‘Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life’ – Book Review

Posted on September 5, 2017June 17, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Norbert is a three-pound therapy dog that has brought countless smiles to everyone he visits. This precious pooch has “written” several books with his mom Julie Steines and her mom Virginia Freyermuth. Now the little fellow “pens” his latest book, Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life, with accompanying photos by his dad Mark Steines.

Norbert’s sage advice is always helpful, especially when you’re feeling down. He is always optimistic and has a great sense of humor. As with his other books, Norbert continues to bring happiness to his readers, and with the addition of the photos there are plenty of smiles from cover to cover for everyone, old and young.

This is a great little book to read to your kids at bedtime and for older kids to read themselves. Norbert is not only adorable, he’s also very wise. And, he knows his job is to make people feel happy. As he says, “I’m always wondering ‘How Can I Make You Smile?’”

This little pooch is not only filled with sage wisdom, he is also a fashionista, as readers will see through the wonderful photos. And with his little dangling tongue, he will definitely bring out the “awws” in everyone reading the book. He’s absolutely delightful.

If you haven’t heard about Norbert you’re missing out on this adorable little guy. He has over 1.5 million followers at his website, and plenty of twitter followers (@NorbertDog) as well.

His mom, Julie, takes him to hospitals and other places to bring joy and love to those who need a little lift in life. His grandmother is an accomplished artist and educator, and his dad cohosts Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family.

Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life fits the bill for bedtime stories, for gifts – especially to those in the hospital or under the weather, and for coffee tables. It is a conversation piece that will delight everyone as soon as they see the cute cover.

Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: North Star Way (October 10, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1501187317
ISBN-13: 978-1501187315

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. 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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‘State Fair’ on Blu-ray is filled with music and mayhem

Posted on September 3, 2017September 3, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

State Fair has been produced over and over. The story about a farm family that goes to the state fair and finds love, luck, and local fame first appeared in 1933. Rogers and Hammerstein then made the film into a musical in 1945. And in 1962 it was once again reimagined for the new generation of the time. In 1976 the story became a TV movie pilot that never made it to series. The 1962 version is now available on Blu-ray from Twilight Time.

State Fair (1962) has an all-star cast, with Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Alice Faye, Ann-Margret, Tom Ewell, and Pamela Tiffin. This version of the story has a Texas family traveling to Dallas for the biggest state fair in the country. The parents, Melissa and Abel (Faye and Ewell), have specific desires at the fair. Melissa has entered her mincemeat concoction and Abel has his pride boar Blue Boy entered as well. Their son Wayne (Boone) is longing to race his sports car and daughter Margy (Tiffin) is looking for something to lift her out of her doldrums.

Margy meets broadcaster Jerry Dundee (Darin), a ladies man who is smitten with the farm girl. And Wayne meets sophisticated entertainer Emily (Ann-Margret) whose lifestyle is the complete opposite of his but nevertheless he feels she would fit into his life on the farm.

The contests and all the fun of the midway bring plenty of spirit to the story. And the songs by Rogers and Hammerstein create a joyful atmosphere in which all the characters partake and manage to mingle together in this delightful film.

There are additional songs that were added to this version and those that were included in the 1945 film are woven into this story a little differently than they were in the older version, yet they are all memorable and delightful and make this film fun, funny, romantic, and musical.

With the isolated music track viewers get a special bonus on this Blu-ray edition. And there are a couple additional featurettes that give viewers a background into the film and the story that has stood the test of time through four productions.

State Fair is not rated but it is suitable for all ages.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. 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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Tip ‘n Split

Posted on September 3, 2017April 2, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

The Tip ‘n Split is actually four gadgets in one. First, it is a magnifier that makes reading menus or checks easier. Second, there is a handy light that makes reading menus or checks easier in dark restaurants. Third, it calculates tips. And forth, it splits the amount to show exactly how much each person owes. And, the best part about this little gadget is that it is lightweight and easy to use.

Everything is spelled out on the little display window. If you are dining with three friends and want to split the check equally here’s all you do:

1- Enter the total amount of the check and press ENTER
2- Enter the percentage you want to tip and press ENTER (If you want to tip 15% then enter 15, for 18% enter 18, etc. The tip will then be displayed.)
3- Press ENTER again to add the tip to the check
4- Enter 3 (for you and your 2 friends) and press ENTER

Now the display window shows exactly how much each of you owes. This gadget takes the guesswork and awkwardness out of paying the check.

The Tip ‘n Split can also be used if you don’t plan on splitting the check equally. Simply input each person’s total and calculate the tip with this gadget.

This is a good item to give to your teenagers who are going out with their friends. Burgers, fries, apple pie and a soda add up. Now they have to add in the tip and divide to find out how much to pay. The Tip ‘n Split can do that for them.

It’s wonderful for seniors who often cannot calculate quickly. It’s also great if you have a large party and want to split the bill. With this gadget everything is displayed so no one can dispute the numbers. And it makes reading menus and checks easier with the light and magnifier.

While I am not a firm believer in letting devices do all the brainwork for people, this is a handy item that can definitely help in several situations.

The Tip ‘n Split is about the size of a smartphone but much lighter. It lists for $19.95. If you want to get it with the carrying pouch/wristlet, it is $26.96.

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‘Born in China’ from DisneyNature on Blu-ray Combo Pack

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

John Krasinski narrates the newest DisneyNature film Born in China. This film takes viewers into the wilds of China and introduces them to several animal species that call the country their home: golden snub-nosed monkeys, snow leopards, pandas, and antelopes.

The 2-year-old monkey will steal your heart. He is a little put-off by the attention his baby sister is receiving from his parents so he joins an outcast group of mischievous male monkeys. But family is the most important thing and eventually he comes to that realization. This little fellow is such a sweetheart deep inside.

And the panda mom who is caring for her baby daughter definitely demonstrates maternal love. The bond between mother and daughter is strong, but eventually they do grow up and mom has to let go. It’s a hard thing to do, but once the little girl demonstrates her ability to climb, she’s about ready to go out on her own.

The snow leopard mother is always concerned about her two cubs. She rules the area and knows she is in charge of the rugged land. Her family is close and loving, so when another tougher family comes into the area, the mother knows her cubs will be safer if they leave so they are forced out. It’s a little heartbreaking to see this activity, and eventually (SPOILER ALERT) the mother does die. Keep this in mind when showing this film to viewers.

The Chiru, or antelopes, are an interesting herd. The females leave the males and travel far to give birth and give their babies a good start in life before they all travel back to the males. This takes place over and over again. It’s an interesting activity to watch.

Bonus features on the combo pack add to the amazement of this beautifully filmed movie. They focus on the various teams of filmmakers that are tasked with filming the different animals. Sometimes it takes months of being in the wild before actually finding the animals. No snow leopard cubs have ever been filmed in the wild before this and searching out a family was a difficult task, as was looking for the pandas and the specific monkey behavior they wanted to capture for the film.

This movie is, as mentioned above, beautifully filmed and has a soundtrack to match the wonder of this great adventure. Besides the incredible footage of the animals, the scenery is spectacular. The music video of the ending credit song “Everything Everything” is the final bonus.

Krasinski’s narration adds to the whimsy of some of the animal antics and also imparts some knowledge about the different animals. This is an educational yet also entertaining film.

Born in China is the ninth film from DisneyNature, which, through the Conservation Fund, has made a contribution to World Wildlife Fund to focus efforts that benefit wild pandas and snow leopards. Born in China joins Earth, Crimson Wing, Oceans, Wings of Life, African Cats, Chimpanzee, Bears, and Monkey Kingdom in bringing the Circle of Life to viewers in a beautiful and artful way. It is rated G.

To keep the wonder of this film alive, look for the plush animals to accompany your viewing pleasure.

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Disney Vacation Club’s newest resort: Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

Posted on August 28, 2017August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

Members of the Disney Vacation Club will soon have a new destination. Copper Creek at Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World is about to open with plenty of amenities and wonderful surroundings DVC members have come to expect.

“We’re excited to introduce Copper Creek Villas & Cabins to our Members and guests,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Whether it’s a quiet night spent in a cabin unwinding by the living room fireplace or venturing out into the endless action of nearby Magic Kingdom Park, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is the perfect place for families to embrace the simple joys of nature and reconnect with each other for a lifetime of memories.”
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge conjures up feelings of Yellowstone and the west and Northwest. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is the second DVD location at the lodge. This locale includes both the laid back atmosphere of the great outdoors with plenty of modern amenities, and is only a short water ride to the Magic Kingdom, and bus ride to the other WDW theme parks.

The newly opened Geyser Point Bar & Grill is an additional restaurant at the lodge with tasty food in a picturesque setting. Offerings include bison burgers with Tillamook cheddar, house-smoked salmon, and more. And don’t forget about dessert. Can you say “scrumptious?”

There are several options for the Copper Creek Villas, each one gives guests modern conveniences while decorated in the style to give them the feeling of the woods and the calming outdoors. Each of the 184 nature-inspired homes has a kitchen. There are one and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12.

The water front Cabins are beautiful and amazing. While touring them I found myself wanting to move into one right then and there. This is definitely going to be a prized location for DVD members. With the rustic albeit modern feeling with all the comforts of home and more, as well as the magic of the WDW theme parks and the surrounding resorts, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is a great destination.

Disney hasn’t left out anything in this new resort. Look for the special Disney touches in the rooms and the charm of the locale. Even the pathway looks like train tracks. Copper Creek is the best of the west and WDW combined into one.

To learn more about Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Disney Vacation Club Membership, visit DisneyCopperCreek.com.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. 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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‘The Wedding Plan’ on DVD

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The Wedding Plan is the story of one woman who desperately wants to get married. She is tired of being alone and wants to share her life with a husband and children.

The film takes place in Israel and is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Marriage brokers are common in Israel, bringing together religious singles who are looking for a match, although it’s quite different than what we saw in Fiddler on the Roof.

Michel (Noa Koler) is lonely. She is also desperate and tired of dating. She wants a husband and a family. The matchmaker succeeds in finding her a man and they do get engaged. But a month before the wedding he tells her that he doesn’t love her and calls off the wedding. Devastated, she forges on and commits herself to keeping her wedding date, the hall in which the wedding was/is to take place, her fittings for her wedding dress, and the invitations. She puts her trust in God that she will be married as planned. The task now is to find the groom.

As Michel meets eligible men, her despair rises and she even takes a trip to pray at the tomb of Hasidic Rabbi Nachman in Ukraine where she hopes to get closer to God and appeal for a husband. Her trust in God is strengthened as her determination to keep her wedding date is cemented in her mind and her life. All things lead to that one date – the eighth night of Chanukah. Surely by then, less than a month away, she will find Mr. Right, or in her case, Mr. Let’s-Do-This-We Can-Work-It-Out-And-Be-Happy.

There was the potential of making this an extremely humorous film, but that went by the wayside. Michel’s despair is too overwhelming. This is an intense, although at times a little witty, story of one woman who is miserable in her personal life. Even those around her are basically sad people. But with her confidence that God will find her a good husband, and by her specific date, she forges on.

The movie was well received by critics, however if you are looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy, this isn’t it. It is a little too dark for that. Yet, spoiler alert, it does have a happy ending.

The Wedding Plan is rated PG for thematic elements.

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‘Peanuts by Schulz: School Days’ on DVD

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The newest compilation of classic Peanuts antics includes plenty of Peanutty fun with the entire gang. There are dozens of little vignettes showing off the adorable little tykes in all their glory.

“This new collection of Peanuts short cartoons revolves around the classic school theme and will appeal to viewers of all ages,” said Mary Ellen Tomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. “This beautiful new series is a celebration of Charles Schulz’s beloved original comic strip. It’s comprised of animated vignettes derived directly from his newspaper strips.”

The two disc set is packed full of situations that show off the wit, wisdom, and sheer entertainment of the whole Peanuts gang.

Linus is smitten with his teacher and when she retires he is devastated. Frieda is introduced to Charlie Brown and the rest of the kids and proceeds to annoy them with her constant chatter and her pride in her “naturally curly hair.” She also pesters them to hold her cat when she goes to the store or the library. That lazy cat doesn’t like to get his feet dirty! And then she tries to get Snoopy to hunt rabbits.

Lucy is fed up with Linus’ blanket and locks it in the closet for two weeks. Can the little fellow go that long without his security blanket without cracking up?

And when their baby brother Rerun is born, Linus and Lucy find his constant crying a nuisance. This poor little kid is happiest when he’s with Snoopy. When his mother takes him on her bike, Rerun is less than thrilled with the dangers that face them while riding around. And when it’s time to go to kindergarten, Rerun decides he doesn’t want to go, however Lucy insists he get on the bus and go to school. She is always a bossy – but caring – big sister.

Those are just a few of the many situations from this delightful gang of kids. They are always good for a laugh.

Parents don’t have to worry about their kids when these discs are being played. They are filled with plenty of wholesome and delightful antics and adults will enjoy watching them as well. After all, we have all grown up with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang. Watching these vignettes from the strips brings back memories.

The DVDs contain 19 episodes, each with several vignettes peppered with short activities with Snoopy and Woodstock. So, who’s your favorite member of the gang? I’ve always been partial to Sally. Although I do enjoy Linus. And Schroeder is always good for some fun. I cannot forget Pig Pen. And Charlie Brown is so sweet. Lucy, Peppermint Patty, and everyone else have entertained me for decades. It’s hard to choose a favorite. They’re all adorable.

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‘Class Mom’ by Laurie Gelman – Book Review

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Laurie Gelman’s debut novel, Class Mom, is a quick read and filled with plenty of fun for anyone who has ever been involved with their children’s school class. The dialogue is witty and sophisticated.

Jen Dixon is an unusual mom, to say the least. With two grown children, she is now the kindergarten class mom for her young son’s class. From the beginning Jen captures the attention of all the other parents with her snarky emails. She’s not afraid to let her feelings out, while at the same time looking to help the kids while using whatever means she must to get their parents involved.

This woman keeps track of response times to her emails. Who responded the first? Who was the slowest? And who will bring the “special brownies” to the school event? Let’s face it, Jen’s way of dealing with her job and her life is not the norm. But who is to say what is the norm these days? All she wants is to get everyone involved, and her emails are witty and filled with sarcasm.

If you already have a child in school, this is definitely a fun read. And for those who are about to enter the school system, check it out. You’ll get an idea of what’s ahead. And you might even volunteer to be the class mom.

This is definitely a quick read, with Jen’s emails peppered throughout the pages. Once you get used to her sarcastic humor, you’ll fall in love with the story as Jen maneuvers her way through life and through being the class mom.

CLASS MOM
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (August 1, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1250124697
ISBN-13: 978-1250124692

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, music, products, travel, and entertainment. 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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‘Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines’ revs up for home viewing

Posted on August 9, 2017August 15, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Gear up for fun with Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines, which includes seven episodes from the Disney Junior television series. This preschool series introduces kids to problem solving and plenty of other skills while entertaining them at the same time with Mickey and the gang.

Included among the episodes on this DVD are a couple of “royal” stories. One has Goofy mistaken for his doppelganger who is a secret agent who has all the technological goodies in his car ala James Bond. When the queen is expected for a spectacular tea party with the gang in Mickey’s garage, an evil sleuth tries to steal the royal briefcase that has mistakenly been entrusted to Goofy who bears a remarkable resemblance to the secret agent. Well, things get turned topsy turvy but in the end they all enjoy a splendid afternoon with the queen, with Minnie and Daisy in their new fascinators just for the occasion.

Another royal episode focuses on the stolen royal jewels that Minnie mistakes for her anniversary gift from Mickey. But once that gets straightened out, the gang must make sure the jewels are returned safely.

Included in the DVD box is a flag kids can use to decorate their room. This black and white checkered flag is also colorful with images of Goofy and his Turbo Tubster, Minnie and her Pink Thunder, Mickey and The Hot Doggin’ Hot Rod, Donald and The Cabin Cruiser, and Daisy and her Snapdragon.

Mickey and the Roadster Racers debuted in January 2017 as the replacement for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, along with Minnie’s helper Cuckoo-Loca, enjoy plenty of adventures in their amazing vehicles. While they all focus on their fun vehicles, Minnie and Daisy also have their Happy Helpers business. They are pretty handy when it comes to fixing the vehicles too!

This preschool series has been popular with boys and girls. It’s filled with good life lessons as well as cooperation lessons and tools for everyday life. And with these classic characters, you know your kids will enjoy everything they have to offer.

As with their other DVD releases, Disney Junior has included a fun bonus inside the box – the flag. Parents can help kids hang the flag via the two holes on the top, or simply tape it to a wall. With images of the characters and their colorful vehicles, it’s a nice way to decorate a room.

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New books from Disney Learning Encourage Music Exploration

Posted on August 9, 2017September 3, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Disney Learning had some new hardcover books featuring some of their beloved characters in entertaining stories. The “Explore Music” series of Disney Learning books not only includes stories about the characters, but the stories are infused with lessons about music and music creativity. The books are for ages 4+ and are wonderful stories and activities for rainy days.

Tangled – It’s Better When you Sing It: A Musical Exploration Storybook

The fun-loving princess with the flowing long blonde hair is a favorite among many youngsters. Rapunzel is a feisty and determined young girl.

Between the covers are not only a story featuring Rapunzel, but also singing and vocal activites for your youngster. For instance, kids are encouraged to create their own song using a song they already know but adding their own words. This exercise not only uses music skills, but also vocabulary skills.

Another activity for kids is to make up a duet with two of their toys. Imagination comes into play here.

Besides the story and the activities, there are wonderful and colorful illustrations with all of the characters, including Eugene, aka Flynn Rider. At the end of the book is a list of lessons from the book.

Mickey’s Found Sounds: A Musical Exploration Storybook

Mickey and the gang join together to teach kids about music and instruments. They don’t have to buy the instruments. The gang shows how to easily make them at home, with the help of mom or dad. For instance a cardboard tube (from a roll of paper towels or toilet paper), a hole punch, wax paper, and a rubber band can easily be put together to make a kazoo.

And by adding different amounts of water to glass jars, kids can create their own xylophone. By tapping the jars with pencils or wooden chopsticks, kids become instant musicians.

Moana – The Beat of your Heart: A Musical Exploration Activity Book

Join Moana and her friends find the island beat. Clap, tap, hum and sing.

Making island-inspired instruments is easy (with the help of an adult) and playing them is like traveling to Polynesia. There are also instructions for hand movements to create your own hula. Learning about the islands and music with Moana is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The stories in the books are fun and kids learn about music in each of the books. Creativity is also something that kids take away from these books. And by going online there are more activities and lessons to encourage musical exploration.

With the picture books, the stories, and the activities, this book series makes boring afternoons more fun. They are also good for gift giving. And who knows, you might just be encouraging a future musician with these new books. Music is an important element in our lives and it’s never too early to start encouraging young minds.

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