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Category Archives: Pixar
Pixar jumps into the Oil Business
Yes you read that title right. Pixar is in the oil business but its not the Pixar that we all know and love. It seems Paramount Resources Ltd (which is obviously a rip off of Paramount Studios) is changing it’s name to Pixar Petroleum Corp. A sort of homage of sorts to the beloved Cartoon Studio.
Here is part of the press release:
Paramount Resources Ltd. (TSX:POU) (“Paramount” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the reorganization of all of the Company’s oil sands and carbonate bitumen interests into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Pixar Petroleum Corp. (“Pixar”). The reorganization is being undertaken to create a focused, self-funding oil sands entity in order to accelerate the development of Paramount’s bitumen interests. Dr. William Roach has been appointed as Pixar’s President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the initial independent resource estimates for the Saleski and other carbonate bitumen properties have now been completed and the Company is pleased to announce the results.
REORGANIZATION
Upon completion of the reorganization in early-December, all of Paramount’s oil sands and carbonate bitumen leases will be owned by Pixar – including Paramount’s Hoole and Saleski leases.
In total, Pixar will own approximately 275 sections of Crown oil sands leases in the western Athabasca region of Alberta, the majority of which are 100 percent owned. These leases are prospective in multiple formations, primarily for thermal in-situ development, but also have potential for cold production.
PIXAR’SEXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mr. James Riddell, Paramount’s President and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed the Executive Chairman of Pixar.
Dr. William Roach has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Pixar. From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Roach served on the Board of Directors and as President and Chief Executive Officer of UTS Energy Corporation (“UTS”), which at that time was a publicly listed energy company focused on the exploration, development and production of oil sands deposits in the Athabasca Oil Sands Area of northeastern Alberta. During his tenure, the market capitalization of UTS increased from $50 million to over $1.75 billion. Prior to UTS, Dr. Roach had a successful 20-year career directing and managing the design, construction and delivery of large capital-intensive national and international upstream oil and gas projects. In the coming year, Dr. Roach will primarily focus on overseeing the submission of a development application for Pixar’s Hoole oil sands property and building the team necessary to execute that development.
Mr. Martin Sandell has been appointed Senior Vice President, Development of Pixar. Mr. Sandell was previously Vice President Engineering of UTS and has 25 years of experience leading large diverse oil and gas projects from conception to operation in Canada, the United Kingdom, the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Mr. William Robinson has been appointed Vice President, Geoscience of Pixar. Prior to joining Pixar, Mr. Robinson oversaw the exploration and delineation of Paramount’s oil sands assets.
PIXAR’S PROPERTIES
Pixar’s properties will include approximately 56 sections of land at Hoole, which are primarily prospective for bitumen in the Grand Rapids formation and the carbonate properties, which are primarily prospective for bitumen in the Grosmont formation. The carbonate properties will include approximately 15 sections of land at Saleski and 186 sections of land in other areas (the “Other Carbonate Leases”), including leases at Orchid, Granor and House. The new subsidiary will also own approximately 18 additional sections in the Athabasca Oil Sands Area of northeastern Alberta. Pixar’s near-term plans are expected to focus on the development of its 100 percent owned oil sands leases at Hoole and the further delineation of its carbonate bitumen leases at Saleski.
I don’t know about you but that is a dirty little trick to capitalize on the Disney Brand. Oh well I think I will go eat a Dove Ice Cream bar then jump in the shower and use my Dove Shampoo. (Not owned by the same Company)
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Tis The Season for Prep & Landing Video Clips
Disney releases Prep & Landing on DVD today.
Prep & Landing is an adorable holiday story about a high-tech team of elves who ensure homes around the world are properly prepared for their visit from Santa. After working for a tireless 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion. Instead he is partnered with an idealistic rookie elf named Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) to execute a special Christmas Eve mission. While on their journey, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and ultimately threaten Christmas for children around the world. But in the end, these two elves work together to guide Santa through a raging snowstorm in order to save Christmas.
Prep & Landing – BONUS CLIPS!
“Dash Away”
“Secret Mission”
“Gift Exchange”
“Tiny’s Big Adventure”
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- DVD Review: Disney’s Prep & Landing (chipandco.com)
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Beauty & the Beast is Coming Back to Theaters – In 3-D!
Beauty and the Beast 3D, 2012
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)
3-D Release Date: January 13, 2012
Stars: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson
Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
I have never made a blu-ray purchase quicker than the one I made on October, 5th of last year when Disney released Beauty and the Beast from the dreaded Disney Vault. I remember the date vividly because that also happened to be my daughter’s 9th birthday, and of course she too loves the classic Disney movie just as much as I do. Well, now the mastermind geniuses over at Disney are giving us another “red-letter date” to look forward to – January 13, 2012, when they will re-release Beauty and the Beast in theatres, and this time in 3-D!
Disney is obviously one of (if not the) the most well-known movie studios in the entire world. Their niche in taking classic fairy tales and re-inventing them for new generations is unmatched by any other studio or franchise. They have embedded Disney imagery in our minds with classics such as Snow White, Cinderella, Tangled, and of course, Beauty and the Beast. The movie is a triumphant story of finding love in the most unexpected of places. It is even more about friendship, companionship and the bond of family. The classic fairy tale (originally written in 1740) is much darker, but of course Disney’s version is filled with nothing but joy and heartfelt emotion. Belle is one of the most recognizable “Disney Princesses” of all-time, which is quite a feat since she is not really an actual Princess. The movie is filled with colorful characters who are all household names – Lumiere (the candlestick), Cogsworth (the clock), Mrs. Potts (the teapot), Chip (the teacup) and the film’s token villain, Gaston, who is just as hilarious as he is sinister.
If you have small kids who have not yet experienced the classic film Beauty and the Beast, then Disney has just given you a real gift in the form of the re-release on January, 13th of next year. And, even if you or your kids have seen it, it has never been seen in 3-D before, and judging by the success of the 3-D release of Lion King recently, it will only come with a wave of fandom, both young and old, so get your tickets early and often, because if one thing is for sure, Beauty and the Beast will be a magical movie-going experience…again.
Top 10 Epcot “Must Dos”
When visiting Walt Disney World’s Epcot, there are a few things that every guest “must-do” in order to have a true Epcot experience. So if you’re an Epcot rookie, or just a big fan, check out my list of Epcot “Must Dos!”
10. American Adventure-This spectacular audio-animatronic show, which serves as the American Adventure pavilion’s centerpiece, is hosted by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin and features stirring moments of our nation’s history. The American Adventure features amazing sets and audio-animatronics and is just as good, if not better, than the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents! It’s definitely a “must do” for any Epcot guest!
9. Ride the Monorail-While guests can enjoy the monorail at the Magic Kingdom or it’s deluxe resorts, perhaps no where else on property does this futuristic form of transportation look more at home than at Epcot! The monorail loop also encircles the park’s icon, Spaceship Earth, for an aerial view of Future World!
8. Living with the Land-This leisurely boat ride floats through scenes that educate guests about the land and how we use it. The highlight of this attraction is a float through the greenhouses where Epcot shows new, innovative ways to produce food and even real Mickey shaped pumpkins and tomatoes!
7. Chat with a World Showcase Cast Member-The Cast Members at the World Showcase pavilions are actually from the countries in which they are working! Not only are they there to help you, but they can also answer any questions you might have about their country and culture. Chatting with a Cast Member and learning about their country is an amazing cultural experience and what Epcot’s World Showcase is all about!
6. Eat a Pastry at Boulangerie Patisserie or Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe-These two bakeries, located at the France and Norway pavilions respectively, are famous at WDW! At these bakeries, you can enjoy treats that are both familiar to our tastes and native to France and Norway. Norway’s School Bread is famous among Disney regulars! You can also snack on sandwiches and other items at these stops as well.
5. The Seas with Nemo and Friends-This pavilion begins with a calm, colorful ride under the sea with characters from Pixar’s Finding Nemo! Towards the end of the ride, you will se Finding Nemo characters swimming in an aquarium with real fish! It’s a really cool effect! Once you exit the ride, you are free to explore the massive aquarium and pavilions showcasing ocean life. It’s a lot of fun for both adults and kids!
4. World Showcase-This part of Epcot is extremely popular and for good reason! Located around the World Showcase Lagoon, World Showcase consists of different pavilions representing different countries from around the world, as well as their architecture, cuisine, products, and history. It’s like a mini trip around the world in the heart of Disney magic!
3. Test Track-This popular Epcot attraction lets guests experience what it’s like to be a crash test dummy! (But don’t be concerned, no one gets hurt!) On this ride, guests get to experience what tests cars go through before they are approved for sale. Your car will go through terrain and brake tests, as well as a high speed ride outdoors where you will reach 65 mph! Test Track is a blast and is definitely an Epcot “must do!”
2. Soarin’-This attraction is one of Disney’s best and is extremely popular! On Soarin’, you get to experience what it’s like to hanglide over California. You truly feel like you are flying and the scenery on the screen before you is beautiful! Exhilaring, yet great for everyone in the family, Soarin’ is sure to be a favorite! Also, at the very end, you even get to fly over Disneyland during the fireworks!
1. Spaceship Earth-This attraction educates guests through history to educate riders about communication. This slow moving ride featuring scenes and audio-animatronics which really capture the spirit of Epcot and is great way to get off your feet! Wondering why it’s at the top our list? This ride is located inside of Epcot’s giant icon!
The next time you visit Epcot, be sure to enjoy these “must do” activities and attractions; and be sure to share with us if any of these are on your own “must do” list too!
Countdown to Disney: How You Know You’re at the Magic Kingdom (aglassslippervacation.com)
Disney World Fun Facts – Epcot
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DVD Review: Disney’s Prep & Landing
Disney’s Prep & Landing is coming to DVD just in time for the holidays. This modern take on Christmas first debuted on ABC in November 2009 and was the network’s first animated television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Prep & Landing is a holiday story about a high tech team of elves that must prepare homes all over the world for the arrival of Santa. Their mission statement: Get in. Get out. Never be noticed. After working for a tireless 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion. Instead he is partnered with an idealistic rookie elf named Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) to execute a Christmas Eve mission. While on their journey, Lanny helps Wayne rediscover his love for his job while helping Santa get through a snowstorm to deliver a little boy’s Christmas gift.
Disney’s Prep & Landing has quickly become one of my favorites. This holiday special won an Emmy Award in 2010 for Outstanding Animated Program. The humor alone makes it worth while to watch and I have found myself quoting the movie on multiple occasions. One of my favorite parts is when the elves are revving the engines, the reindeer, for the sleigh. I could not stop laughing the first time I watched it and it is still funny after multiple viewings. I also really enjoyed the music from Michael Giacchino (Cars 2, Up, Ratatouille).
The DVD also includes several bonus features:
Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer Shorts:
- “Tiny’s Big Adventure” – The assistant to the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center is trying to make a pot of coffee and in the process, accidentally ruins the elves’ break room.
- “Operation Secret Santa” – Lead elves Lanny and Wayne are sent on a special assignment by Mrs. Clause (voiced by Betty White) into Santa’s office.
- Prep & Landing Kringle Academy Training Videos – Elf training videos shot in Santa’s workshop.
- Welcome to Kringle Academy
- Equipment Training
- Dos and Don’ts
- North Pole News – Newsreel with big stories for the tiniest elf.
- North Pole Commercials – Three ads straight from the North Pole.
I really liked the Stocking Stuffer Shorts. Tiny’s Big Adventure is short but sweet and funny. Operation Secret Santa is also a great addition to the DVD. Wayne and a nervous Lanny help Mrs. Clause retrieve something from Santa’s office. It is a heart warming short that illustrates the spirit of the Christmas season. The training videos and commercials are a fun addition but not something I would watch multiple times.
The DVD also features Disney’s FastPlay which lets you watch the feature and the bonus features from beginning to end without having to touch a button on your remote. It is a nice touch since the running time for Prep & Landing is only 22 minutes.
You can pick up your copy of Disney’s Prep & Landing on November 22, 2011. As Lanny would say, that is so tinsel!
For more information on the release you can visit www.disney.com/PrepandLanding.
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