MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLIDER arrives on Disney Movies Anywhere on August 19th and on 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack on September 9th! This release is armed with explosively entertaining bonus features, including Making-of Featurettes, Audio Commentary, Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Bloopers and more!
Blazin’ Bottoms Fanny Crème is made of natural, herbal, certified organic and ethical ingredients – only the very best for your DragonBaby! Blazin’ Bottoms Fanny Crème is a unique diaper cream in that it comes in a metered, airless pump as opposed to a jar or a tube. This virtually eliminates contamination issues and over-dispensing, and makes application simple and one-handed. Blazin’ Bottoms is made with soothing, organic aloe vera juice, organic shea butter, organic coconut oil and kaolin clay as well as the herbal goodness of chamomile, lavender and tea tree essential oils. Truly cloth diaper-friendly. A little goes a long way! 100 mL
Jay Osmond has penned an autobiography about his life as an Osmond, an entertainer, a husband, and a father. While he is not the best-known member of his family – that distinction goes to Donny and Marie – Jay is one of the original singing Osmond Brothers. If you are not an Osmond aficionado, you might be wondering right now which brother he is. He is the drummer of the group, the one who regularly sits behind his brothers while beating his drums. But Jay is more than just a drummer and a singer. There is a lot of depth to this man.
Stages is a rough sketch (with an emphasis on the “rough”) of the life and times of Jay Osmond. The book is set out in “acts,” much like the acts of a play or film.
The opening act focuses on his early years from 1955-1960, growing up in Utah and being discovered along with his brothers in Disneyland where they performed as a barbershop quartet. Act two covers his life from 1961-1965 and the Osmond Brothers’ appearances on The Andy Williams Show, which launched their singing career.
From there Jay takes the readers on a whirlwind tour of his life as the brothers began their touring and recording life then settled down to work on The Donny and Marie Show. As the times changed so did the Osmond Brothers, and Jay along with them. They turned to country music, which Jay admits he wasn’t too happy about. His preference was to stay with rock, and his heart was with rock music. But in the family the majority rules and they went country – for a while.
In the book Jay writes that at times, over the course of his life, he felt out of his element. He enjoyed performing but always wanted to be just a “normal” kid, and as he matured he felt the pressures of entertaining. Was that what he was meant to do or did he belong out of show business?
Jay attended Utah State University, where he finally felt like one of the guys. He also tried his hand at several different professions, and while he was working as a counselor at BYU he met Kandilyn Harris, the woman who would become his wife. They settled down to start a family but soon Jay was back in show business along with his brothers at the new Osmond Family Theater in Branson, Missouri, where they led a fairly normal life with a regular schedule and quality family time. After Branson, there was more flux in his life and questions about what he wanted to do with it.
Through all the ups and downs, Jay Osmond always returned to the stage. It is there where he feels most comfortable, but it is also a place that causes him some anxiety.
There are some revelations in this book, which die-hard Osmond fans might not know. First are all his hesitations about show business and Jay’s attempts at different professions are examined. He also divulges that he and his wife had some difficulty and separated for a brief time. They later divorced – after the book was published so this chapter, or stage of his life, is not part of the book.
While on stage with his brothers performing a karate act, his brother Alan accidentally broke his nose. Now Jay discloses it took several years for him to really forgive his brother for this accident.
Osmond also divulges that he was a player when it came to dating. He loved women and loved to flirt and date. At one time he asked a girl out on a date without realizing they had already been out on a date before. I don’t know if this was a case of selective memory or a case of too many women and too little time!
What readers can expect between the covers of this book is an outline of the life of Jay Osmond. He does not go into depth in most cases, which is something his audience would like.
This book would be more interesting if Mr. Osmond would go into depth about his decisions and his experiences. Being an entertainer and in the public eye for his entire life, perhaps he felt he didn’t want to expose everything, but those salacious little tidbits are what his fans would love to know. If you’re reading this, Jay, consider letting us outsiders in on some of the juicy things in your next book.
Osmond includes continual references to his faith, however non-Mormon readers won’t be put off by this aspect of the book as it is not done in a preaching tone.
At the end of the book, there are memories from those who have been close to him throughout his life. They reflect on the singer/drummer, and relate stories about Jay as a man.
Stages takes Jay Osmond out of the relationships of the Osmond Brothers and Osmond family. It is a sketch of the man himself; the sixth child in a family of nine; the popular drummer; the family man; and the man with questions about himself and his life. While it is not an in-depth autobiography, it does give readers a closer look at Jay and his life and concerns.
Note: Since this book was written, Jay has been divorced, become a grandfather, and has remarried. Perhaps a second book about this new stage in his life is in the offing.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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Celebrate the history and achievements of America with the Peanuts gang. This is America, Charlie Brown is a fun-filled set of memorable events that made up the country, all told through the eyes of the little Peanuts characters: Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Snoopy, Franklin, Peppermint Patty, Marci, Pigpen, and others.
The episodes include: “The Mayflower Voyagers,” “The Birth of the Constitution,” “The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk,” “The NASA Space Station,” “The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad,” “The Great Inventors,” “The Smithsonian and the Presidency,” and “The Music and Heroes of America.” In each of these adorable episodes, the kids take on the impressive accomplishments with their own flair.
As the gang ventures forth on The Mayflower, everyone gets seasick while traveling to America. And Lucy, with her usual attitude, wants to find the suggestion box to complain about the voyage! Once finally on land, the kids learn from the Indians how to plant corn – maize – and work the land.
When the gang is sent to the Space Station, Lucy is in charge, obviously. PigPen tests out the shower facilities, Franklin observes the personal interactions, and Charlie Brown and Snoopy must go on a spacewalk to fix the station. Of course, this all takes place in a dream Linus has while preparing for his school’s contest in which the kids build their own replica of the Space Station. Guess who wins? I’ll give you a clue: he has a big nose and paws!
What makes all these episodes endearing is that they focus on something real and important, yet present them through the world of the Peanut gang, and let’s face it, no one looks at life the way these kids do. They are timeless, innocent, creative, funny, intense, and utterly adorable. This is an entertaining way to impart some important lessons while at the same time adding a great deal of humor and whimsy to the historical events. And, who better to lead the way than Lucy Van Pelt? She could lead a Seal Team Six unit, while running for “Princess.”
Through the Peanuts gang, the wonders of America are explored for both the enjoyment of kids and adults. The gang is timeless and continues to have appeal to all ages. These are episodes generations can watch together, and everyone will enjoy the antics of the gang.
This is America, Charlie Brown is a enjoyable way to share the fun of the gang and the events of this great country. Gather the family together for some “interesting” looks at the history of America.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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In 1965 Sally Field was basically an unknown actress. But she soon became a household name as the fresh-faced, surfing girl nicknamed Gidget. For a season Field entertained viewers with innocent teen angst and fun in the sun antics in this series that was based on the hit 1959 movie Gidget, which starred Sandra Dee and James Darren.
Afficianods of the movie will see some big changes between that Gidget and the TV series Gidget. First of all, Gidget lives with her father (Don Porter) because her mother is no longer alive. And she has an older sister, Anne (Betty Conner) who is married to John (Pete Duel), an aspiring psychologist. Gidget’s best friend is Larue (Lynette Winter) who is quirky and provides a lot of support – as well as comic relief – to her friend Gidget.
The best way to look at this series is that it takes the name from the movie, and not much else. So look at it as a fun, mid-sixties, sitcom that opens a window into the innocence and simplicity of the time. The wardrobe, hairstyles, and even the locations are fun to view. They have definitely changed a lot since this was filmed. But it is a blast from the past, and seeing the perkiness and effervescence of Sally Field is refreshing.
Field has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, and this series laid the groundwork for all of that. It gave her her start.
Throughout the 32 episodes, Gidget manages to get herself into laughable situations. In the pilot she decides since her boyfriend Jeff is going to go back to Princeton, she should be able to date other guys while he is away, but when he says he should be able to date other girls, well, that just isn’t right for this little surfer girl.
With her dull sister and especially her brother-in-law trying to keep the young teen in line, Gidget has her hands full. But her father is always on her side. Her wide-eyed innocence, her perkiness, and especially her fun way of looking at life combine to make the character a cute one to watch. Sure, the episodes are dated, but still, it’s a fun escape from the stresses of today. It shows that the world was once a fun and simple place, unspoiled by the horrors of what we see on the news these days. It is an enjoyable, light-hearted sitcom that is sure to delight viewers.
Gidget: The Complete Series is not rated, however it is suitable for all ages.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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If you’re interested in becoming an entertainment journalist, or are simply intrigued by that world, veteran writer Francine Brokaw’s new book Beyond the Red Carpet — The World of Entertainment Journalists, will provide you with an insider’s view into this fascinating profession.
Francine first wanted to be a political speechwriter, but, living in Los Angeles, she decided to take advantage of her location and immerse herself in the “entertainment capital of the world”.
Francine tells us that entertainment journalism “is a competitive business between professionals, between media outlets and between journalists and other (especially online) writers.” “The publicists reign supreme. If they don’t like you, then you are out! If they want something from you, then you are wooed”
Filled with funny, moving and outrageous anecdotes from Francine herself, as well as 30 of her colleagues across the country, this book will make you laugh-out-loud and keep you reading from cover to cover. She and her colleagues answer questions such as — “What is the strangest interview you ever conducted?” and “Have you ever had to interview someone rude?”
She talks about common misconceptions that people have about entertainment journalists, and asks her fellow journalists their opinion — “that I get paid to watch TV” — Scott Pierce, Salt Lake Tribune, “That it’s not work, it’s not difficult, and it’s nothing but fun and games” — Michael Lee, RadioFree.com. Francine also entertains us with stories of “Twilight Zone” moments, such as an incongruous interview response by Yoko One — “I think it’s a slightly racist remark, and maybe sexist too” (read the book to get the background on that one!)
If you want to hear about more strange interviews, hilarious actors, rude encounters, and foot-in-the-mouth moments, don’t miss Francine Brokaw’s Beyond the Red Carpet — The World of Entertainment Journalists, in stores now.
About the Author
Flora Lazaro
Staff writer, FamilyChoiceAwards.com
Axel: The Biggest Little Hero is an animated movie about achieving success, even when others think you cannot. Little Axel is a fun-loving prankster who dreams of being a hero. Then one day, he gets that chance.
Axel’s people are in trouble. The cactus plant that has been feeding them for years, is running dry. But Axel knows the location of an oasis filled with these great cactus plants, and he sets off to find it and save his people.
Little Jono, Axel’s best friend, tags along on the journey, which is supposed to last only a day. Axel thinks of himself as “strong, brave, awesome, and cute,” but viewers will be drawn to the cuteness of little Jono. Jono brings his “sock of tranquility” with him on the journey. When he’s stressed, all he has to do is give it a hug. It’s his security sock, so to speak.
Along the way the two face a villain who does not want them in his territory. There is danger and fun in this adventure that stresses, “Nothing is impossible to do.” We must face our fears to succeed.
Axel has a child’s imagination, and a heart of gold. He is a fun little hero kids will enjoy. And, let’s not forget little Jono, who is completely adorable.
“Only you can hear the voice that comes from your heart.” And Axel’s voice is telling him to face his fears and become the hero he knows he can be.
Ed Asner, Tim Curry, Matthew Lillard, and George Takei lend their voices to this animated movie filled with plenty of fun-filled adventure. Axel: The Biggest Little Hero is rated PG for some scary images, perilous action sequences and mild rude humor.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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Liam Neeson stars in this intense thriller. Non-Stop lives up to its name. It is non-stop suspense and thrills. 97 percent of the film takes place about 40,000 feet, within the confines of an airplane on a flight from New York to London.
Neeson plays Bill Marks, a Federal Air Marshall. He’s an alcoholic with personal problems, but he always takes his responsibility seriously, and his training comes into play during this one fateful flight. Marks begins receiving threatening text messages while on the plane. He is told unless $150 million is transferred into a specific bank account, one passenger will die every twenty minutes.
Through the flight every one is suspect. Who is doing this? It has to be someone on the flight, as he/she knows every move Marks makes. With the help of a flight attendant (Michelle Dockery) and his seatmate (Julianne Moore), Marks sets out to narrow down the list of suspects. Who is using their phone? Who is behaving strangely? Can they find the culprit before it is too late?
The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy includes some bonus features that give viewers a backstage look at the making of this film. Liam Neeson describes the movie as “an old-fashioned who-done-it.” It is definitely not predictable, and viewers will keep trying to figure out who the bad guy is. Neeson also says it is “a brave film.” Imagine filming for weeks on a single set. As one of the people say, it’s “like being on a two-month flight.” Talk about a nightmare!
With the advent of social media and all the latest technology, this movie takes advantage of modern gadgets. It’s an old fashioned psychological thriller with all the modern technology of today.
Viewers will discover how the filmmakers created their jetliner to resemble an actual aircraft with only some minor adjustments to accommodate fight scenes and equipment. Viewers will also learn just how the fight scenes came to be. The actors really got into them, and many times improvised so the filmmakers could see how a person acts and reacts in a confined location.
Imagine how it would be to go to work every day and sit in a small coach seat, week after week. For those of us who cringe at the thought of taking a 5+ hour flight, these people had almost a 5 week flight. Of course, they did get to go home after the day’s filming wrapped.
Neeson is convincible and turns in a wonderful performance. He makes the movie as good as it is. And it is very good.
Non-Stop is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality and drug references.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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“To tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of the world.” Robert Kennedy often spoke those words. This TV documentary examines his historic 1966 trip to South Africa and the legacy he left behind, as well as the hopes for the people of the land.
Kennedy brought with him the message that America stood for hope. Kennedy brought with him words to inspire and encourage the people of South Africa. And Kennedy brought with him the words that have become synonymous with the struggle of Apartheid and the legacy of not only the historic visit, but also the legacy of Robert Kennedy himself: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Besides his famous words, the documentary looks at the impact the visit by Robert and Ethel Kennedy had on those who saw them in 1966. Interviews with those who were there as well as others explain the affect RFK had on their personal lives. There are countless people in that country now with the first name “Kennedy.”
Although Apartheid continued for more than two decades after his visit, Robert Kennedy gave the people hope and showed them there was “a light at the end of the tunnel.” For those who were not alive in the 1960s, it might be difficult to understand the impact RFK had on people around the world. In South Africa, with his message of hope, he was looked up to by the people of the country, and given the highest treatment. Throngs of people gathered to see and hear him. This documentary examines those amazing days.
RFK In the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope premiers Tuesday, June 10, 2014 on Link TV (DirecTV 375 and DISH Network 9410).
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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The songs on Party Animal range from funky dance tunes to soft and sweet celebrations of life. Five years in the making, the album features guest artists DidiPop, members of Recess Monkey and Chris Ballew (The Presidents of the USA/Caspar Babypants). The energetic “jump, jump, jump and jump and jump” song “November First,” was co-written with Children’s Poet Laureate Kenn Nesbitt, a frequent creative collaborator.
Party Animal kicks off with “Up All Night,” which uses a 7/4 funk rhythm as a backdrop for a kid’s excitement over staying up late on New Year’s Eve. Herman’s slightly off-center songwriting, which has endeared him to millions of fans, is evident in these new songs: “Can We Buy a New Car (So I Can Have a Balloon)?,” “The Strange and Mysterious Fate of Mister Teddy Bear,” and “Party at My House” were inspired by his daughters Evee and Becca. Inasmuch as a 43 year-old white guy from eastern Washington, sporting a blue shirt and yellow tie can be considered “funky,” Herman definitely hits that mark on this album, with the Stevie Wonder inspired “A Million Ways to Play,” and the quirky classic, “The Best Parts,” which may answer the question of what The Beatles would have sounded like if they became a 70’s funk band.
To be eligible to win a copy of Party Animal, email us at [email protected] with “Party Animal Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).
The deadline for this giveaway is June 27, 2014.