Convenience and Compactness from RuMe

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

If you haven’t heard of RuMe then you don’t know about their convenient products. They make traveling and everyday life a little easier.

Sat Pack

The Sat Pack is a space saving bag that has a variety of uses. It can be used as a convenient backpack or a storage pack for items that you want to put away. Because it compacts, it saves space and when it’s compressed down, it will fit under most beds and in other tight locations. Besides using it around your home, the Sat Pack is perfect for traveling.

So, how does this product work? When you first open it you’ll see zippers and straps and wonder how this bulky pack can do what it is supposed to do. When you pack it full of clothes – I should say stuff it full of clothes or whatever – close the zipper and you have a bulky bag. But then simply sit (or kneel) on the pack and it compresses. Then tighten the straps to keep it in its compressed size.

The Sat Pack will then fit inside your luggage or your carry-on, under your bed, on shelves in your closet, or other tight places. The product itself is lightweight and made of durable material. It lists for $24.95.

Garment Travel Organizer

If you’re like me you don’t like to pack and unpack when you get to your hotel room. And you wonder what has been in the drawers before you got there. The Garment Travel Organizer is perfect for travelers because it serves two purposes.

First, the GTO has one side with four mesh cubes that zipper shut. These are designed for your folded items. Second, the other side holds your hanging items. Simply place them inside the bag on their hangers. There’s no need to take them off of their hangers and then place them on hotel hangers once you arrive in your room. The GTO then folds over. Place this bag inside your luggage and head to the airport.

The best part about the GTO is once you get to your hotel room, simply remove the bag and hang it directly on the closet rod in your room. It comes with straps that attach onto a rod.

The GTO takes garment bags one step farther, with all the bells and whistles. It’s lightweight and machine washable. It lists for $24.95.

Expandable Organizer

Whether you want –or need- an organizer in your car or your home, the Expandable Organizer is the solution. It compacts to less than one inch thick with a built in handle for easy carrying. Straps hold it shut. Then it opens into an easy and convenient organizer that can expand from two compartments to three, depending on your needs.

This is a great product for the trunk of your car, keeping your groceries upright. No more rolling soda bottles in the back of your car.

And for play, this product holds unruly balls and other toys to keep everything organized and in one place. When not in use, it folds up and slips into a drawer or shelf. The Expandable Organizer lists for $24.95.

Check out their website for other products. RuMe produces accessories to make life easier. They offer single items and also bundled sets. And you aren’t limited to a single color. There are plenty of fun colors and designs to personalize your products.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Kitchen items for the Star Wars fan

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

With the newest film in the Star Wars franchise about to hit the big screens later this year, the folks at Disney Store have a jump on the situation, with several new kitchen items. Star Wars fans can now have their food galactic style.

Whether you are old school Star Wars or new age Star Wars, there is a kitchen timer for you. Let’s face it, the droids are adorable characters, and chefs can now accent their kitchens with either a BB-8 kitchen timer ($24.95) or an R2-D2 ($19.95) kitchen timer. BB-8 (from Star Wars: The Force Awakens) lights up and emits sounds.

For more BB-8 fun, why not make your next cake in the shape of this adorable little droid? The BB-8 cake mold ($9.95) is made in a bright orange color with plenty of droid details. It’s a fun way to celebrate any occasion for a fan of the films and this little fellow.

For fun mornings, how about a waffle in the shape of the newest droid? There is a new BB-8 waffle maker ($39.95) to start anyone’s day off with a smile. Or, maybe you prefer a waffle in the shape of a Stormtrooper? There is also one of those as well ($39.95).

Gather the family together for movie night and make some popcorn in the Death Star Popcorn Maker ($49.95). Or for a quiet afternoon, perhaps the Death Star Teapot and Mug Set ($24.95) fits the bill. This is one of those handy little gadgets that has a teapot on the cup so it all fits together nicely. And it makes a great item for nightstands when you’re tucked in bed reading a great book and want a comforting cup of tea.

R2-D2 was the first droid to capture everyone’s heart when he appeared in the very first film released in theaters. Having the R2-D2 Cookie Jar ($34.95) on your kitchen counter will be a conversation piece. And think of how much your kids will enjoy bringing their friends over and offering them a treat from this little fellow.

There are plenty more creative ways to show your enthusiasm for the stories and characters from a galaxy far, far away. These are only a few items to help combine your love of the franchise with your kitchen. May the force be with you.

About the Reviewer

Follow her on Twitter

Poketti Plushies with Pocket Powers

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Poketti Plushies with Pocket Powers are adorable soft plush animals with pockets. They are cuddly as well as functional.

What sets this product off from others is the backstory of the company. Two teenage girls, Syndey and Toni, began the company in 2013. Their seventh grade entrepreneurial class inspired them to start their own company. Today the company has eight different designs, each conveying a message of empowerment while at the same time being a functional – and cuddly soft – toy, although toy isn’t quite the right word.

The animals are gender neutral so they are just as appropriate for boys as they are for girls, although girls are the main targets for these items.

Sydney the Penguin comes with a message of confidence, Toni the bunny inspires kindness, Flynn the pig inspires curiosity, Harley the koala comes with the message of creativity, Frankie the panda inspires generosity, Shawn the unicorn inspires innovation, Parker the owl reminds kids to be honest, and Scout the chick inspires strength.

Besides being cute little animals, each of these fellows has a pocket on their back. The pockets are useful for holding phones, glasses, a small notebook, a little toy, and even a tooth for the tooth fairy. Imagine being able to put a tooth in a Poketti at night and finding a gift from the tooth fairy in the pocket in the morning. It makes it that much more memorable and this is something that can be a childhood friend that is passed down through generations.

And when going on a vacation this summer, kids can store their sunglasses or a tube of sunscreen in the pocket. These are definitely useful little plashes.

Each Poketti sells for $12.95. The entire series can be purchased for $80.00. Teens can stay in touch with Syndey and Toni through their Twitter (pokettiplushies) and Facebook (poketti) and other social media accounts.

For more information about Syndey and Toni, as well as their company and the Pokettis, visit their website.

About the Reviewer

Follow her on Twitter

Hot Logic is the new way to cook and heat food

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Summer is the time of picnics, parties, bar-be-ques, sporting events, and all kinds of get-togethers. With the Hot Logic cooking boxes, it’s easier than ever to cook, reheat, and transport food to wherever you are going, even if it’s just to the office.

With the Hot Logic Electric Lunchbox, you and your family will eat healthier. Forget about fast foods, just put in healthy, delicious food, plug in the box, and it heats it up so when you’re ready to eat, everything will be hot and delicious.

This is a 3-in-1 item. It cooks, heats, and warms your food – even frozen foods. All you need is an electric outlet and you’re ready to cook. And for traveling to your location, check to see if your new autos and SUVs are equipped with them outlets, as many new ones are. If you don’t have an outlet in your car, don’t worry. Simply get the Hot Logic Mini Deluxe models, which come with car inverters.

The Hot Logic Mini also comes with its own Pyrex dish. Simply put your food into the dish, put the dish into the Hot Logic, plug it in, and in a few hours your food is ready to eat. Or, if you are reheating, it won’t take as long. Imagine putting hot dogs and chicken into the Hot Logic, plugging it in, and then taking off for a picnic.

The full size Hot Logic is the right size for a family-sized 9 x 13 casserole dish –(not included). Use your own casserole dish filled with whatever you like – lasagna, chicken, fish, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. – and even put some frozen veggies in with your meat. In a few hours you’ll have a hot meal. Or, if you prefer to use a frozen meal, just place that into the Hot Logic and you’ll have your comfort food ready to eat without the use of a microwave. If you have it in your office, all you need to do is to plug it in when you get to work and at lunchtime your coworkers will be fighting over the microwave while you are already dining on your favorite meal.

The Hot Logic boxes are insulated and have built-in pockets for the electric cords. The large Hot Logic also includes a cooking shelf (Patented Smart Shelf), which utilizes slow conduction. Both the Hot Logic and the Hot Logic Mini have sturdy handles for easy transportation.

The Hot Logic doesn’t give you instant gratification like a microwave. But there are times when you don’t have a microwave, especially when you’re at a picnic or even a tailgate party. Plug the cord in your automobile and reheat or even cook your food right there, on the spot. These boxes hold the heat so hours later the food is still hot.

These are perfect for dorm rooms too. Imagine your student going to the local farmer’s market, selecting fresh veggies, taking them back to their dorm, and eating a healthy meal without preservatives or other ingredients.

The only thing to remember with these Hot Logics is that you do need to have an electric outlet. They are like portable ovens, only much more convenient.

For tailgating, picnics, dorms, offices, or even holiday parties, the Hot Logics could be just what you need. Put in your favorite food, whether already cooked or not, and you’re set. While everyone else is scrambling to heat up their food, yours is already ready.

https://hotlogicmini.com

Pinkalicious & Peterrific will premier February 2018 on PBS Kids

Posted on May 17, 2017May 17, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC follows the adventures of Pinkalicious and her brother Peter. Pinkalicious imagines creative possibilities everywhere she looks. She is an artist at heart—and, like most creative people, she sees the world differently from others. She knows what she likes, and she’s not afraid to express herself—though she sometimes needs help from her brother, Peter, and her neighborhood friends.

“PBS stations are a go-to destination for the arts in their communities across the country; we often hear from artists that their first exposure to the arts came from PBS programming,” said Linda Simensky, Vice President, Children’s Programming, PBS. “We are thrilled to build on our commitment to the arts with a PBS KIDS series entirely dedicated to the arts and creativity. Through PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC, we hope to encourage children across America to follow their passions and express themselves creatively, while building important skills and having fun.”

PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC is designed to help preschool-age children explore the arts and creativity. “Research shows that participating in the arts strengthens children’s cognitive and emotional skills, and leads to higher academic performance,” said series Executive Producer Dorothea Gillim. “Kids will simply connect with the great characters Pinkalicious and Peter, and their friends Jasmine, Rafael and Lila; the entertaining and quirky stories; and the visually stunning animation.”

The new PBS KIDS series is based on author-artist Victoria Kann’s number-one New York Times-bestselling Pinkalicious book series, which includes 63 titles and has sold more than 23 million copies to date. The most recent book in the series, Peterrific, debuted in May 2017. The HarperCollins book series has been translated into 8 languages, is sold in 9 countries and inspired a stage musical, Pinkalicious: The Musical, which premiered in New York City to sold-out audiences and continues to be performed there and across the country.

“I’m tremendously excited to see the world of Pinkalicious and Peterrific come alive,” said author and illustrator Victoria Kann. “And I’m grateful to PBS and WGBH for helping to empower kids to explore and express their full creativity through this wonderful new series.”

Each episode of PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC will include two 11-minute stories as well as a live-action interstitial and an original song. The series is currently in production at WGBH and its animation partner, Sixteen South, for 38 half-hour episodes and one hour-long special, which will roll out on PBS KIDS beginning in 2018.

Visit the USS Iowa Battleship in LA Harbor

Posted on May 17, 2017August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

The USS Iowa is permanently docked in the Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro. Visitors to the battleship can explore several decks and rooms in the ship as well as the museum. Along the self-guided tour are signs explaining what you are seeing as well as monitors showing footage of the ship and various interviews about the ship and its history.

The Iowa has three sister ships: the New Jersey, the Missouri, and the Wisconsin. Two others, the Illinois and the Kentucky were originally commissioned with the four but they were never completed. The Iowa served in World War II with about 2800 people on board. It also served in the Korean War and beyond. In 2012 it moved to its permanent home in the LA Harbor.

There are plenty of things for kids to do on the ship. When Navy Captain John L. McCrea brought his new dog onto the ship he quickly became the mascot. The dog was named Victory but everyone called him Vicky. When they first come to the ship, kids are given a card and while touring the ship they look for several signs with a picture of Vicky. They then mark down the location of the signs and at the end of the tour, when all the signs have been located, they get a little souvenir.

As you walk through the hallways you get a sense of the lifestyle of the crew. The rows of bunks are a startling reminder that this is a ship used in battle. The luxuries are minimum. The officers’ rooms are definitely more spacious. If you had any kind of claustrophobia, living on this ship would not be for you.

There is definitely patriotism surrounding this ship. Whenever a veteran or military man or woman comes on board, he or she is announced over the loud speaker. It is an homage to their service. And, the men stationed around the ship have plenty of stories to tell about their own time in the service, whether they served on the Iowa or another ship. It’s interesting to learn about their personal stories, especially those who served in World War II.

There are plenty of steps, most of them steep, to climb as well as narrow hallways to maneuver so this is not a tour for anyone in a wheelchair or with a walker. If you have trouble walking or climbing steps, don’t even think about touring the battleship. Otherwise, it’s an interesting and educational tour for those who are up to the challenge of moving around this impressive ship. Signs are everywhere to inform visitors about where they are in the ship and what they are looking at.

With the mobile app, visitors are able to get a more immersive tour of the ship, however if you don’t want to download the app (from the App Store and Google Play), the self-guided tour is still enough to give visitors plenty of onboard experiences and information.

The Battleship Iowa is open every day from 10 – 4. Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults 12-61 $19.95
Youth 6-11 $11.95
Seniors 62+ $16.95
Current Military and Veterans (with ID) $16.95
Kids 5 and under are free

Visiting the Iowa is just one more cool thing to do in Southern California.

About the Author

Roy Brokaw writes about interesting things to do and places to see. He is also an accomplished travel photographer.

‘The Sense of an Ending’ on DVD

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Jim Broadbent stars as Tony Webster in The Sense of an Ending. This is the story of memories, love, loss, and coming to terms with your life.

Webster is a divorced man whose daughter is about to give birth, starting a new chapter in all of their lives. He’s a quiet man who is forced to confront his past when out of the blue he receives a letter informing him that the mother of his first girlfriend has passed away and left him something in her will.

This is a surprise to Webster. He hasn’t seen his old friends in ages. When he goes to the attorney’s office to pick up the item which he discovers is a diary, he learns his former girlfriend Veronica is not going to release it. This upsets him because feels he is entitled to the diary, even though he hasn’t seen these people in many decades. Why would this woman leave him anything, and why won’t Veronica give it up?

While this is going on, Webster relates the story to his ex-wife. Through flashbacks viewers get glimpses of his life when he was in school. His four best buddies were close, for a while. One of them ended up committing suicide. All of this plays into the story as Tony relives his memories.

He tracks down Veronica (Charlotte Rampling) and when she refuses to hand over the diary – she said she burned it – she leaves something with him. It’s a letter he wrote years ago after he and Veronica split up and she became involved with his other friend.

This is a mystery that unravels slowly as the film progresses and it is not until the end when viewers understand what actually happened between them all those years ago. The movie is slow moving and at times a bit confusing, but the ending wraps up most of the confusion.

There are two behind the scenes bonus features on the DVD. The movie was based on a book and the filmmakers did their best to do justice to the popular novel. The actors and filmmakers discuss their characters and working on the movie.

Emily Mortimer, Michelle Dockery, and Harriet Walter costar in this story, however it is lead by Broadbent. Director Ritesh Batra garnered the “Directors to Watch” award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival earlier this year.

The Sense of an Ending is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, a violent image, sexuality and brief strong language.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Legion of Brothers’ – Movie Review

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

We’ve heard of the heroic efforts of the Navy Seals in the Middle East, but the actions of the Green Berets/Army Special Forces are not as familiar to the general public. Legion of Brothers will change that. It recounts the days that immediately followed the 9/11 attacks with interviews with the men who first went to Afghanistan. The footage included in this documentary as well as the personal accounts are nothing less than heroic.

Less than a hundred Special Forced troops were deployed to Afghanistan immediately after the attacks. It was an extraordinary mission that had the desired result. In just a couple months the Taliban was driven out of the country and a coalition with the Northern Alliance was formed to fight against not only the Taliban but also al-Qaeda.

These men have not received the recognition they deserve for their actions. Until now. This film will impact everyone who sees it.

The Special Forces troops sacrifice everything for their country and their wives recount some of their own experiences while their husbands were deployed. When they returned many of them, if not all, were changed by their experience. It isn’t something they discuss openly, but they did speak about it to the filmmakers.

Director Greg Barker says, “I’m excited to share this cautionary tale about the nature of modern war, which I’ve wanted to tell ever since 2002, when I first met … many of the Green Berets who led secret missions into Afghanistan immediately after 9/11. These Special Operations teams were the very first foot-soldiers of the War on Terror – now the longest war in American history – and even back in 2002 their stories hit me as iconic illustration of what makes war such an endemic part of the human condition.”

The film itself is intense and impactful, however the recounting of the incident that killed two of their own is heartbreaking. The first two casualties of the war were from friendly fire. It was a major mistake that the men still have to live with.

In 2016 The American Response Monument was unveiled near ground zero in NYC. It shows a “Horse Soldier” from the Green Berets. When they arrived in Afghanistan, one team rode horses through the country. Images of them riding in the film are amazing. To think that in this day and age, they had to rely on horse power, literally.

“… As Special Operations continue to be at the forefront of our nations wars,” said Barker, “it is vital that we are able to tell the kind of raw, unsanitized stories of modern war as revealed in Legion of Brothers.”

Legion of Brothers opens May 19, 2017 in select theaters.

About the Author

Follow her on Twitter

‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ on Blu-ray and DVD

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

A Street Cat Named Bob is the true story of James Bowen and his cat Bob. While Luke Treadway plays Bowen in the movie, Bob is played by himself, which makes for an even more entertaining and heartening story.

The story revolves around Bowen (Luke Treadway), a homeless junkie living on the streets in London. To make money he plays his guitar and sings. He is on a methadone program and supervised by a sympathetic woman named Val (Joanne Froggatt) who eventually finds him housing in a project and knows he truly wants to get his act together and get clean.

One day a cat wonders into his apartment. The two become inseparable and James even spends the last of his money for medicine for his cat Bob.

Bob is endearing and devoted. He is also a little different from any other cat. He likes being on a leash and he rides on James’ shoulders and comfortably in a basket on his bike.

Everyone loves to watch Bob riding through the streets on James’ shoulders and see him when James is singing. Soon the two are stars on the Internet. With Bob by his side, James’ income rises. He is able to buy real food for himself and Bob. And his neighbor Betty (Ruta Gedmintas) helps both of them with encouragement and friendship.

Once you watch this movie you might want to go to Amazon or a bookstore and pick up some of the books written about Bob by James.

A Street Cat Named Bob is heartening, entertaining, inspiring, and wonderful. The few short bonus features add a little background to the original story with the cast and James Bowen, and of course Bob.

You might not think of this as a noteworthy film when you first pop it into your player, however it quickly grows on you and you’ll become emotionally invested in these two characters. It is a film I have recommended to others because it is so uplifting. In reality, and in this movie, James Bowen saved Bob’s life and Bob saved James’ life. Talk about a great story. And the fact that it is based on their real lives makes it even more remarkable.

If you’re in the mood for an inspiring and moving film, this is it.

The film is not rated however due to the subject matter it is not for children.

About the Author

Follow her on Twitter

Peek at All Hail King Julien! Season 5 on Netflix

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

ALL HAIL KING JULIEN! This new stand-alone season takes place after King Julien is forced to flee the kingdom. With no choice but to leave his subjects behind, a chill sets in on the island of Madagascar: Koto has taken over. Separated from his closest friends and fearing the worst for his people, King Julien ventures across the sea to recruit an army of unlikely allies. As a battle of the lemurs looms large, King Julien is not alone. Maurice, Clover and Mort will stop at nothing to find their King, each enduring a personal journey to ensure that Julien’s booty lands back on the throne.

Season 5 marks the first completely serialized season of ALL HAIL KING JULIEN, so viewers will have to watch from start to finish to follow Julien’s epic quest to take back his throne. Also unique to this season, each episode has evolving main titles that describe what has gone before and keeps the viewer up to date through song as to the progress of Julien’s journey!