<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358</id><updated>2011-07-07T19:35:39.132-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Just a girl in love with all things Disney..</title><subtitle type='html'>The World According to Jackie O. Disney World that is. Keep your eyes peeled, for trip reviews, disney news and some randomness here and there.</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>22</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-766943297409979870</id><published>2010-07-18T13:33:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-07-18T13:33:42.170-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Just a small update...</title><content type='html'>Hey there everyone :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I hope you are surviving this scorching summer. It's been quite hot here in FL this past weekend, but I kept cool by getting a nice massage and staying in the A/C. Just thought I'd do a quick blog post about what has been going on lately.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This past week, April and I recorded show 11! Monumental for us since it's been such a long time since show 10. As usual, we are sorry for the delay, but we refuse to give up on our passion for all things disney. April is free during the weeks, so we are going to be trying to record shows earlier in the week and have them posted by the weekend. Show 11 should be posted sometime today or tomorrow. Be sure to visit &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.waltsgirls.com"&gt;www.waltsgirls.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; or itunes to catch the latest episode. As usual, we had a lot of fun recording it. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On July 24th, Downtown Disney is having some kind of huge sale, so Jesse and I will be heading to Orlando to check it out. I'll post a blog about what kind of cool things I find. Also, we are planning a trip with April, her hubby and some other friends of ours for sometime in September. I'm super excited, because I love Disney World even more when I am surrounded by my closest friends. We are probably aiming at 2 or 3 days and we aren't sure where we are staying. Most likely off property since there will be a decent sized group of us. I'm hoping one of my best friends from NY can fly down and join us. She needs a vacation and what better place to do just that? I love WDW in September because it's fairly quiet and not unbearably hot.&lt;br /&gt;Of course, we are also going to the Last Tour to Endor party in mid-august, which I'm getting so excited about!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lots of exciting Disney fun will be coming up in the next few months, so keep your eyes peeled for new podcasts and blogposts!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-766943297409979870?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/766943297409979870/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=766943297409979870' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/766943297409979870'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/766943297409979870'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2010/07/just-small-update.html' title='Just a small update...'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-3405647617545071063</id><published>2010-06-20T20:24:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-06-20T20:28:04.293-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Most recent Disney World happenings...</title><content type='html'>First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful daddy's out there! :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wow, blogging twice in one week. For me, that's amazing! Now to find out how I can do it from my fancy new phone :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have so much to talk about and not enough time to type it all out. I'll have to pace myself and just give you a few tidbits here and there. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So what's new with me? Not all that much, still in school and still working. I was on a long hiatus from visiting the Disney parks here in FL. My pass had expired last November and I didn't purchase a new one until this past May. I actually purchased it on May 5th, which means NEXT year I can visit EPCOT one last time for Cinco de Mayo before it expires. Sweet! Okay, so for me, 6 months is a LONG time to go without visiting the parks. I know that for most the wait is a lot worse. I'm sure I sound incredibly dramatic, but let me tell you how great it was to go back to the parks. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My first trip back was for 3 days in which my boyfriend and I stayed at Coronado Springs. This was the first time either of us had ever stayed at a moderate resort. The pros? The resort is sprawling, it has nice walkways allowing for early morning or evening exercise, a really cool themed pool as well as appropriately themed rooms and Rix Lounge is a great place to relax and have a few drinks. The Cons? Our room was really quite dirty, the walls are paper thin and the resort almost seems.. too big. We enjoyed our stay regardless of the dirty bedsheets and the broken remote control, but we may try a different resort for our next stay. We will definitely be sure to head back to Rix though!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The first day of our trip, we went to EPCOT since it was Cinco de Mayo. We didn't go on many attractions, but we did tour most of the World Showcase. We both love doing this. There is always something new to see and do. Since it was so hot, we started with Impressions de France. He had never seen it and it was a nice place to cool off. I've always really liked this film anyway. We walked around a bit, stopping in shops here and there. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mitsukoshi in Japan is one of our favorite stops and my sweet boyfriend likes to let me open an oyster because he knows how much I enjoy it. On this particular occasion, I picked a fantastic oyster. It had twin silver blue pearls in it which is incredibly rare (1-2% chance; I will post a picture in the next blog). They are so beautiful. I had them made into earrings for another $10 and I love them. At the rate I'm going with opening oysters at EPCOT, it would be cheaper for my sweetie to buy me an actual pearl necklace! If you have never done this before, you are girly and easily amused, I recommend doing this at least once. For the fun of it!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We kept walking and browsing until we happened upon Mexico. We are absolutely in love with the new(er) Tequila bar in the Mexico Pavilion. The guacamole and the crab tostadas are to die for. Jesse (the boyfriend) prefers the Jalapeno margarita while I'm still seeking out my favorite. So far I have tried, the pineapple, passionfruit and the pepino margarita (which I believe currently has a different name). They are all quite delicious, but none have really captured my heart, just yet that is. We did a couple shots of patron, but we also sampled a tequila called Partida, which was a little less expensive, but very good. The Sangrita shooter is the best part of doing tequila shots at this location. My only complaints about the tequila bar are that it is a very small location and it gets very loud. Of course, when tequila is involved, that is to be expected, but the lack of insulation in that part of the pavilion just seems to amplify the hoots, hollers and heys. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On this trip, I succumbed to Vinylmation. If any of you know me, I haven't been a fan. The whole "It looks like a Mickey, but it's not really a Mickey" concept just seemed lame. Until I saw one that had the old school EPCOT pavilion logos all over it. I now have 6 of the damn things. If you really care or are seriously into Vinylmation, I will post a picture of the ones I have. Oh and don't tell anyone, but I also bought one of the keychain style ones. Guaranteed another one will come out at some point, that I just HAVE to have. If I didn't love the cursed rat so much, I'd be a much richer woman.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As we stumbled out towards the back entrance of EPCOT, we saw it. The Tronorail. We were in awe. Jesse first introduced me to Tron a little over a year ago and I have been in love ever since. Apparently I am really lagging in the amount of Disney movies I have seen, but I'm working on it. It was too dark to get any good shots, but it's truly a beautiful thing. For those of you who are wondering, it's actually monorail coral. We ended the night at Rix for a laid back evening and then headed back to the room for some much needed sleep.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The next day was spent at the Magic Kingdom. Sweltering hot before noon, we started in Tomorrowland. We got a fastpass for Space Mountain, rode the TTA, did Carousel of Progress and Buzz Lightyear. Once it was time for our fastpass, I started getting nervous. Space Mountain scares the bejeezus out of me, but I love it. I didn't notice many changes since it had been down for rehab other than a couple small things and the video games in the queue. Great idea Disney imagineers! At least, for those who need constant mind stimulation. I am a fastpass fan, I do all I can to avoid lines longer than 30 minutes. I'm actually quite savvy when it comes to working my way around the parks while using fastpasses. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We headed to Mickey's Toontown to bid it adieu. I'm not sure I'll get back to the parks before they tear it down, but I won't miss it much. My favorite part of that area is Minnie's house. It's so darn cute. We ventured through Fantasyland which is a tight squeeze right now since the reimagination is beginning to take place and it seems like it will be that way for quite some time. Call me crazy, but I felt a strange contentment just looking at the empty area where 20,000 Leagues under the Sea once was. I guess this is because nothing had been placed on top of its old location, or at least, not yet. While I'm excited to see some new additions to the Magic Kingdom, it makes me sad to know there really aren't any remnants of this attraction still around.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We did the Haunted Mansion as well as pirates. Before we went on pirates, we stopped and had a taco salad at El Pirata y El Perico. It would've been more enjoyable had I not witnessed a little boy deliberately poke his little brother in the eye with a brand new pirate sword. It was horrifying! About two seconds before I saw him jab his kid brother in the eye socket, their grandma said "put down the swords before someone gets hurt". Now I know, with kids, things happen, but I was absolutely horrified by this incident. Luckily, the younger boy was alright. We finished out the night walking around, taking it easy and watching Wishes. I was disappointed to see they have cut back on flying Tink during Wishes. I guess budget constraints are hurting the mouse from every angle&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So that is a bit of our trip. We had a great time and of course, I can not wait to head back! Since it's seems that we are going to have a brutal summer here in Florida, I probably won't be heading back until the September or so. I try my best to avoid the really crowded summer months. It's just too much. I hope you enjoyed reading about one of my recent trips. I'll be posting much more very soon and may even have some exciting news to tell you about in the near future!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Until then!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-3405647617545071063?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/3405647617545071063/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=3405647617545071063' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/3405647617545071063'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/3405647617545071063'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2010/06/most-recent-disney-world-happenings.html' title='Most recent Disney World happenings...'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-518290011190195464</id><published>2010-06-14T19:40:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2010-06-14T19:40:49.709-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Wowza.. it's been a while</title><content type='html'>Hi everyone out there!! I don't know if anyone really reads blogs anymore, but I'm going to revive this one. I need an outlet to share all of my adventures to Disney World and my passion to get to the parks as been reignited with the purchase of a seasonal pass. Yes, it's blacked out right now, but I may cave in and upgrade it to an annual. I get these addictive fits where I just HAVE to go to the parks. Can you blame me being so close to the magic?? Well I hope everyone out there is doing well and I will post a new blog VERY soon. Take care!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-518290011190195464?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/518290011190195464/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=518290011190195464' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/518290011190195464'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/518290011190195464'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2010/06/wowza-its-been-while.html' title='Wowza.. it&apos;s been a while'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-9110456735888144827</id><published>2009-02-15T19:06:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-15T19:53:25.836-08:00</updated><title type='text'>My Birthday Trip!</title><content type='html'>Hey everyone! It's been a while, as usual, but I just wanted to give everyone an update about my birthday and how it went at WDW this year.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On 2/12, my boyfriend and I got to The Studios around 11:30am. Since I already have an annual pass, I had my birthday certificate printed out and my ID ready to go in order to get my $75 fun card. My first mistake was that I entered the park and went to guest services. I had read in a couple of forums that you can get your "birthday gifts" from them. This is incorrect. &lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;You must go to the will call window at the ticket counters before entering the park of your choice.&lt;/span&gt; Here they will let you know about all of your options. They gave me the fun card, a birthday button and a paper copy of the rules and regulations regarding the fun card. If any of you would like a copy of this or a picture or two, let me know and I will send it to you. I was also under the impression that I had to use the $75 before the end of my day in the park. This is also not true. It used to be this way, but they have since changed this to have no expiration. The lady behind the will call window told me that there is no relevance to them as a corporation to limit the use of this money to that strict of a guideline. &lt;span style="font-weight:bold;"&gt;You may use the gift card on any Disney merchandise in a store that is owned and operated by Disney. You may not use it on food, most of the stores and restaurants in the World Showcase at EPCOT or at most of the stores at Downtown Disney.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We then had to re-enter the park. The first thing we noticed was a huge blue carpet lining the main walkway of the park(Hollywood Blvd). I knew that they were having a special opening celebration for The American Idol Experience, but I didn't know how enormous it was! I later found out that Paula Abdul would be there, as well as many of the past contestants on the show and all of the winners from every season. All on my birthday! My wonderful boyfriend bought us tickets to see Hairspray in Tampa later that night, So we really didn't have an option to stay late because we needed to leave Orlando around 3. What a sweetie. :) &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Once we made our way down Hollywood Blvd, we turned down Sunset Blvd towards Tower of Terror and Rockin' Rollercoaster. We got a fast pass for ToT and went to have a small lunch at The 50's Prime Time Diner. We had some sodas, the crab cake and an order of fries. Unfortunately, this was probably not the best item I've had at this restaurant and I really enjoy this place. They had small white tents set up all around Echo Lake for radio stations from all around the country and even Ireland! The amount of media there was insane! The area in front of the actual attraction was completely blocked off. After lunch, we went to see The Indiana Stunt Show. I hadn't seen this in about 5 years, so it was really nice to see it again. My sweetie really enjoyed it. I had forgotten how cool the movable temple scene is!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After the show, I showed him the rope that you really &lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;shouldn't&lt;/span&gt; pull. He got a kick out of it. We then went to use our Fastpass for ToT. He thought it was freaky and thought it was cool how they had Rod Serling in the preshow video. After the ride, a couple of cast members stopped us when they noticed I was wearing a birthday button. They asked where we were headed and I told them we were just roaming around. The man asked if there was anything I really wanted to do. I told him I'd like to do Toy Story Mania. He then said "Okay" and asked if there was anything else I wanted to do. I told him I'd like to see The American Idol Experience, but blurted out that I had to leave to go to Tampa to see Hairspray. I'm really not sure what he would've given me, because he seemed to really want to give me some kind of admission to the show. He said he could fulfill giving us fastpasses for Toy Story Mania and wished me a happy birthday. I still think that was pretty nice! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We then headed over to use our fastpasses. My boyfriend really liked the ride, especially because he beat me! :) We then went to look at some of the One Man's Dream attraction. After that, we looked in the shops for a bit and then left for the day. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Though it was a short day, it was fun, as always! I didn't find anything that I absolutely needed, so I still have my $75 fun card. If you have the option to get one, it's definitely worth it! I hope everyone has a wonderful birthday at Disney if they are able to get there!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/?action=view&amp;current=AIcarpet.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/AIcarpet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-9110456735888144827?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/9110456735888144827/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=9110456735888144827' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/9110456735888144827'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/9110456735888144827'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-birthday-trip.html' title='My Birthday Trip!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-4212561210554225739</id><published>2008-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-29T18:37:12.098-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Just an Update</title><content type='html'>Hello everyone. It has been a VERY long time and it appears I have more blog drafts than actual entries. You'd be surprised to see how many entries are drafts behind the scenes here.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Anyhoo... so things are coming along. I'll be a quarter of a century old come february. What a scary thought! My boyfriend, April and I planned a last minute trip to WDW for Mousefest '08, but stayed incognito most of the time. We attended the graduation party portion of Bleepfest and sat with Earl and the Bleepster herself. It was a very enjoyable evening involving lots of beer, meeting a large amount of people and yummy food at the Biergarten! We didn't have MF nametags this year, April and I think the hype surrounding MF is a bit much. More than showing up, showing off how many podcasts you waste your time listening to and kissing the behinds of the "popular kids" (excuse me, I mean.. podcasters), April and I cannot express the sheer joy we get in meeting people who truly love Disney and are just looking for a few new friends. We got to meet some great people this time around, even though we didn't do much.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My main reason for blogging today is because I have been on a classic movie kick for the last week or so. I've watched "The Seven Year Itch", "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", "Meet me in St. Louis", "Sabrina", "Gidget", "Monkey Business" and am now currently watching "The Pirate" starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. I've grown up with an appreciation for these amazing classics, but haven't had much time to really sit down and watch them. Not that I have all the time in the world right now, but I am having fun watching them while many of the normal shows I watch are off air. My least favorite of the films I've watched? Gidget. I guess I just don't find anything great about Sandra Dee. Maybe I'll give her another chance with another one of her films. I'm much more entranced with someone like Judy Garland who bears amazing talent or Marilyn Monroe who had such an innocent charm. I'm simply taken by the talent of the actors and actresses of the 40's and 50's. Everything was so glamourous, colorful and creative. My favorite so far? Either Sabrina or Monkey Business. Does anyone else ever notice that firecracker actresses of back then were so tiny, but had such powerful voices and accents? I think the cast of Monkey Business was great and feel as though they must've had a blast making that film. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My point of this entry is that the next time you consider going to the movies to see something like "Scary Movie 28" or "Hotel for Dogs", Consider seeing a movie that will actually make your time worth it. Rent a classic and appreciate it for all it's done for cinema today.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-4212561210554225739?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/4212561210554225739/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=4212561210554225739' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/4212561210554225739'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/4212561210554225739'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2008/12/just-update.html' title='Just an Update'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-7111858682215954222</id><published>2008-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-09-29T16:02:09.316-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Back and ranting!</title><content type='html'>It has been a long while since I've blogged, this I know. I actually ran into a friend of mine the other day and he told me that he has been reading my blog (Hi Daniel!!). I figured this is as good a time as any to start this thing back up again. Everyone and their mother blogs because they think their opinions matter, so why not continue on this bandwagon? I'm pretty good at ignoring trends and forming my own likes and dislikes, but I think it's important to have an outlet to bitch and complain. I think a website is a good place to go. It can't talk back and won't tell you the things you don't want to hear. Unless someone leaves a comment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This time around I'm going to really lay my feelings out on the line. Tonight, I need to talk about something very near and dear to my heart. Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney closed this past Saturday night. Let me just tell you that Pleasure Island was the highlight of all my weekend trips to Disney World. I love the theme parks. The whole experience fills me with tons of wonderful memories. I was so excited when I became old enough to go to Pleasure Island. The Adventurer's Club and 8Trax have always been my two favorite places to spend my time. As of Saturday, the memories I'll make in the only area that isn't completely "family friendly" at Disney have come to an end.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now let me get this straight, one of the most powerful businesses in the world deliberately threw away their nightlife at one of the biggest tourist traps on the planet because survey participants claimed rather than "adult only" clubs, they'd rather have more shops and dining available at Downtown Disney. Let me ask you this, when you talk to people about going to Disney, what is their first complaint? THE PRICE. What the hell would make The Disney Company actually think they'd make more money on shops and restaurants than booze in nightclubs? I believe this is one of the STUPIDEST decisions Disney executives have ever made. God forbid their be one area on Disney property that children aren't allowed in. The problem began when they took away the turnstiles from Pleasure Island. Allowing parents and their children to flow freely through an area full of nightclubs was a stupid idea to begin with. You can't seriously tell me that Disney was losing THAT much money on Pleasure Island that they just decided to close it down. Maybe if they would've designed Downtown Disney a little bit better, they wouldn't have so many problems. Besides, is a store full of magnets really necessary?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know that the whole premise of what Disney World represents is the family, but not only families go to Disney World. Some of the most loyal disney patrons are single individuals, couples with no children, teenagers and older couples who's children are grown with families of their own. Hell, they even had a commercial with an older couple enjoying Disney World together. Getting rid of PI and catering only to families is going to force loyal parkgoers to head to Universal's CityWalk or Church St. Station, two places I really don't want to go, but since you are basically throwing it in my face that I'm a single female with no children to bring to your parks and spend oodles of money on, I may reconsider. I may also reconsider so much as to not repurchase my annual park pass this year. Call me crazy, but this is how truly upset I am to see PI go. I have never been to anything like The Adventurer's Club. It was one of a kind and now it is gone. I suppose I'll relocate the memories I have of PI to the part of my brain where all the other extinct attractions exist.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So that is my first rant back to the blogosphere. I know I'm not the only person who feels this way and to all of you out there who fought for Disney to keep PI alive and kicking, THANK YOU. Your letters, calls and whatever else you may have done may not have kept such a fun place around for years to come, but it was worth a shot. I sure hope that Disney turns a profit on the millions they are going to spend on more shops and dining at Downtown Disney. Good luck and thanks for showing me how truly spineless you Disney executives really are. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sincerely,&lt;br /&gt;A Formerly Loyal Disney Patron&lt;br /&gt;-Jackie&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-7111858682215954222?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/7111858682215954222/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=7111858682215954222' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/7111858682215954222'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/7111858682215954222'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2008/09/back-and-ranting.html' title='Back and ranting!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-8720310018500635715</id><published>2008-02-23T22:42:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-02-23T23:13:34.284-08:00</updated><title type='text'>So typical...</title><content type='html'>I haven't posted a blog in a VERY long time... But I figure, it's nice to have a place to vent so I will be sure to post more often. I won't be talking about Disney stuff... Maybe sometimes, but I'm keeping this very general so I can talk about whatever I feel like.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Let's see, what has happened since the last time I blogged? Well, the holidays came and went, so did my birthday and a new semester of school started. So far things are going pretty well. I get so busy sometimes that by saturday morning I'm toast and sleep till 2 in the afternoon. Which is probably the reason I'm still up right now, but I'll be on my way to bed shortly. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today I did some things around the house and then spent the evening with one of my best friends, JP. We shopped, ate sushi and saw a movie. A very fun night, as always. I spent far too much money at MAC Cosmetics, but it was birthday money and I haven't spent any of it yet, so I guess I'm allowed to treat myself. I'm a make up fiend! What else did we do? Wandered into a few stores, checked out The Disney Store (of course!) and then had dessert. This is so bad, because I really want to watch what I eat, but I couldn't resist when I saw this... neither could JP. The Melting Pot restaurant has a kiosk in the mall called "Dips" and they dunk anything from a list in chocolate for you. I'm a typical female and I believe EVERYTHING is better with chocolate. They had little fondue sundaes. I had seriously died and gone to heaven at that point. So I had a tiny sunday of strawberries, bananas and poundcake covered in milk chocolate, whipped cream and caramel. They weren't very big, but it was filling (and delicious). I wanted to find Mr. Melting Pot and beat him up for coming up with such a tasty treat. Thoroughly enjoyable, I must say. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We were going to see The Spiderwick Chronicles, but when I saw The Eye was still in theaters, plans changed. The worst part of the experience? The loud and incredibly obnoxious teenagers in the theater with us. I really didn't feel like causing a scene, so I just ignored it. I heard this movie didn't get very good ratings, but I actually liked it. It was freaky, but not as bad as some other movies. I actually really liked the story line. It was similar to movies like The Ring and The Grudge, but refreshingly different. The story line was based on real life concept so it gave the plot a bit of realism. Anyhow, I would definitely recommend seeing it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So that's about it for now... The Flower and Garden Festival is hitting EPCOT soon, so I'm sure I'll be heading over there in the near future. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Goodnight!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-8720310018500635715?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/8720310018500635715/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=8720310018500635715' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/8720310018500635715'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/8720310018500635715'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2008/02/so-typical.html' title='So typical...'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-8633674397443570395</id><published>2007-12-19T07:33:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-12-19T07:37:13.717-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Man dies after riding Expedition Everest</title><content type='html'>I know it's been a long while since I have posted, but with the holidays right around the corner, I'm super busy. A mousefest review will be up later tonight!! In the meantime let's discuss the latest happenings at Disney's Animal Kingdom.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It seems that a 44-year old man by the name of Jeffrey Reed passed away after riding Expedition Everest yesterday morning. He was unconscious and unresponsive after riding the attraction around 11:25am. A patron who is a registered nurse and a cast member performed CPR on the man until the paramedics arrived. He was without a pulse when paramedics had arrived and was proounced dead shortly after arriving at Celebration Hospital. There were no apparent signs of trauma. This is the first death on the Expedition Everest Attraction since it opened in April 2006. The ride will be closed until the attraction has been fully evaulated. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For more info, follow this link:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;url&gt;http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disneyaccident12182007,0,7179266.story?track=rss&lt;/url&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is a shame. I love this attraction, but I'm just curious as to why we hear about so many Disney deaths lately. I'm thinking it's because of the internet. Disney knows the story will leak, so they just decide to release it. This is horrible. Why do you think we hear more and more about Disney tragedies? I'm sure they do happen quite often, unfortunately, but it seems we hear about them more often then ever. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and and his family.&lt;a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disneyaccident12182007,0,7179266.story?track=rss"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-8633674397443570395?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/8633674397443570395/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=8633674397443570395' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/8633674397443570395'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/8633674397443570395'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/12/man-dies-after-riding-expedition.html' title='Man dies after riding Expedition Everest'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-3605163937388053623</id><published>2007-11-29T07:17:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-11-29T07:22:40.660-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Way to go, Helio!!</title><content type='html'>I have to give it up for Helio Castraneves. I think he did an amazing job this season on Dancing With The Stars. Half way through the season, I wouldn't have known he'd come this far. He has all the charisma that Marie had to offer and the skill Mel had to offer, he was a total package and I'm glad that he won. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Although, does anyone else find it odd that he called off his engagement the night he won? Was his fiance jealous of his relationship (or all of those kisses he shared with) Julianne? We all succomb to a little bit of gossip now and then, but this just caught me a little offguard. I didn't even know he was engaged to begin with, but I know if my fiance was smooching on someone as drooled over as Julianne, I would be jealous. Oh well not very important. What did you guys think of the finals? I thought it was wayyyy too long. Not suprised though.. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I hope everyone is having a great week! 1 WEEK UNTIL MOUSEFEST!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-3605163937388053623?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/3605163937388053623/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=3605163937388053623' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/3605163937388053623'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/3605163937388053623'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/11/way-to-go-helio.html' title='Way to go, Helio!!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-4536814666955396343</id><published>2007-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-11-26T19:21:35.006-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Since The Disney Company owns ABC Network...</title><content type='html'>Being an avid viewer of Dancing with The Stars.. I feel the need to take a moment and let the ABC Network know that they will lose a viewer if MARIE OSMOND WINS THIS COMPETITION. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don't watch much TV, but for some reason I really enjoy watching washed up celebrities attempt to dance their way to the top in this energetic and exciting show. I have watched DWTS since the second season and I've always felt that talent as a dancer has been the essential key to winning this show. It seems that is not the case this season. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm sorry to rag on you Marie Osmond, but you have no right being in the finals. This is not a popularity contest, it's about TALENT. Her freestyle dance tonight was an absolute joke. I hope all of her doll collecting fans enjoyed it, because I thought I was watching a car crash. Granted, there has been a ton of drama on this season (that I could've done without, frankly, but we all know it makes for good television), I just am sick of the sob stories and the excuses every week. I'm sorry Marie, but you don't hold a candle to Mel &amp; Maks or Helio &amp; Julianne.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now don't get me wrong, I know I'm coming off like a %$^#&amp; right now. But this is my opinion and if you don't like it, then don't read my blog. I just get very competitive when I am challenged. This is a dancing competition and I want to see the best dancer win, not the most favored person on the cast. I really think that Jenny Garth gave her all on the show this season. She made a truly awesome journey from the shy and modest girl next door to a confident and sassy dancing queen. Watching her transform was so exciting. I'm sure Marie has gained a lot of dancing experience and has made wonderful memories, but she is just not good enough. I'm afraid to watch tomorrow, but I'll be tuning in. What do you guys think?? Let me know if you are a DWTS fan and who you want to win!! I'm rooting for Helio &amp; Julianne!!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Also... while I'm on a roll here, to the person who felt the need to leave a severely rude and immature review about The Magical Definition Podcast, my co-hosts and myself.... Thank you for listening ;) If you enjoy the show and have any creative criticism or feedback you'd like to share, please leave us a review on itunes!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I hope you all have a great week and I will possibly be blogging tomorrow! See ya real soon!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-4536814666955396343?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/4536814666955396343/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=4536814666955396343' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/4536814666955396343'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/4536814666955396343'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/11/since-disney-company-owns-abc-network.html' title='Since The Disney Company owns ABC Network...'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-8904884327860305194</id><published>2007-11-25T18:09:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-11-25T19:17:14.703-08:00</updated><title type='text'>I've been Enchanted!</title><content type='html'>First off, I would just like to say that I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a wonderful and safe Holiday. Those of you who may not, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I had a very nice holiday and having 2 days off was like a breath of fresh air.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/resize1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So... Aside from Holiday shopping and spending time with friends and family this weekend, I got to see Enchanted last night. I cannot say enough good things about this film. I went to see it with high hopes and I left pleased as pie. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So here is your warning: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN ENCHANTED YET AND ARE NOT INTERESTED IN SPOILERS... SKIP THIS ENTRY!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;First of all, the one thing that really implanted in my mind that this would be a great film was the casting. With seasoned actors like Susan Sarandon, Julie Andrews, Patrick Dempsey and Timothy Spall included in the cast, I knew this movie was going to be something special. Susan Sarandon as the wicked stepmother, Narissa, was a perfect fit. Everything about her went into the character, the voice, the facial expressions and her actions. Julie Andrews as the narrator was a wonderful compliment to the movie-going experience (not to mention, she's one of my idols!). Patrick Dempsey as the closed-minded New York attorney and father of one's character cannot help but succomb to Giselle's beauty and kindness. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On that note, this film was a door opener for the lovely and talented, Amy Adams. She was perfect as a Disney princess. Airy, naive and sweet, she did an excellent job as Giselle. I just hope this role doesn't typecast her because I'd like to see her in other roles. I hear she was really good in Junebug, so I'd like to see her expanding talents. She has a voice like an angel and the poise of the most perfect Disney princess. Her sidekick, the adorable, wisecracking Chipmunk, Pip, was a typical sidekick, but irresistibly cute and funny.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I also really like seeing this whole other side of James Marsden. I'm so used to seeing him in action films like X-Men and Disturbing Behavior. But this year he blew me away as Corny Collins in Hairspray. Who would've known he had such a great voice? Seems this is his year to shine. His role as the corny, yet dashing, Prince Edward was great was yet another perfect fit.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Some of my favorite parts of this film were the "That's How You Know" scene in Central Park, "The Working Song" scene, when Giselle goes to work with Robert (Patrick Dempsey's character), Prince Edwards screwy chase to find Giselle and of course, The Ball Scene. The costumes in the final scene were gorgeous.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What I really loved about this film was that though it ended how most of us women would've wanted it to, it wasn't what you would call a "perfect" fairy tale. It was a very cute and light movie, but going on Giselle's evolutionary journey from naive fairy tale princess to a real life individual woman was exciting and refreshing. Going on dates with Prince Edward rather then marrying him after laying her eyes on him was both enlightening and contrary. I found this film had a great twist on the fairy tale stories we all know and love.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I believe that this is a movie for anyone who has ever experienced fairy tales or Disney in their lives. It had many throwbacks to original Disney films including, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, among many others. Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara who in the past have voiced famous Disney princesses such as Ariel and Belle, made cameos in this film, which was really cool! They really worked hard to make this film work and they did an amazing job. Having Alan Menken back at work on the fantastic music, it just added to the whole experience. Every element of this film worked for me. I loved the story, the music, the characters, the acting talents and the direction.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This movie gets two big thumbs up from me, so get out there and see it! It's great for the Holiday season. Go see it with your sweetheart, your family or your friends, you won't regret it.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-8904884327860305194?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/8904884327860305194/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=8904884327860305194' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/8904884327860305194'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/8904884327860305194'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/11/ive-been-enchanted.html' title='I&apos;ve been Enchanted!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-99356040758462728</id><published>2007-11-16T20:11:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-11-16T20:33:37.147-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Pics &amp; the "What The Heck?" Moment of the Day</title><content type='html'>I just want to give a shout out to the e-lurkers... I love you guys!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here are a couple pics from The Tower of Terror Run if you haven't seen them yet over on www.waltsgirls.com. I know the pics look cut off, but just go ahead and click the pics for better viewing.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/balh/IMG_2652.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/balh/IMG_2654.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/balh/IMG_2658.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And one last pic... Me and Minnie circa 1987!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/balh/scan.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So today at work, I was telling some co-workers about some Study Abroad programs being offered by the College of Business at my University for next summer. They are offering two separate trips, one to China and the other to Cambodia &amp; Thailand. I think both of these would be blast. I was just mentioning a few details about the trips to my co-workers and I mentioned you get one free day in Hong Kong to do whatever you wish. Of course, I said that I would spend my free day at HK Disneyland, what Disney Nut wouldn't?? The response I got to this? &lt;em&gt;"You mean to tell me, if you had a day to do anything in Hong Kong, you would go to Disneyland?"&lt;/em&gt; To which I replied, &lt;em&gt;"Of course! One of my goals in life is to visit every Disney theme park around the world."&lt;/em&gt; The response back? &lt;em&gt;"Well, then I guess if that is a goal of yours..."&lt;/em&gt; Which was then followed, by an eyeroll and a change of the subject. What the heck is that all about?? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm a marketing major and not only would I love to go to HK Disneyland, but I would love to see the difference in management and the way the business functions over there. So, what's wrong with this being something that I'd want to do? I'm sure there are wonderful things to see in Hong Kong, but who's to say I'd never go back? I was just a little bothered at the response I was given to this discussion. To each's own, right? Ok, so maybe I shouldn't get so worked up over this, but I felt like she was criticizing me and I didn't like it. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What do you guys think? If you had one day in Hong Kong, would you go to Disneyland or would you do something else? Let's just say, that someday AFTER that you'd have the opportunity to go back. Maybe I'm just an enormous Disney Dweeb. So be it, I say!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-99356040758462728?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/99356040758462728/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=99356040758462728' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/99356040758462728'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/99356040758462728'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/11/i-just-want-to-give-shout-out-to-e.html' title='Pics &amp; the &quot;What The Heck?&quot; Moment of the Day'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-6729341456444961428</id><published>2007-11-15T16:40:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-11-15T17:17:03.238-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Ashes to Ashes</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&amp;id=5762824"&gt;Check out this article&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It seems that last Friday at Disneyland California, Pirates of the Caribbean was closed down because a woman was caught on video by cast members dumping a suspicious powder into the attractions waters. Just what was this suspicious powder? The woman claims it was baby powder, but some people are suspecting it is something more like &lt;em&gt;human ashes&lt;/em&gt;. If this is the case, this action is completely illegal.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now, I don't know how many of you have heard about this, but I have known about this for a while. Am I the only weirdo that isn't bothered by this? I mean, yeah, it's a little creepy, but who wouldn't want to be laid to rest at the happiest place on earth? So, if park management knows that something like this is occuring, why not do something about it? Why not have an area where people could have their last respects paid at their favorite Disney park? Ok, so maybe that would freak out the general public, but I still don't think it's a horrible idea. Let's admit it, the parks have been around for a really long time and I'm sure this has been happening for just at long. People aren't going to just stop scattering ashes within the parks (whether or not they "really" are). Could you imagine if someone you knew asked you to do this? Not that anyone has ever asked me to, but, what would you say if someone told you that their last wish was to have their ashes scattered in the Haunted Mansion or in the waters of the Jungle Cruise? Would you say no? Would you want the same thing? Tough question, huh? Maybe Disney can buy up some land and make a Cemetary that doesn't feel so drab and morbid like most Cemetarys do. Just an idea.... lol&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I guess this just isn't something that shocks me. People are crazy, they do crazy things and this would be one of them.. If that is someone's dying wish, so be it. I'm not going to let touching a rail with someones cremated ashes on it ruin my day. I'm sure everyone now thinks I'm crazy, but that's ok. It just further proves my point. What do you guys think? Do you agree? Do you think it's disgusting? Do you want your ashes spread around Disney World? After all, Jackie O. always wants to know, so spill it!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-6729341456444961428?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/6729341456444961428/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=6729341456444961428' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/6729341456444961428'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/6729341456444961428'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/11/ashes-to-ashes.html' title='Ashes to Ashes'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-5762049492238149011</id><published>2007-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-11-12T10:26:25.306-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Hannah Montana Madness Continues!</title><content type='html'>Are you one of thousands who struggled to get Hannah Montana concert tickets for your little ones?  If so, just be glad you didn’t have to partake in this radio bit started by a local Tampa morning show on 93.3FLZ. The MJ Morning Show has been hosting a competition called “Hannah Monstrosity” since last Thursday morning. What does the competition entail? 20 devoted individuals must hang on to a 12’ tall Hannah Montana statue that has been created by a company who produces Disney and Universal sculptures. Out of the 20 people clinging to the statue, 4 remain as of today. The winner will receive 4 tickets and backstage passes to the Tampa concert next week. The winner will also have the chance to meet Hannah Montana, herself (Miley Cyrus), along with The Jonas Brothers. The $5,000 cash prize is just an added bonus. For more information, live television quality footage and pictures galore, Visit &lt;url&gt;www.mjmorningshow.com&lt;/url&gt;. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It’s actually really neat to be able to stream the contest online. If it were me, I would just do it for the $5,000.00, but unfortunately I can’t take the time off of work. In fact, one guy was called back to work and had to withdraw from the contest.  I listen to this morning show every day at work and I really thought this was a great bit. Especially knowing that people are desperate for these tickets. Anyone out there have a tough time getting the tickets or just don’t give a hoot about Hannah Montana?? Let me know!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-5762049492238149011?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/5762049492238149011/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=5762049492238149011' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/5762049492238149011'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/5762049492238149011'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/11/hannah-montana-madness-continues.html' title='Hannah Montana Madness Continues!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-2162446928053690730</id><published>2007-10-23T17:33:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-25T18:34:12.771-07:00</updated><title type='text'>EPCOT'S Food and Wine Festival</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://www.screenshots.cc/view_image/3c242325/IMG_1639.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.screenshots.cc/view_thumb/3c242325/IMG_1639.jpg" border="0"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;Despite my hectic work schedule, I was able to make it to the food and wine festival at EPCOT this weekend. Juice Newton was the featured musical act for the Eat to the Beat concert series. Although I am a huge music fan, I was not familiar with her, so we didn't stop to listen. Had I gone 2 days earlier, I would've been able to see Little Richard. I LOVE Little Richard! I suppose there is always next year.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;I was able to sample what I thought to be quite a bit from the festival, though I was sharing portions with two other people. One or two small bites of each was fine by me.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;Here is a rundown of the dishes we got to sample (In the order we sampled, we went counter-clockwise as always):&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Dominican Republic&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"&gt;Mofongo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - This was mashed &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"&gt;yuca&lt;/span&gt; (which is a starch root similar to the potato) with pork cracklings served with grilled shrimp. This was one of the best things I tried all day. Great way to start off the day. I highly recommended this item.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Coconut Flan&lt;/em&gt; - If you've never had flan, it's basically a sweet, creamy, caramel flavored baked custard. Flan by itself is very good, but the coconut gave it a little extra something. This was another favorite of the day.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Peru&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Cause &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"&gt;de&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"&gt;Cangrejo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - This is a cold yellow potato and crab salad. Though the crab was pretty good, I didn't really enjoy this dish very much.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"&gt;Arroz&lt;/span&gt; Con &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"&gt;Pato&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - This is a duck dish with cilantro rice. It was actually pretty good. Not my favorite, but I liked the flavor pairing between the duck and cilantro. I don't recommend this if you don't like peas!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"&gt;Tabernero&lt;/span&gt; Cabernet &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"&gt;Sauvignon&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - This red wine was full bodied and very peppery. A little too strong for me since I prefer mild table wines, such as &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"&gt;Chianti&lt;/span&gt;. If you like very tannin-stimulating full flavored cabs, give this your best shot.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Greece&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;We skipped Greece because we live in an area populated by many &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"&gt;Greek&lt;/span&gt; people and &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"&gt;Greek&lt;/span&gt; restaurants. It would be really hard to reproduce some of the amazing &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"&gt;Greek&lt;/span&gt; cuisine we've had so close to home. Although, I had overheard many people saying that the food in this pavilion was very good. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Canada&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Cheddar Cheese Soup&lt;/em&gt; - What would the food and wine festival be without having this?? Every year it is the same as before. Rich, hearty and full of flavor. If you are a fan of cheese or bacon, this is highly recommended. It was warm out, but not too warm for a cup of this soup!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Maple Custard with Almond Crumble&lt;/em&gt; - The almond crumble complemented the maple custard so well. I had this last year, but I don't remember it having the almond crumble on the top. Maybe I am losing my mind. It was very yummy. I love anything almond flavored, so this is right up my alley.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New Zealand&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;We weren't big fans of this booth last year, so we skipped it this year.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Great Beers of the World&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped as well. NOT that I am not a beer fan. We came back to this stand a later at night.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Iced Tea Fusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;France&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Escargot &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"&gt;Persillade&lt;/span&gt; en Brioche&lt;/em&gt; - Everyone except me tried this dish. I just wasn't in the mood for snails I suppose. Not that I don't like it, I've tried it a few times before, I just didn't want any. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;I hear the &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"&gt;Pomegranate&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"&gt;Kir&lt;/span&gt; is delicious!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oklahoma -Three Sisters' Cafe&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Seared Buffalo with Scalloped Wild Onions&lt;/em&gt; - We came back for this before we left for the night because it looked delicious. If you are a beef lover, this is for you. Cooked perfectly,melt in your mouth delicious! &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oklahoma - Rose Rock Diner&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Native Peach Buckle&lt;/em&gt; - This was so tasty. It is kind of like a cake in a &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"&gt;tart&lt;/span&gt; shell with fresh peaches and pecans. Very yummy, I highly recommend this!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Morocco, Australia, Japan, USA&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped x4. What can I say? We can eat, but we just couldn't eat it all. Oh wait I lied... We tried the &lt;em&gt;grilled &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"&gt;lamb chop&lt;/span&gt; with caramelized onions&lt;/em&gt; in Australia. It was good wonderfully and was very tasty!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hops &amp;amp; Barley Market&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;New England Crab Cake with Barley-Lentil Salad&lt;/em&gt; - For me this is a signature F&amp;amp;W Festival dish. I had it last year, I had to have it this year. And what a better to wash it down, then with a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat beer? The lentil salad is light and refreshing with the hearty crab cake. This is highly recommended by me.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Poland&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Italy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lasagna Al &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"&gt;Forno&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - One of the best lasagnas I've ever tasted. The spinach pasta in this lasagna is a nice change from the usual semolina pasta. I don't usually eat lasagna that has meat in it, but this one was really good.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"&gt;Cecchi&lt;/span&gt; Chianti &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"&gt;Classico&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - I'm just beginning my excursion into the wide world of red wine and I prefer &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"&gt;chiantis&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"&gt;merlots&lt;/span&gt; for the time being. This is a very nice everyday &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"&gt;chianti&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"&gt;Peroni&lt;/span&gt; Beer - Light with a full flavor. I would have to compare this to Stella &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"&gt;Artois&lt;/span&gt;. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I'm no expert, that's just what it reminded me of.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Germany &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Turkey&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Pistachio Baklava&lt;/em&gt; - I hate to say I was disappointed with this item. I love baklava, but this just had nothing special to it. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;South Africa&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Durban Spiced Chicken on a Skewer&lt;/em&gt; - I must be the only person on the planet who isn't overly excited about this dish. Maybe because I got the fatty piece, who knows. The flavor was just odd and the item that accompanied the chicken was just icky.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Goats do Roam Red&lt;/em&gt; - This was a nice smooth red wine. Very different flavor then the reds I'm used to drinking, but I really liked this.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;India &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped. Although, I heard the &lt;em&gt;curried butternut squash soup&lt;/em&gt; was very good.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;China, Ireland &amp;amp; Spain&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mexico&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"&gt;Chilaquiles&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/em&gt;- Yet another one of the most delicious things we tried all day. Chicken, tortillas and a spicy &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"&gt;tomatillo&lt;/span&gt; sauce. Definitely try this item. It is so good that I bought the recipe book and made it yesterday. It came out just as delicious as I remembered it &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Argentina&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Spicy Beef &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"&gt;Empanada&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - If you like surprises, try this! It's like a gourmet hot pocket. The beef in this item is organic and very fresh. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Grilled Beef with &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"&gt;Chimichurri&lt;/span&gt; Sauce&lt;/em&gt; - Just as good as it sounds. Try this!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dulce &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"&gt;de&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"&gt;Leche&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt; - Similar to flan, but creamier and without the burnt sugar taste. (Which is basically what caramel is) Loved it!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Chile, Champagne&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Skipped both&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;So there you have it, yes we sampled a LOT, but mind you, we didn't have breakfast, lunch or dinner. We just noshed from 11:00am until 8:00pm. We shared everything and had a bite a piece, if that. The only thing we all had a whole portion of was the cheddar cheese soup. That is just NOT shareable. If you go or plan on going to the F&amp;amp;W Festival, be sure to pick up a copy of the recipe book. It is well worth it! I already made the &lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"&gt;chilequiles&lt;/span&gt; and it hasn't been a week since we went. It's a great investment, makes the memories seem to last and last and would even be a great gift for someone who didn't get the chance to go this year. Remember, the Festival runs through November 11&lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"&gt;th&lt;/span&gt;, so you still have time to get in on the fun! I'm sorry we couldn't do every country's booth, but it was just too much food! Not too mention we ended up indulging in dole whips at the Magic Kingdom after EPCOT closed. Take care everyone and talk to you soon!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;What were some of your favorite/least favorite dishes? Disagree with my opinions on the items? Do you do any of the seminars or Party for the Senses? I'm dying to hear how they were, so let me know! I'd love to get all of your opinions as well. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;(2 days until the ToT Marathon!)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-2162446928053690730?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/2162446928053690730/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=2162446928053690730' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2162446928053690730'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2162446928053690730'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/10/epcots-food-and-wine-festival.html' title='EPCOT&apos;S Food and Wine Festival'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-2537557631458447069</id><published>2007-10-15T17:33:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-15T17:48:49.765-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Let's try this again....</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;Sorry about the pics guys. Try this link, I hope you enjoy. Any and all feedback would be appreciated!! New blog coming soon!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7884804@N07/sets/72157602439341408/"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;http://www.flickr.com/photos/7884804@N07/sets/72157602439341408/&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-2537557631458447069?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/2537557631458447069/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=2537557631458447069' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2537557631458447069'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2537557631458447069'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/10/lets-try-this-again.html' title='Let&apos;s try this again....'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-7247270153145038094</id><published>2007-10-11T06:23:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-11T06:28:43.424-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Argh...</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;I just wanted to let everyone know I was made aware of the trouble with the pictures in my last entry. Of course, the time I actually post some decent pictures, photbucket decides to start charging for photo hosting. By Friday evening, I should have this problem solved. Again, I apologize. Keep your eyes peeled for a new blog this weekend which may or may not have something to do with Disney. Have a great weekend, everyone!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-7247270153145038094?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/7247270153145038094/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=7247270153145038094' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/7247270153145038094'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/7247270153145038094'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/10/argh.html' title='Argh...'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-4421643633390077585</id><published>2007-10-07T09:14:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-15T17:51:10.411-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The EPCOT Thing &amp; Pictures</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;It's hard to believe it has almost been a week since The EPCOT Thing. If you haven't already listened to the podcast at &lt;a href="http://www.magicaldefinition.com/"&gt;http://www.magicaldefinition.com/&lt;/a&gt;, Today I'll be talking all about the wonderful weekend I had at WDW.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Like I said in my previous entry, I got to WDW last sunday and did my thing at The Magic Kingdom for a little while before checking into my hotel. Nathan, Linda and Tim picked me up around 6:00pm to head over to Raglan Road to start setting up for the Shandy Gathering. We had the whole music room to ourselves for the meet. The three of us grabbed a bite to eat before people started to arrive. I had a really yummy portobello mushroom sandwich. Soon after eating, people began to arrive. We met so many wonderful people. It didn't get too hectic luckily, so we had the chance to really chat with some of the listeners and friends of the show. I hope everyone had a wonderful time, I know I did. Afterwards, April, Jon, Tim, Kate and I went to The Adventurers Club. We had a great time (which isn't out of the ordinary). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;Since Tim, Kate and I stayed at The Adventurers Club for quite some time, I only got about 4 hours of sleep until I had to get up the next morning for the Coffee Meet at the Boardwalk. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the coffee meet. Mainly because I had to pack everything up and load it into my car that morning, so I met everyone at the back entrance of EPCOT. As soon as they dropped the rope, we made a mad dash to the Fountain of Nations. It was about 9:00am and it was already sweltering out. It might have felt that way because I was running around like a mad woman, I'm not quite sure. April, Jon and I went to get some coffee and breakfast. By the time we came back, the park was filling up. Shortly after we returned, the Ceremony began. What a tear jerker. It was an amazing site to see. Being able to see Marty Sklar in person was something I will never forget. Here is a man who embodies all that Walt Disney wanted and dreamed and he wasn't even 100' away from me. The ceremony was wonderful and was a great tribute to the park and Walt's vision.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;After the ceremony, everyone went on their separate ways for a little while. April, Jon and I walked around the World Showcase and sampled some of the food and wine snacks. Around 12:00pm, we headed to Club Cool to prep for Beverlyfest. This was so exciting! I'm so glad Nathan kept those 25 shots down because I would've cried if he didn't. For those of you who don't already know, Beverlyfest was a battle between my co-host of MDP, Nathan and his friend Robert, to see who could get 25 shots of the digusting italian apertif, Beverly, down first. The janitors seemed to be anticipating the worst, but all was well in the end. Robert beat Nathan. Luckily, there were no "reversals" in this competition. For beverlyfest footage, click &lt;a href="http://youtube.com/watchthis?v=P9vSul1I1g4"&gt;this&lt;/a&gt; link. Afterwards, a couple other individuals decided to take it upon themselves to partake in their own Beverlyfest. Why they wanted to do this, I will never know. Regardless, it was thoroughly entertaining. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;After Beverlyfest, we all headed to Spaceship Earth for a guided tour of EPCOT's Past hosted by Jim Hill, Jeff Lange and the original Dreamfinder, Ron Schneider. After a brief interview with Ron, the tour began. We started under Spaceship Earth and ended at the American Pavilion. What an awesome tour of the park. I found out so many interesting facts about EPCOT. Though it was just a tad warm out, it was worth it to hear some of the things these guys knew. For instance, did you know right behind the Imagination Pavilion, you can see Figment's name written in cement? Or, that the cast that filmed &lt;em&gt;Impressions de France&lt;/em&gt; can be seen in the film itself? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;After the tour, some of us went on &lt;em&gt;The American Adventure&lt;/em&gt; and some individuals went to do their own thing for a little while. Boy, do I wish I was following behind Tim at this point. He got an interview with Marty Sklar!! After &lt;em&gt;The American Adventure&lt;/em&gt;, we headed to our dining destination, Rose &amp;amp; Crown. We all had another wonderful chance to mingle and chat during dinner. The only downfall to the meal? The sudden downpour following it! We were all very worried at this point that they wouldn't launch the 25th anniversary fireworks, but we kept on truckin'. We all collected inside one of England's giftshops and then headed over to the American Pavilion to get a spot for the fireworks. Despite another sudden downpour, the fireworks went on as scheduled. I have no words to describe these fireworks. They showed illuminations, of course, but immediately after, they had a 25th anniversary fireworks spectacular. I was amazed at how beautiful this show was. Talk about a dedication, this was one for the record books and I was so glad to be there. Despite the fact that I had to head home, staying late was well worth it!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;I had a blast and I'm really looking forward to the NEXT MDP gathering on the evening of the Tower of Terror Run at the end of this month. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this event and those of you who attended. You truly made our day that much more special! Until next time... Take care!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;*EDIT*&lt;/strong&gt; Look for a more recent post with the link to the flickr album!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-4421643633390077585?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/4421643633390077585/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=4421643633390077585' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/4421643633390077585'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/4421643633390077585'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/10/epcot-thing-pictures.html' title='The EPCOT Thing &amp; Pictures'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-2679964044716469376</id><published>2007-10-02T17:51:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-05T20:01:57.376-07:00</updated><title type='text'>An enormous Thank You!!</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;Hi Everyone! I'm back from The EPCOT Thing and all I have to say is... WOW!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I had an absolutely amazing weekend and I just want to thank everyone who was able (and willing, lol) to attend. I feel so incredibly lucky to have met so many wonderful people. The conversations, the faces and the memories, I couldn't have had a better time celebrating EPCOT's 25th. Honestly, thank you all so very much for joining Tim, Nathan and I. Thank you all so very much for your support, it means so very much to me. It was a weekend I will not soon forget and I hope to see you all very soon!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A blog all about my weekend will be released this coming sunday along with a new episode of The Magical Definition Podcast. In the meantime, I just HAVE to talk about The New Haunted Mansion. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;So, this is a warning, if you have NOT been on the new version and do NOT want to be spoiled... STOP READING NOW...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When I got to Walt Disney World on Sunday afternoon, I had the chance to roam the parks on my own. I immediately headed over to The Haunted Mansion. The wait time was 25 minutes and it was pushing 95 degrees outside. I was so nervous that my favorite attraction just wouldn't be the same. The line wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated. My anticipation began to build as I headed through those big, gloomy doors into the stretching room. I was spellbound and I wasn't even halfway through the attraction yet. The new sounds in the room stretching and the "Ghost Hosts" voice echoing all around the room gave me chills. The fresh coat of wallpaper was an added bonus. Of course, I was in just the right spots to race through the line before the masses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This new version has so many wonderful changes and upgrades, I can't begin to name them all. The first hallway with the pictures while in the doom buggies isn't quite the same, but the changes here are very cool. They added some windows to the left of the pictures and there are new pictures on the right hand side. When the lightning flashes in the windows, the pictures change to new creepier images! (Oooh Ahhh!) Also, the suit of armor right next to the endless hallway now moves. As a kid, I'd convinced myself it already did this, but I really like this new addition. One spot in the attraction that is brand new is the stair labyrinth (which you would know was actually meant to be a part of the revamped Journey Into Imagination ride if you were at The Epcot Thing park tour, hehe!). This used to be the old staircase and giant spider scene. The new scene is definitely a thrill for the eyes because there is so much to look at. The floating Madame Leota in the seance scene is very cool and the new bride scene at the end gave me "hot and cold running chills!" I was ACTUALLY creeped out. I have never been afraid of this attraction and riding it by myself and witnessing the new bride was definitely took my breath away. She is now on the opposite side and is very life like. Her audio track is so eery, but I love it. I really wanted to go on the ride over and over again. I suppose I could've, but the line was now up to 40 minutes and the heat was lingering. I figured checking into my hotel room for a nap was a good trade off.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I cannot wait to tell you all about The EPCOT Thing 2007. In the meantime, head over to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.themagicinpixels.com/"&gt;www.themagicinpixels.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.magicalmountain.net/"&gt;www.magicalmountain.net&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt; and &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.explorethemagic.com/"&gt;www.explorethemagic.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"&gt; for pictures, stories and more of this event. A big thank you also to the sponsors of the event, as well as our tour guides Jeff Lange, Ron Schneider and Jim Hill.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I simply cannot wait until we can all get together for another awesome event at the parks. Until then, Take care!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-2679964044716469376?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/2679964044716469376/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=2679964044716469376' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2679964044716469376'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2679964044716469376'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/10/enormous-thank-you.html' title='An enormous Thank You!!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-7776131932076522601</id><published>2007-09-29T19:54:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2007-09-29T19:58:43.609-07:00</updated><title type='text'>It's here!!</title><content type='html'>I suppose I should be packing a bag, but I'm watching "Knocked Up" on dvd instead. I'm so excited about this weekend. I may be in the parks by myself for a bit on sunday, but I think it will be nice. I'm hoping to get on The Haunted Mansion before it gets really crowded. I will be taking tons of pictures, so keep your eyes peeled for a new blog as soon as I get back! Take care everyone and I hope to see some of you there!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-7776131932076522601?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/7776131932076522601/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=7776131932076522601' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/7776131932076522601'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/7776131932076522601'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/09/its-here.html' title='It&apos;s here!!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-2207272945672107050</id><published>2007-09-18T20:11:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-09-23T15:23:26.506-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Hannah Montana MANIA!!</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;I will admit it. I watched some of the Hannah Montana marathon last weekend. I gotta say, it's a cute show. Her teeth bother me, but that's just me being critical. Can you believe this girl is selling out concert tours in 10 minutes?? Insanity! I mean, the show is cute, but what is it about this girl that has children and parents alike going crazy? I just don't know. I guess maybe at this point, she is a better role model for young girls then most, but her songs are just horrible. Then again, I am a 23 year old. What am I saying? This coming from a girl who was once obsessed with N'sync. Alright, so I guess the songs are catchy. I have to give it to her. Who would've known that someday Billy Ray Cyrus' little girl would be a huge star? I sure didn't.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am getting SO pumped for The EPCOT Thing!!! Check out &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.magicalmountain.net/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=1903&amp;amp;FID=1this"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;this&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt; link for a really cool picture courtesy of Jeff Lange. I love the old EPCOT symbols and I'm so glad to see they are back! If you would like to come, please head over to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.magicalmountain.net/"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;www.magicalmountain.net&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt; and go to The EPCOT Thing page and RSVP! We are going to have a great time! 7 days and counting!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hmm.. anything else interesting to discuss right now? Not really, except for the fact that I have 9 chapters to study this weekend for school. Major bummer. I guess having one boring weekend will have to be my breakeven for a month of nonstop fun! October is always my busiest month. Not sure if it's because I love Halloween or I just love October in general. Either way, I'm going to make sure to have a blast.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I really must be getting back to studying, but if you are bored... google Flight of The Conchords. If you haven't already heard of them, you need to. They are my new favorite duo.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Take care everyone!!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-2207272945672107050?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/2207272945672107050/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=2207272945672107050' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2207272945672107050'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/2207272945672107050'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/09/hannah-montana-mania.html' title='Hannah Montana MANIA!!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2224701251539506358.post-3308146716431336095</id><published>2007-09-15T08:54:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-09-15T11:28:35.712-07:00</updated><title type='text'>FINALLY a blog I can depend on!</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;After some incredibly unnecessary drama with a certain blog hosting website that will remain nameless for the moment, I finally found a blog that I am comfortable with. If only things were more simple, right?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;Things are going as expected for now. Aside from my fractured ankle keeping me somewhat immobile, I figure this gives me some time to get caught up with things online. The things I should be doing but haven't had time to. Aside from school and work, things are alright. I hope everyone is doing well.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;Can you guys believe it's almost October?? This year has really flew by. Seems that way every year, things go faster and faster. It's scary! And as of today, there are only 16 more days until The Epcot Thing '07, so head over to &lt;a href="http://www.magicalmountain.net/"&gt;www.magicalmountain.net&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.magicalmountain.netfor/"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;for tons of information about the event and be sure to RSVP! Tim, Nathan, the crew and I would love to see you!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;So let me get onto the meat of this blog. Can anyone guess what I'm going to rant about today?? Well, in case you are clueless... I figured I'd spend some time discussing the recent Vanessa Hudgens drama. Can you believe this girl? I mean, I know as teens we all make our mistakes, I know I did. But this is one of those mistakes you'd think she'd really be sure to avoid. This is one of those things you'd imagine her publicist or manager would've warned her about. Heck, how could she have not seen how many other young female celebrities making this mistake and avoided this one at all costs? If you ask me, she ruined any chance she had at becoming a huge star. I just wouldn't have been willing to take a picture like that knowing how big something like High School Musical was and how huge the sequel was going to be. My curiosity is perked at the thought of who could've leaked the picture. It's just a shame. She had everything going for her. I suppose she isnt the only one who messed up like this, but she was really heading for the peak of her career. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;I spoke with a few of my coworkers who have children who are HSM fans and they all seem to be very let down. For them, it seems her squeaky clean image has been forever tarnished and I don't blame them. I just worry that younger generations see celebs making these mistakes more frequently and at younger ages, and they think it is "ok", when it really isn't. I guess that is just part of the on-going over sexualization of our world, but I digress. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;My point is that her mistake isn't just something she should be able to say "Oops, I'm sorry" about and everyone is suddenly over it. Not that I'm going to dwell on this issue forever, but it's a mistake and it should be dealt with rather than praised. Obviously, this is a subject that bothers me, but I know I'm not the only one. I suppose we will just have to see what happens to her career and the fate of HSM. Best of luck V-Hudge! What are your thoughts?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;Anyhoo, this weekend is the Haunted Mansion preview at WDW and I wish I could've gone to see it. If anyone gets the chance, please share your thoughts! I cant wait to see it. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;Be sure to head over to www.waltsgirls.com to check out episode one of me and my best friend, April's new podcast. The only all female Disney podcast. We hope you enjoy it and any and all feedback is welcome. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;See ya real soon!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;-Jackie O.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.waltsgirls.com/"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;www.waltsgirls.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.magicalmountain.net/"&gt;www.magicalmountain.net&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.themagicinpixels.com/"&gt;www.themagicinpixels.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.magicaldefinition.com/"&gt;www.magicaldefinition.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2224701251539506358-3308146716431336095?l=jackiecast.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/feeds/3308146716431336095/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2224701251539506358&amp;postID=3308146716431336095' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/3308146716431336095'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2224701251539506358/posts/default/3308146716431336095'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://jackiecast.blogspot.com/2007/09/finally-blog-i-can-depend-on.html' title='FINALLY a blog I can depend on!'/><author><name>Jackie O.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13230676217906194254</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/mizzjackie/IMG_1571.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
