ABC News and USA TODAY launched an unprecedented news project today to report from every state in the nation during the 50 days leading up to the presidential election. ABC News' anchors and correspondents and USA TODAY's reporters and photographers will report on one state each day. And how did they start this news event? Well you can tell Disney owns ABC for the Good Morning America crew broadcasted from a train.
Diane, Robin, and Chris went through Mass.on board an Amtrak train. Now you know Walt loved trains so he probably would have enjoyed that his network broadcasted from one. Of course he probably would not like how Good Morning America ended today.
The broadcast ended with James Taylor singing a few songs. I am not sure why that qualifies as news. However, it was neat to see the studio used by Norman Rockwell. For those of you that are uncultured, Norman Rockwell was a painter that was inspired by Charles Boyer who replaced the Disney characters with generic figures from Americana.
Quick Takes:
Parks and Resorts: Shades of Green Resort, the Armed Forces recreation center at the Walt Disney World Resort, will play host to the 11th Annual Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest will run Oct. 15-18 from 5:30-10 p.m. Open to Guests of all ages, festivities include live entertainment by the world-famous Stratton Mountain Boys band, a traditional Bavarian dinner, German beer, wine and schnapps. Authentic German steins, clocks and gifts are available at the Oktoberfest gift shop.
Seating at this fun-filled event is limited. Advance tickets are available and admission includes a collectible souvenir beer mug and entry into the grand-prize drawing.
For more information or reservations, call 407-824-6466 or visit the Web site at www.shadesofgreen.org.
Studio Entertainment: Following the success of China's "The Secret of the Magic Gourd," Disney announced that they will start production of their first film to be produced in Russia. "The Book of Masters" is another example of Disney trying to create local content in international markets.
Consumer Products: The American Beverage Corporation announced a partnership with Disney to create branded soft drinks. Wall E Ice Bop juice slushies and High School Musical fruit drinks will be available across the country. Wall E Ice Bops will be available in Space Station Strawberry, Tropical Sunshower, Meteor Mixed Berry and Lunar Lemonade, while High School Musical will be available in Reach for Melon Peach, Big Game Lemon Berry, and East High Fruit Punch. I can't help but wonder if the American Beverage Corporation got the contract because someone at Disney thought they were part of Disney's ABC.
Disney Interactive Media: Disney.com has a new feature of featuring character bios. The first one highlighted was the character's from Peter Pan. What a coincidence that they are highlighting Peter Pan and Tinker Bell right before the Tinker Bell movie is being release on DVD. What are the odds?
What to Watch: The new season of Greek continues on ABC Family tonight at 9. ABC Family had a great summer season finding success with The Middleman and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. In many ways, ABC Family outshined ABC this summer. The only success ABC had was Wipeout… Classy….
Video of the Day: The Emmys are on Sunday and ABC.com is counting down with The Road to the Emmys. Viewer discretion is advised as this video does feature Kathy Griffin.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: ABC News has video, courtesy of TMZ, of former Disney star Lindsey Lohan allegedly hitting a photographer after tripping on her way in to a hotel. Between James Taylor and Lindsey Lohan, I am glad ABC News is covering what really matters in today's world.
NY Times: Mission: Space sponsor HP is cutting 25,000 jobs after its acquasition of Electronic Data Systems. On the bright side, the employees no longer have to pretend that they actually like Mission: Space.
USA Today: There are reports that British espionage writer John Le Carre was tempted to defect to Russia. When asked why he mentioned that he was trying to get a part in "The Book of Masters".
LA Times: The LA Times has an interview with Lost's Michael Emerson who plays Ben Linus. Of course this is just a tease as the show does not return to ABC for five months. See…I told you Ben is evil.
Orlando Sentinel: If your flying to Orlando on United you might have to pay more if you packed too much. United is doubling their fee for a second checked bag to $50. So here is a tip: Instead of paying that money for your "souvenir suitcase," have Disney ship most of your mementos and that way you can avoid the hassle and usually sales tax as well.
Variety: Brillstein Entertainment Partners Television has just signed a new three-year deal with ABC Studios. The production company is home to the new hit, "Samantha Who?", but this deal has a dark side as well. They are also the home of "According to Jim". Is it possible we could have three more years? Let's hope not.