to Disney World (Orlando) for our honeymoon in April of this year. It was a blast, and as is typical, I took 8 gigs of photos while we were there just to let them sit on a memory card until a couple days ago!  It was great to finally look at the pictures again, but then came the realization that I took a LOT of pictures.  I tend to get snap happy looking for that perfect shot, so I had a lot of photos of the same type of scene in sequences. Good thing for digital, I would be broke if I shot actual film.  Or maybe I’d be a better photographer with less mistakes!

I wanted to go though and select the good ones to post here, and I will eventually, but with holidays and work, I just don’t see it happening anytime soon.  So I did the next best thing, I imported all the untouched-up photos into iMovie and made a high-speed slide-show!  Because I neurotically snapped multiple photos of similar scenes (especially fireworks), the slide show ended up looking very much like an old 8mm movie in many places. The effect is pretty cool, so I decided to run with it.

Before you watch the movie, keep in mind my iMovie and general film skills are non-existant.  I wish I could have pulled off the old movie effect with a little more clarity, but c’est la vie.  Also YouTube’s compression doesn’t help the clarity either.

You can watch the movie below or click here for a higher quality version.

Author: Tia Arora
Source: articleage.com

Have you ever marveled how will an evening be when you are dining with some of the interminably beloved stars (of young and the old) in the cosmos—Mickey Mouse, Alice, Uncle Scrooz, to name a few. The experience would be incredible and exceptional, so is the place- Disneyland. Walt Disney, the father of the Disneyland established the first Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California in 1954. The park was inimitable and thronged by visitors of all age groups from toddlers who had just learnt to walk to the grey haired, <a href="http://www.

disneyactingauditions.net”>disney acting auditions, men and women. The charisma of the place didn’t let it rest at one place. A replica of Disneyland was made by the name of Disney World in the eastern half of the United States in Orlando, Florida in 1971. Noticing the diaspora across the world for this place, Japan kicked off its own Disneyland in 1983 and christened it as Tokyo Disneyland. Lately, in 1992 another model of Disneyland was premiered in Paris, known as Euro Disney.
The premier Disneyland in California is planned around eight lands for instance Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and the like.

The place is an all round entertainment for all the visitors. From live cartoon characters, disney acting auditions, to exotic landscapes and scandalizing rides this Disneyland boosts, disney acting auditions, your energy levels and mitigates all the worries and anxieties of life. The beguiling place can be best experienced during spring, disney acting auditions, and winters. Summers should be shunned for California is hot, humid and stormy during this season.
During summers the pleasure can be taken at the Typhoon Lagoon waterparks and the Blizzard Beach in Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

The place crammed by the tourists all round the year is bifurcated into five themed parks namely- The Magic Kingdom, Disney or MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and the Epcot Center.
The Tokyo Disney Resort being the first Disney theme exterior to the United States periphery is also a delightful place to holiday at. The outstanding attractions of the place include ravishing, disney acting auditions, Tokyo Disney Sea Park and Ispiari, a trendy and admired shopping zone.
Disneyland Paris is more, disney acting auditions, or less an amalgam of Florida and California Disney themeparks.

Yet, disney acting auditions, it lures countless tourists from Europe and across the globe.
The Exclusive set of Activities
Life is different when you are at any of the Disneyland themeparks. The parks are not premeditated just to amuse and absorb the kids but also, disney acting auditions, to make the adults take delight in their vacations. Those who are tired of rides and water games can take pleasure in some of the world’s best designed golf courses in Orlando. You can even go for sightseeing in Southeast and Southern California.

Not to forget are the revitalizing spas that allow you to put your feet up and bathe in perfect tranquility. Some of the wonderful spas are nestled near the Disneyland of Florida and California.
When the adults have so much to explore, for kids the happiness is unparalleled. Moreover, it is a bumper bonanza if your birthday falls during your trip for every Disneyland has some special proviso for the birthdays. Apart from birthdays, Christmas season is the crowning time to celebrate in all the Disney parks especially for the Florida and California Disneyland.

There are a horde of other activities like tea parties for kids with their favorite cartoon characters, camping with them and even cooking classes for the tiny hands to develop some skills and taste for cooking. The disabled children too can have their complete share of enjoyment for the Disney themeparks are equipped with disabled friendly devices like wheelchairs, Braille guides and so forth. The temptation of the place has also invited cruiseliners to it. This lends you an opportunity to visit your child’s dream destination along with the remarkable everlasting experience of a cruise.

Special preparations are made for the couples and those who want to enjoy in isolation from the rest.
Once you make up your mind to holiday at any of the Disney theme parks, the entire information about it can be collected through the internet or traveling agencies. Although every Disney world, be it for Florida, California, Tokyo or Paris is surrounded by all range of hotels (budget friendly to expensive) yet it is prudent to get reservations beforehand.
Get Ready to Discover the Child in You…Go Disney !
Tia arora writes disney world topics.

Learn more at http://www.mickeytraveling.com.

No time today for worry.  The positive aspect of vacation anticipation is starting to get intense.  My children have been fully exposed to the magic of Walt Disney World numerous times over the years and are as eager to be there as I am.

I still need to make a trip to the grocery store.  I still need to drive to C-U to pick up my son.  I still need to finish packing.  Clothes are out but not in the bags.  I haven’t grabbed any toiletries, jewelery, toys, shoes, hair ties…what else am I missing?  It doesn’t help that I stayed up way too late last night.  I was playing Bejeweled and watching the most recent episode of The Office and still awake at almost 2:00 A.M.  Today my head is fuzzy and aching.  Not fair that I get a hang-over just from staying up too late.

Woke up this morning at 7:00 A.M.  I putzed around facebook then realized I still needed to frost cupcakes for Hannah’s party.  Cupcakes looked great and were delivered with the party girl unscathed and on time.  I have a roast in the crockpot for Italian beef that I’ll take to Dad’s tomorrow.  Still need to throw together a caramel apple pie, green bean casserole and red beans & rice dish.

I’m never going to get all this done am I?  Doesn’t matter…I’m leaving regardless.

While I’ve been working with teens these few years, I’ve come to realize that there is a point in every child’s life where mom and dad go from being heroes to zeros. When does this happen? It is different for everyone but generally the loathing of the parents seems to begin in the adolescent years -continuing and peaking through our teenage years and then…suddenly in our 20s…we gain a whole new respect for our parents.
When does THIS happen? How does it take place?
When did you first realize that your parents got up early EVERY DAY to go to work and provide for the family? When did you realize that a family vacation cost money and a trip to the mountians, or the beach, or Disney World was not free?!? I remember, years agowhen I was still a teen, my dad offered to pay me and my brother $20 each if we’d trim the trees in the back yard and we looked at him like, “20 bucks! That’s it?”

I’m at the age now where I’m looking at these teens I serve at church and I’m thinking, “They don’t get it, they just don’t understand…yet.”
At the same time, I’m at the age where I now know I still don’t get it…not all of it…not yet. I am at a place where I know how very little I know.
My parents survived raising me and my brother. And they didn’t just survive, they succeeded.

So, when did your mom and dad become cool again?

Alright funny heading, but Ryan Gosling really is a great actor and now a great musician. I am sure the majority of you don’t remember YTV’s Breaker High anyway… So we all know that Disney own’s and runs almost the entire world, even Communist China has a Disney World… think it’s a coincidence… I think not. Also why do you think that Britney Spears is still in our lives almost every day even though she really does nothing of any importance anymore, or really ever did. It’s all part of their master plan… Ok I’m getting off topic here, we will cover Disney’s world domination another time. How did I get here again oh yeah Dead Man’s Bones and Ryan Gosling, well Ryan used to be a Mickey Mouse Club Member, for those of you that didn’t know. By the looks of the video I posted below (do yourself a favor and fast forward to 1:45 into the video) Ryan almost became part of one of Disney’s boy band/killer assassins groups, like fellow member JT. I think the only reason he was saved from this fate is because he’s Canadian, we are harder to brainwash. I’m sure it’s true, look it up, Google it, I’m too lazy. So luckily he escaped the grasps of Disney World because even though he did take part in such embarrassing projects as “Breaker High“, “Young Hercules“, and “The Mickey Mouse Club” he has taken a turn for the better and has taken part in such projects as “The Believer“, “Half Nelson“, and “Lars and the Real Girl” and now “Dead Man’s Bones“. The debut self titled album is the brain child of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields and was released on  October 6, 2009, just in time for a couple pre-Halloween performances. Which is fitting considering the ghoulish feel to Dead Man’s Bones’ music. After listening to the album the first time I felt like Glen Danzig, Dracula, and The Big Bopper had a love child together. I’m not sure if that will make any sense to any of you but that’s what went through my head. Musically the album is very striped down with simplistic riffs and heavy drum beats on the tom tom drums, but has a much grander feeling to it with the help of a full choir. The music has an up beat feel to it much like that of music from a simpler time… the 50’s, but with a very dark overtone. I can not say how much this all appeals to the my personal music tastes. I really was not expecting to be blown away by Ryan Gosling’s first album, but I honestly was. The whole album is strong all the way through but the stand outs for me were ” Pa Pa Power”, “Dead Man’s Bones”, “Lose Your Soul”, “My Body is a Zombie for You”, and “In the Room Where You Sleep”, which is almost the entire album… you get the idea. I recently saw the band at Venue and was thoroughly impressed. The set design and costume design was very fitting with the music. The show stopper came in the form of one of the grade 11 student choir members. Jane Agyeman blew everyone away when performing her solo part in the cover of “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”. The sell out crowd went nuts as it was one of those moments where you hear someone sing and it sends chills down your spine. I think even the band was taken aback. My only complaint of the whole night was that Ryan’s fame took away from the performance, as you had to listen to groupie girls that were not there for the music, talk about how hot Ryan was during the sets and then yell various intelligent things at him between songs such as “We love you Ryan” and “Take off your shirt”. I did not allow this to get to me though and enjoyed every minute of the show as Ryan and Zach and the choir of Carson Graham secondary all proved themselves to be great performers.  Please take the time to watch some of the videos below, you will not be disappointed.

            You might not have been taught the price our Founding Fathers paid to be free.  You might not remember the price paid by the first century church to set the body of Christ into motion in a manner in keeping with the calling God had placed on the body.  That might be because you have been listening to the new Gospel with its new pricing program.

We suddenly live in a place where we do not want to pay a price for anything.  We want it and we want it now.  It would be okay if this were an indictment against the secular side of America.  Unfortunately, it is also an indictment against the spiritual side of America.

            If we were founding America it would look more like Disney World than the country we love—one price gets you into everything, except the food is specially priced just to make sure we got you one more time.

            How do we move forward?  What can stop the slid into meaninglessness?

            There is really only one way—we have to get back to the basics.  We have to realize that we are not special; we are merely some of those called by God to a higher life, a life of giving and sacrifice instead of a life of taking and no pain.

            This also means that we have to quit talking the talk and start walking the walk.  We must find a way to live in the same manner as the Apostle Paul.  He counted all as loss.  The only thing that matter to Paul was the furtherance of the Gospel.  He could live in wealth and he could live in poverty—the moment does not matter, only eternity.

            We have to get past the pettiness of our culture and get back to real life.  That is one of the problems I see with the spiritual state of our world and especially our country.  We spend our time catering to the pettiness, how do we get more people to show up in the Church.  We spend our time trying to figure out how to get more people to raise their hand while nobody is looking. 

            In college we rewrote the lyrics to a famous hymn:  “Raise your hand, raise your hand for Jesus, put it down before anyone looks.  Praise God now you’re saved, your name is in the book.”  That sums up the current Gospel message.

            God wants you to have a Harley; He must because he gave me one.  No, wait, I am more special.

            We need to get back to living our life remembering that one day we will stand in front of God and give account for everything.  God might be love, but love is not syrup on your French Toast; love is justice.  Love is demanding of those to whom it is given.

            That might be a good thing to keep in mind the next time we are in the Harley shop thinking about living the good life.

1. Splash Mountain: Take a flume ride adventure aboard a hollowed-out log through swamps and bayous within an 87-foot-high mountain as you enjoy the crazy antics of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear from Disney’s 1946 classic movie Song of the South. Along the way, prepare to get soaked as you plunge five free-falling stories at a 45-degree angle into a watery oasis at 40 miles per hour!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Cruise through secret caves, witness exciting sea battles and view a bustling Caribbean island town that has become overrun with a host of unruly audio-animatronic pirates.

3. Haunted Mansion: Take an approximately eight-minute-long ride in a “Doom Buggy” through the Haunted Mansion courtesy of a state-of-the-art Omnimover ride system, along with some great special effects and amazing audio-animatronics.

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: One of Frontierland’s most popular attractions, this thrilling roller coaster (in the form of a runaway train) twists and turns its way through an Old West mining town with loads of surprises along the way.

5. Space Mountain: Blast off into the darkness of outer space as you twist and turn, shooting past stars and satellites during the classic Space Mountain indoor roller coaster ride!

6. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Join Buzz Lightyear as a “Junior Space Ranger” and help pilot your Star Cruiser through the galaxy – zapping aliens along the way.

7. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Visit Pooh and all of his friends – including Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit, Baby Roo and Owl – and join them on a fun-filled adventure through the Hundred-Acre Wood

8. Jungle Cruise: The approximately 10-minute cruise features a hilarious narrated river tour through various jungle scenarios in three continents: the Nile in Africa, the Mekong in Asia and the Amazon in South America.

9. It’s A Small World: Take a leisurely boat ride that magically transports you through the countries of the world as hundreds of international dolls sing and dance to the favorite childhood song.

10. Hall of Presidents: The attraction begins with a short patriotic film that traces the history of the United States Constitution and early presidential milestones, and ends with a stage full of life-size, audio-animatronic figures of each of the 43 U.S. presidents.

Seeking great deals on spacious and comfortable accommodations that provide convenient access to Walt Disney World Resort? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts! For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

california 2009 fodors tourist guide the calamity girl the idea girl says great for researching a settings

I’ve been rushing around the past few days, doing some shopping and trying to read the travel guides that I got from the library.

If you want to research an area, tourist guides are awesome.

Fodor’s gives a good description about the arts, culture, entertainment and environment of each city plus it’s suburbs.

I’ve been writing down notes and trying to keep it organized.

I find I like jumping back and forth between books, so I put the name of the city at the top of my page.

And if I have loads of Novel Notes, I’ll number and Alphabetically categorize my notebook. Section A page 7 – Toronto, dining spots for Michael while filming on set. (Giving myself a plot idea, a character and a story to work with)

toronto-best-new-restaurants-the-calamity-girl-michael-ferraras-the-idea-girl-says-good-research-for-places-in-novel

Michael Ferraras is my fictional movie producer from The Calamity Girl.

I’ve entered the rough draft into the competition and now I’m gathering facts to expand the ideas of the book and I’ll probably add to the word count as I go along.

I’ve been chatting in Pro Blogger, where the topic is, how to draw attention to your blog, talk to your audience not at them.

There it was!
The reason I didn’t like my novel, was because i’m talking At the reader.

Giving mundane information about all the tourist attractions that Rachel and Michael visited while in California.

Even including the actual names of some of the spots located in Disneyland and Universal Studios.

But there wasn’t much of a description of what it was LIKE to visit there.

And that’s where I have to work on a better story line.

In order to engage the reader, they must feel like they are standing there right beside you and seeing what your character is looking at.

Boy that was a mouthful.

But you get the picture, right?

I can describe Mickey Mouse, he’s a big colorful mouse with huge ears, and a big smile on his face.

As I walked by, he asked if I’d like to have my picture taken with him.

I said, “Sure!”

We stood there posing and that was when I felt very silly noticing the little children tugging on their parents sleeve saying, “Mommy isn’t she kind of big to be taking a picture with Mickey Mouse?”

Maybe that’s not the best example but you get an idea of how “foolish” Rachel feels upon hearing this child’s comment.

As a reader, you can relate to the feeling of embarrassment but you also have to WRITE that she’s embarrassed.

I stood there feeling silly and my ears turned red and my cheeks turned pink, I tried to ignore the kid and smile. I wanted to get it over with. Then I turned to the little boy and said, “I’ve been a fan of Mickey Mouse for years and I’ve always wanted to get my picture taken with him. It’s my first time here.”

There!
I just saved my face.

The little kid is happy with my explanation and my readers can giggle about my retort to the little kids remark.

I’m glad to see that Michael Jackson was never embarrassed to get his picture taken with Mickey Mouse.

More than likely Mickey Mouse was the one to ask for a picture to be taken!

michael_jackson_and_mickey_mouse_300 the idea girl says

Aqui encontrará información muy importante de los malls y outlets que estarán abiertos el Viernes Negro en Orlando.

El Orlando Fashion Square Mall  abrirá a las 5 am.  Los primeros 1.000 compradores recibirán bolsas de compras especiales. Habrá refrescos gratis y regalos.

El Orlando Premium Outlets abrirá a la medianoche del Viernes Negro, aunque algunas tiendas abrirán un par de horas antes en la noche del Día de  Acción de Gracias. El outlet center abrirá hasta las 11pm  de ese Viernes. El Sábado 28 de Noviembre estará abierto de 8am a 11pm y Domingo 29 de Noviembre de 9am a 9pm.

El Seminole Towne Center en Sanford  abrirá a las 5 am del Viernes Negro, y los primeros 100 compradores recibirán obsequios en la entrada del food court. Eso incluirá cupones para diversas tiendas, una tarjeta de regalo de $ 5 para Panera y un cupón para reclamar un sandwich gratis en Chick-fil-A.

La mayoría de las tiendas en el Winter Garden Village en Fowler Groves abrirán a las 6 am.

Florida Mall abrirá a las 5 am – pero la Disney Store abrirá a la medianoche.

Mientras tanto, la gente no tendrá que madrugar tanto para ir de compras al lujoso y  sofisticado Mall at Millenia. Abrirá sus puertas a las 7 a.m. el Viernes Negro.

Orlando, Florida Guide, la guía más completa en línea de Orlando, le ofrece información  de tiquetes a Disney World, tiquetes a Universal Orlando, y tiquetes a Sea World Orlando.

Condo resort hotels by Westgate can be found in premiere travel destinations throughout the United States!

• Explore world-class Orlando area theme parks in Orlando, Florida, at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Vacation Villas, Westgate Palace, Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Town Center, Westgate Towers and Ramada Gateway.
• Ski down white-powder slopes at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa in Park City, Utah.
• Hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.
• Take an outdoor adventure at Westgate River Ranch, an authentic dude ranch near Lake Wales, Florida.
• Experience the world-famous Las Vegas Strip with its nonstop casino action in Las Vegas, Nevada, at Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort.
• Visit “The Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson, Missouri, at Westgate Branson Woods Resort and Westgate Emerald Pointe Resort.
• Tee off at championship golf courses at Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Westgate Painted Mountain Country Club in Mesa, Arizona.
• Step back into the past at Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, at Westgate Historic Williamsburg.
• Relax on white-sand beaches at Westgate South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida, and Westgate Daytona Beach Resort in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• Enjoy convenient access to nonstop casino action in Tunica, Mississippi, at Westgate Tunica Resort.

For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

I am a blubbering mess.  Currently listening to the music of Walt Disney World at Magical Mouse Radio and envisioning possible upcoming vacation moments.  Seeing my family all together in the sunshine, without the stress, smelling the smells, hearing the sounds, breathing the air and walking the walk…gets me teary-eyed.  OH!  Don’t forget the FOOD!!  And the shopping!  Hard to believe the Magic is only days away now!

While I’ve decided it will be okay if the house isn’t spotless when I leave, there are certain areas that must be taken care of before we head south.  The dog has had his bath.  He’ll be staying with my dad and my canine siblings.  The guinea pig cages have been cleaned and plenty of hay and alfalfa have been purchased.  My niece and nephew from 2 blocks down, will come to tend to my little cavies.

The dishes were done…and I’m doing them again now (sort of).  Pretty sure I’ll have to do them again at least once more.  Two of three bathrooms have been cleaned and trash has been taken out.  I really wish I had time to put up Christmas lights, decorate the tree and paint my family room.  There’s also the Walt Disney World map project that I want to finish.

Always so much to do in daily life.  So many appointments to remember, errands to run, chores to complete, kids to feed and all those nasty bills to pay.  …but in a few days, I will be in a perfect World.  For one week, I’ll be immersed in total perfect magic…MY without-a-care-in-the-world World…where Disney can take care of me.

With the arrival of the holiday season, you still have time to make preparations for a dream Disney World vacation for your entire family – while enjoying significant savings in the process. The secret to successful last-minute bookings in Orlando is to seek out and take advantage of the best online hotel deals and discount vacation packages. Numerous holiday savings opportunities are available throughout Orlando for bargain hunters who know what to look for. Even though the holiday season in Orlando is extremely busy, a majority of the best resorts near Disney have rooms available. You simply need to know how to negotiate through the myriad of online Orlando hotel offers and find the best deal for your family.

First, browse online for an individually tailored Orlando vacation package that can be customized to meet the needs of your family. Next, call the vacation provider directly and negotiate the hotel price, free nights or an upgrade during this last-minute booking season. Ask about add-ons such as discount theme park tickets to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort or SeaWorld® Orlando. Location is definitely a key consideration when you research the appropriate hotel to book during your stay in Orlando, “The Vacation Capital of the World.” For example, Westgate Resorts offers great deals on spacious accommodations that provide convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks. Orlando area Westgate Resort properties include Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.

By booking your Orlando vacation getaway now, you and your family also can enjoy all of the special festivities scheduled for the 2009-2010 Disney holiday season such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (select dates through December 18, 2009), Holidays Around the World at Epcot (November 27 – December 30, 2009), The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (November 10, 2009 – January 4, 2010) and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (November 27, 2009 – January 3, 2010). And nothing quite beats bringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort!

When it comes to celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort with your family, many choices are available. As a result, advanced preparation is a great idea to save time and enjoy to the fullest the holiday season at Walt Disney World® Resort. And if you are seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations during your next Disney World vacation getaway, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

I am providing a map for anyone attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It can be a useful planning tool as it shows which attractions are open during the party. The hours are from 7pm-12am. Dates for December are 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18.