Latest News

Disney to Fill July 4 Skies with Special Edition 'Heritage' Fireworks

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

July 4 guests at Disney-MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom will be treated to performances of fireworks shows that are part of the parks' heritage but rarely seen in recent times at Walt Disney World Resort:

--Sorcery in the Sky, a dazzling fireworks show and symphonic serenade, celebrates the magic of motion pictures at 9 p.m. at Disney-MGM Studios. The spectacular was the park's "good-night kiss" for years following its premier in 1990 -- until the Disney entertainment wizards crafted "Fantasmic!" which has been captivating guests most nights since 1998.

--Fantasy in the Sky, familiar to generations of Magic Kingdom visitors who "oohed" and "ahhed" its bursts of color above Cinderella Castle for more than a quarter century beginning in 1975, will be presented at 9 p.m. in a special edition that includes extra dazzling pyrotechnics. "Wishes" fireworks spectacular replaced Fantasy in the Sky in 2003.

Meanwhile, Epcot's nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations, will be presented at 10 p.m.

Walt Disney World theme park hours on July 4: Magic Kingdom (9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.), Disney-MGM Studios (9 a.m.-10 p.m.), Epcot (9 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (9 a.m.-6 p.m.).

Courtesy Walt Disney World Media Relations

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According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Pictures are discussing a sequel to the surprise hit "National Treasure." Attached to the tentative project are Gregory Poirier as writer and Jon Turteltaub directing. No plot details have been made available.

While "National Treasure" was Nicolas Cage's single biggest film to date, there currently is no word confirming or denying that he is under consideration to reprise his role as Benjamin Franklin Gates in a possible sequel.
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An all-star cast is being assembled for Steven Spielberg's as-yet-unnamed film about the kidnapping and killing of Israeli athletes by extremists at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Starring Geoffrey Rush, Daniel Craig and Eric Bana, the film is a co-production of Universal and DreamWorks. The film should be ready for release this winter.

Tony Kushner, winner of the Tony award on Broadway for his "Angels in America" plays, wrote the script. Kushner's "Angels" was later made into an award-winning television miniseries starring Al Pacino and Meryl Streep.

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Are you a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fanatic? Consider membership in KeepToTheCode.com, the official fan site of the Pirates films! Click here to find out how you can support the site.
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The California Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that individuals injured or killed on theme park attractions can sue the park involved under a state law usually applied to transportation companies.

The ruling was in response to the case of 23 year old Cristina Moreno, who died two months after riding Disneyland's "Indiana Jones Adventure." The lawyer representing Moreno's family, Barry Novak, claims that Moreno suffered an aneurysm due to the ride's "violent shaking and stress" which led directly to her death.

The court's 4-3 ruling reads, in part, "Certainly there is no justification for imposing a lesser duty of care on the operators of roller coasters simply because the primary purpose of the transportation provided is entertainment ... The rider expects to be surprised and perhaps even frightened, but not hurt."

Disney has not commented on the ruling. Moreno's case now goes to Los Angeles Superior Court.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) shows an average of two fatalities from 315 million visits annually to theme parks.

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File this item under "The Lighter Side."

USA Today spotlights Disneyland's Lost and Found Department, and discusses some of the common items--hats and sunglasses--lost in the park, as well as some of the more unusual ones, including a glass eye and a pet canary.

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A four year old boy was pronounced dead at Celebration Hospital on Monday, where he had been taken after losing consciousness on Epcot's Mission: Space thrill attraction.

Results of an autopsy Tuesday reportedly showed no trauma, said Sheri Blanton, a spokeswoman for Orlando's medical examiner, so further tests will be conducted. The cause of death may not be known for several more weeks. "Now it's going to be a matter of, 'If it wasn't trauma, what did it?'" Blanton said.

Mission: Space simulates a trip to Mars, complete with increased G forces and a period of "weightlessness," employing centrifuge technology to create the illusion of space travel. "Crew members" are given tasks to perform during the mission.

A more in-depth report can be found at this link.

(ed note: Having ridden Mission: Space, I can verify that while it is an intense attraction, it is neither rough nor violent like some simulator-type attractions. Signs throughout the attraction explicitly warn guests of what lies ahead, and a minimum height restriction is enforced.)

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Are you a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fanatic? Consider membership in KeepToTheCode.com, the official fan site of the Pirates films! Click here to find out how you can support the site.

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Location filming on Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 has been temporarily suspended, according to a Freeport News article.

One reason for the break is to allow The Bahamas Film Studios at Gold Rock Creek, where much of P2 and P3 will be filmed, time to finish construction on a massive water tank where many of the seafaring scenes will be shot. The Collyer Tank, as it is known, will allow the filmmakers to shoot realistic water scenes and effects while retaining control of the environment, something not possible on the open sea. Construction on the tank, expected to be completed already, is slightly behind schedule.

In addition, it is not unusual during long film shoots to take a break. Filming on P2 and P3 began in Los Angeles on February 28, and has since moved to Dominica, the Grenadines and several other locations. It is expected to wrap in January 2006. Quoting unit publicist Michael Singer, "It was always scheduled for us to take a hiatus close to this period of time."

Filming is slated to resume later this summer.

Click here to view the Bahamas Film Commissions presentation of four animated views of the tank.
Click here to read the Gold Rock Creek tank press release from 1 April.

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The lawsuit filed by Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold alleging unfair practices in choosing Michael Eisner's successor will be heard on August 10. Delaware Chief Chancery Court Judge William Chandler III will preside without a jury. If successful, the lawsuit would void the Walt Disney Company's election of current company president Bob Iger to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

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KTTC team member Lady Killigrew's fabulous pirate artwork is available to wear! Visit the KTTC CafePress store at www.cafepress.com/keeptothecode to pick up some of the coolest summerwear to ever sail the seven seas!
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Press Release

CAPCOM RELEASES DISNEY'S MAGICAL QUEST 3 STARRING MICKEY AND DONALD


SUNNYVALE, Calif.

June 14, 2005 - Capcom and Disney Interactive, a publishing label of Buena Vista Games, Inc., today released Disney's Magical Quest 3 Starring Mickey and Donald for the Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP hand-held systems. Disney's Magical Quest 3 is a 2-D side-scrolling action adventure based on Capcom's popular Super Nintendo Entertainment System game. The game features magical costumes with different powers, beloved Disney characters, multiple game modes and a fun filled ride through an enchanted wonderland. Disney's Magical Quest 3 Starring Mickey and Donald is now available at retailers across North America and carries an "E" rating for everyone from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

In Disney's Magical Quest 3, Donald's mischievous nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie have gone missing! While flipping through a mysterious old storybook in their Uncle Donald's attic, the three little ducklings found themselves magically pulled into Storybook Land by Evil Baron Pete. Evil Baron Pete rules over Storybook Land and also has dastardly plans to take over the Outside World. With a little help from the Fairy of Storybook Land and other familiar characters, Mickey and Donald must stop Evil Baron Pete and his henchmen so they can save Huey, Dewey and Louie!

Disney's Magical Quest 3 Starring Mickey and Donald features:
--Two playable characters - Play as either Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck
--Play alone or link up with the Game Link Cable to join forces with a friend
--Utilize three special costumes for each character to advance from one area to the next:
--Knight costume - deliver mighty charge attacks and utilize armor for defense
--Wood-cutter costume - climb trees easily and use ropes to lasso enemies
--Magician costume - use magic to transform enemies into different things
--Mini games for one player or two player vs. mode:
--Knight's Battle - Destroy as many falling blocks as possible within the time limit to get the highest score
--Wood-cutter's Battle - Avoid falling objects and obstacles while climbing up trees as fast as possible
--Magician's Battle - Be the first to collect special power hearts that fall from the sky and transform the other character into a frog
--Meet all your favorite characters - Minnie, Daisy, Pluto and friends are there to help you along on your adventure
--Hidden areas, items and treasures

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company's web site at www.capcom.com.

About Disney Interactive
Disney Interactive is an award-winning publishing label of Buena Vista Games, Inc., the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. The label publishes, markets and distributes interactive entertainment based on Disney branded properties. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market.

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Capcom, Mega Man, Resident Evil, Onimusha, Devil May Cry and Breath of Fire are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Nintendo, GameCube, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective holders.

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The American Cinematheque, in cooperation with Disney Pictures, will present a special screening of Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, "Howl's Moving Castle," tonight in Los Angeles. Along with the film preview, a panel discussion including Hollywood legend and Academy Award nominee Jean Simmons, English-version voice directors Pete Docter ("Monsters, Inc.") and Rick Dempsey, producer Ned Lott, and screenwriters Cindy and Don Hewitt ("Spirited Away") is scheduled. The screening, open to working members of the media only, will be covered by KeepToTheCode.com's news staff. Watch this space for coverage of the event. "Howl's Moving Castle" opens in the US tomorrow.

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Are you a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fanatic? Consider membership in KeepToTheCode.com, the official fan site of the Pirates films! Click here to find out how you can support the site.

For fans of Pirates console games, DailyGame.net offers this interview with Akella, developer of the original Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean games, in advance of the launch of their next pirate-themed title, Age of Pirates.
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KTTC team member Lady Killigrew's fabulous pirate artwork is available to wear! Visit the KTTC CafePress store at www.cafepress.com/keeptothecode to pick up some of the coolest summerwear to ever sail the seven seas!

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According to a press release posted at SaveDisney.com last night, a Delaware judge has ruled that Roy Disney and Stanley Gold's suit against the Disney Company and several members of its board of directors can go forward. The case is expected to go to trial in August.

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Shareholders of the Walt Disney Company may be interested in reading Andrew Crim's take on the Disney/Pixar relationship and what it could potentially mean to investors. Crim is JimHillMedia.com's newest contributing author and presents a decidedly different view of the relationship between the studios.

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Send news items to KeepToTheCodeNews@gmail.com. Please include contacts and sources if possible.

"Pirates of the Caribbean" star Jonathan Pryce, also known as Governor Swann, will be hosting a charity fundraiser for Friends United Network (FUN), which "teams up trustworthy adults with children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Camden and Islington," according to an article in the Hornsey & Crouch End Journal, a UK newspaper. The event will take place at The Savoy, in The Strand on June 21.

"Pirates of the Caribbean is a lot of fun and films two and three are going to be as good, if not better, than the first," Pryce told the paper. "You get to go to work in a speed boat rather than a bus. It's almost like being on holiday in the Caribbean - and occasionally you have to put a wig on."

The article includes contact information for those who would like to attend the charity event.

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Press Release

Odyssey Marine Exploration Announces New Entertainment Subsidiary

Odyssey Marine Entertainment to Manage Shipwreck Attractions, Merchandise Programs, Publications

TAMPA, FL - June 3. 2005

Odyssey Marine Exploration (AMEX: OMR), a leader in the field of deep-ocean shipwreck exploration, announced today that it has created an entertainment division - Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc. - to develop, launch, and manage shipwreck-themed public attractions, merchandise programs, and publishing efforts.

Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc. will be responsible for shipwreck attractions that entertain and educate audiences of all ages through highly interactive displays that showcase shipwrecks, their treasures, artifacts and fascinating stories. The exhibits will also feature the Company's compelling research, advanced technologies, and science behind the field of deep-ocean shipwreck exploration. Odyssey Entertainment plans to open its first attraction this summer.

The subsidiary will manage the development and distribution of several merchandise programs including shipwreck gifts and memorabilia, artifact reproductions, nautically themed products, giftware, photography, art and jewelry.

Odyssey Entertainment also manages Shipwreck Heritage Press LLC, an Odyssey subsidiary responsible for the development and distribution of books related to Odyssey Marine's shipwrecks, underwater archaeology, coins and artifacts, and shipwreck methodologies including research, search, recovery and conservation.

"The creation of Odyssey Entertainment is yet another step toward fully implementing our long-term strategic business plan. We are effectively leveraging our SS Republic discovery to open shipwreck attractions, market coins, artifact replicas, artwork, books, movies, and other entertainment features. This business model demonstrates how we plan to strategically manage additional shipwreck discoveries the Company makes over the coming years," said John Morris CEO and co-founder of Odyssey Marine Exploration.

Odyssey Entertainment's management team includes:

George Becker, President & CEO. Mr. Becker has thirty years experience in theme park operations. He spent twenty-two years managing Sea World parks throughout the U.S., serving as Executive Vice President of Sea World Inc.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sea World of Texas; President and Chief Executive Officer of Sea World of California; and, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sea World of Florida.

Roger Kurz, Executive Vice President. Mr. Kurz has 25 years of attraction development and marketing experience, including six years as Director of Marketing for Walt Disney World and ten years in marketing and general management positions for Sea World properties including Sea World of Florida, Boardwalk and Baseball, and Florida Festival.

Sam Hutchins, Vice President, Merchandise Programs. Mr. Hutchins has over 30 years experience in the retail industry in the areas of strategic planning, retail operations, buying, product development and store design. He worked for the Walt Disney Company for 22 years and had a diverse career covering all facets of retail including overall responsibility for the retail line of business at Tokyo Disneyland and Paris Disneyland.

Odyssey Entertainment's Officers and Board of Directors are: George Becker, President and Director; Mike Holmes, Chief Financial Officer and Director; David Morris, Secretary and Treasurer; John Morris, Director; and Robert Hillebrecht, Director.

Mike Holmes, Chief Financial Officer for Odyssey Marine Entertainment is also the CFO for Odyssey Marine Exploration. He has 25 years financial management experience with themed attraction groups, including serving as Vice President of Finance, Sea World Orlando; Vice President of Finance, Busch Gardens, Tampa; Vice President Finance & CFO, Exploration Cruise Lines, Seattle; and, Director of Internal Audit Services, Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis. He brings extensive financial experience to help manage and guide Odyssey's and its subsidiaries financial growth and compliance with the ever-increasing rules and regulations for public companies.

David Morris, Secretary & Treasurer of Odyssey Marine Entertainment holds the same title at Odyssey Marine Exploration, where he has been instrumental in organizational structure and financial accounting and reporting since 1997. He has more than 15 years experience in the deep ocean industry.

John Morris, Director of Odyssey Marine Entertainment, is co-founder, President and CEO of parent company Odyssey Marine Exploration, a worldwide leader in the field of deep ocean shipwreck exploration.

Robert Hillebrecht Director of Odyssey Marine Entertainment has extensive credentials in the themed attractions business. From 1967 through 1985, he held several high-ranking financial management and operational positions with Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ). In 1976, he led HBJ's acquisition of Sea World with parks in San Diego, CA, Orlando, FL, and Cleveland, OH, and served as their Chairman and Chief Executive for nine years. From 1994-1998, he was a principal with the Leisure Development Group, providing operational and business planning consulting to numerous visitor attractions, aquariums, and development projects.

"Our team has decades of experience developing and managing themed attractions, merchandising, and publications. We look forward to leveraging this collective knowledge to make Odyssey's fascinating shipwreck efforts widely known and accessible to everyone. Whether its attending a shipwreck attraction, purchasing a shipwreck-themed item, or reading one of our books, we intend to share our tremendous excitement about deep-ocean shipwreck exploration with what we believe will be an enthusiastic public," said George Becker, President and CEO of Odyssey Marine Entertainment.

About Odyssey Marine Exploration

Odyssey Marine Exploration is an American Stock Exchange Company (Ticker symbol: OMR) with several shipwreck projects in various stages of development throughout the world including the "Atlas" and Sussex projects. Additional information about Odyssey, its projects and equipment is available at www.shipwreck.net.

For more information, please contract John McNeilly, Manager of Corporate Communications, at 813-876-1776 (extension 2553).


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The Company believes the information set forth in this Press Release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are set forth in "Risk Factors," and "Business" in the Company's annual report on Form 10KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Master Replicas, known for their licensed film prop reproductions, has announced the first items in the Pirates of the Caribbean line.

Merchandise available for purchase so far includes
an Aztec gold coin set (click to view) for US $35, and an Aztec gold medallion necklace (click to view), also available for US $35.

(ed note: We're told that you should keep a weather eye on Master Replicas for future Disney-licensed Pirate booty, arrrr!)

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Press Release

Walt Disney World Resort Offers Canadians Free Dining Plan This Fall

Stay, Play & Dine for One Great Price

Reservation Dates: June 2 - July 3, 2005
Travel Dates: Most Nights Aug. 21 - Oct. 4, 2005

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL, June 2 /CNW

Guests eager to experience the "Happiest Celebration On Earth" at the Walt Disney World Resort this year can take advantage of a specially discounted Walt Disney World Resort package.

For a limited time only, guests booked on Disney's Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining for travel most nights between August 21 to Oct. 4, 2005 will receive the Dining Plan at no additional charge. For a package minimum of three nights stay, guests can stay, play and enjoy more of the magic with a free Disney Dining Plan at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Other lengths of stay at Disney Resort hotels are also available.

Read the full release at CNW by clicking here.
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Gene Wilder, known for his portrayal of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," expressed puzzlement over Tim Burton's remake of the film based on Roald Dahl's book. In a recent interview, Wilder commented "It's all about money. It's just some people sitting around thinking 'How can we make some more money?' Why else would you remake Willy Wonka? I don't see the point of going back and doing it all over again. I like Johnny Depp, and I appreciate that he has said on record that my shoes will be hard to fill. But I don't know how it will all turn out."

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" opens in US theaters in July.
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MarketWatch reports today that Disney hopes to have Roy Disney and Stanley Gold's lawsuit dismissed. Gold and Disney filed the legal action after Michael Eisner named Bob Iger as his successor in what Roy and Stanley feel was a bad faith effort to name Eisner's successor. An article on Disney and Gold's case can be found here.
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Disney has released its "Virtual Magic Kingdom" online massively multiplayer role-playing game in beta test mode. You can find the home page for VMK here. (ed note: VMK is a very slow download for dial-up web users)
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Press Release

Pirates as well as tall ships

Peninsula Daily News

2005-06-01

CONCURRENT WITH THE mid-June visit of the tall ships Lady Washington, Privateer Lynx and Bill of Rights, the Port Angeles-based Washington Association of Historical Living Arts will stage a two-day festival "The Pirates of Port Angeles."'

The June 17-19 event, complete with swashbuckling pirates and other activities, will be held at Port Angeles City Pier, at the foot of Lincoln Street.

In addition to pirates attempting to pillage the town, visitors will have the opportunity to find the 8.5 carat Black Diamond in a staged treasure hunt.

For additional information, call 360-452-6096 or e-mail portangelesfaire@yahoo.com.

--For information on the schedule of the Lady Washington, Lynx and Bill of Rights as well as reservations to ride on these ships, call 800-200-5239.

--The Tall Ships Victoria event will take place June 23-26 and Tall Ships Tacoma will occur between June 30 and July 5.

The Victoria event's Web site is www.tallshipsvictoria.ca. The Tacoma festival's site is www.tallshipstacoma.com.

Click here to read the Peninsula Daily News feature about the events.

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Are you a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fanatic? Consider membership in KeepToTheCode.com, the official fan site of the Pirates films! Click here to find out how you can support the site.

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BOB IGER, DISNEY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND CEO-ELECT, TO SPEAK AT THE DEUTSCHE BANK MEDIA / TELECOM CONFERENCE

BURBANK, Calif., May 31, 2005

A general discussion with Bob Iger, Disney President and Chief Operating Officer and CEO-Elect will be hosted by Deutsche Bank at its 13th Annual Media/Telecom Conference on Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. EDT/1:00 p.m. PDT.

To listen to the Webcast, point your browser to www.Disney.com/investors approximately five minutes prior to the start time. A re-play will be provided through Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. PDT.

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Wendy Webb,818-560-5758
Investor Relations
David Caouette,818-560-8543
Corporate Communications

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KTTC team member Lady Killigrew's fabulous pirate artwork is available to wear! Visit the KTTC CafePress store at www.cafepress.com/keeptothecode to pick up some of the coolest summerwear to ever sail the seven seas!

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, as part of its Academy Gold Standard series, will present Walt Disney's classic "Bambi" on Wednesday, June 15 at 8 pm. Hosted by Leonard Maltin, the showing at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater includes a panel discussion with special guests. General information is available at this link.

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Variety reports that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have approved a script for the fourth film in the "Indiana Jones" series. Written by Jeff Nathanson, the script requires the approval of actor Harrison Ford before it can go forward. Ford reportedly has not yet read the draft.

(ed note: Indy's relevance to Disney/Pirates? Many of the Disney theme parks house attractions or shows based on the film franchise)

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