MyPillow Mattress Topper

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re thinking about buying a new mattress, the MyPillow Mattress Topper might be the way to go instead of purchasing a completely new mattress. This high-density foam topper could save you thousands of dollars on a new mattress.

The MyPillow Mattress Topper is three inches thick. That’s a lot of foam. It supports your body with what they call “zero gravity” so the foam cradles your entire body. Pressure points are caressed.

With their “ThermaPhase Gel Technology,” the topper is meant to keep your body at the right temperature all year long. There is a removable cover that comes with the topper so it’s easily washable. The topper is made from CertiPure-US flexible polyurethane foam. With the attached straps, it is easy to place on top of your existing mattress and won’t shift or move during the night.

This is a nice little – or not so little if you select the king size – product for campers, camping, and those mostly-uncomfortable RV beds.

I tried this topper and although I love my regular air mattress, this added additional support. This is exactly what I would want in an RV. Those mattresses are quite uncomfortable, but when you purchase an RV you really don’t have any choice. You get what it comes with. But now with this MyPillow Mattress Topper, you can make your RV as comfortable as your home bed.

And this is something that college students will embrace. Dorm beds are awful. I remember mine. If I had this mattress topper when I went to college, my nights would have been much more comfortable.

With the 60-day money-back guarantee, there is no reason not to try this topper. And it comes with a five-year warranty.

Families might get extra benefit from this topper by putting it in minivans or station wagons. That way your child has a comfortable mattress for long road trips.

The company says this product is portable; however if you do get the king size, remember it is large so in my experience that size is really not portable. However the smaller sizes could easily be transported from one place to another.

My suggestion is to try the MyPillow Mattress Topper if you want to save money and not purchase a brand new mattress. Also, I highly suggest this for college students.

The MyPillow Mattress Topper is available in sizes Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, RV Queen, King, and California King. Check their website for prices and promo codes.

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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DinoTrux Season 3 clips

Posted on October 5, 2016October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Check out the clips from DinoTrux Season 3 on Netflix.

75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor on DVD

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

December 7, 1941 was “a date which will live in infamy.” The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was the impetus for the United States to enter the war. It has been 75 years since that fateful day. History Channel has a new DVD recounting the attack and showing various aspects of Pearl Harbor during World War II.

First up is the 60th anniversary television coverage of the commemoration on that date. On a personal note: I was in Pearl Harbor for the 70th anniversary and they definitely take this date seriously.

Another of the six documentaries in this two-disc set looks at the “Unsung Heroes of Pearl Harbor.”

While many people concentrate on the air attack that crippled the US Naval fleet and much of the planes stationed on Oahu, the midget subs are often discounted. Yet the Japanese did send a small fleet of two-manned midget submarines to Hawaii that day.

The crew of the Ward encountered a midget sub early that morning and fired on it, sinking the submarine and killing the two Japanese sailors. Many consider this the first casualty of American involvement in the war. What would have happened had the Ward not sunk that submarine that was headed into the harbor?

Technical aspects of the weapons used that day provide an interesting documentary included in this commemorative set. Looking at the different planes – both on the Japanese and American side – as well as the midget subs and the bombs that were created specifically for shallow water is fascinating. Much of what was learned about these weapons went into use after the attack.

Another mostly unknown event that occurred in Pearl Harbor happened a couple years after the surprise attack. There is a separate section of the harbor that was not attacked. This area contained the munitions. Had the Japanese wiped out this they would have struck a much harder blow to the American military. But it was left largely in tact. However, a couple years later there was a large explosion in this site. What happened? Could it have been sabotage? This is a fascinating aspect to the Pearl Harbor story that is rarely discussed.

With all these documentaries, this collection is an interesting look at various aspects of December 7, 1941 and its aftermath. As the timeline to the attack counts down, viewers get an up close and personal look at this event, which is only matched by September 11, 2001.

Lionsgate’s 75Th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor is an educational as well as insightful look at this time in American history.

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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Urban Armor Gear for your tablet

Posted on October 5, 2016October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

When you spend a lot of money on a smartphone or tablet, you want to protect it. Most of the time the screens are the areas that get damaged. They can get scratched or cracked. And they always have plenty of fingerprints and smudges on them. Urban Armor Gear created a great shield that protects the screen while maintaining clarity.

The tempered glass shield is easy to apply. It’s a thin, hard shield that you place on your screen then stick down. It’s as easy as one, two, three. First, clean your screen, second peel and place the shield, third press it down. That’s it! It won’t shift or peel. It stays in place.

The shield is scratch resistant and resists fingerprints. Plus, those clever folks at UAG have included built in blue light protection that keeps eyes from straining. Tired eyes are a big problem for people who are constantly looking at a computer, phone, or tablet screen. This added benefit helps ease eyestrain.

The company also produces Composite cases for your tablet. This case is made from rugged “FrogSkin” and clicks into place and has a metal stand to you can stand your tablet on a table at a variety of angles. And with this unique stand, you have the option of placing your tablet in either a portrait or landscape position.

If you have the iPad Pro, you might have already purchased the special “pen” that works with the tablet. If so, don’t worry about losing it with this case. There is a holder for the pen built into the case. Everything is attached so you won’t lose the pen or the stand.

The Composite Cases from Urban Armor Gear come in blue, red and black. They’re impact resistant and rugged! Just what you need to protect your iPad Pro.

When you invest in a tablet, you want it to last. With these two products you are adding security as well as convenience.

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Gilmore Girls – They’re Coming Back!

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life consists of four memorable chapters from the lives of Lorelai, Emily, Rory and countless more Stars Hollow stalwarts. The story is told through four 90-minute chapters — each spanning one season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall — and brings back to life everything from the quaint corner diner to the dreamy Dragonfly Inn to a fast-talking, quick-witted mother-daughter love story unlike any other. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life launches Friday, November 25, everywhere that Netflix is available.

BROO – Beer Infused Shampoos and Conditioners

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Have you heard that beer is good for your hair? When I was young my mom often poured beer on my hair after shampooing. Sounds strange, but for generations beer has been used to get shiny hair. BROO is a company with three different versions of beer-infused shampoos and conditioners.

If you have thin or fine hair, try the “Pop your Top” BROO shampoo and conditioner. For dry or damaged hair, there is the “Drench your Do” and for an invigorating experience they have “Feel the Buzz.” Each one is safe for color treated hair, so you don’t have to worry about it taking the color out of your hair.

So, why beer? First of all, it contains B vitamins and minerals. It’s protein-rich. Beer nourishes your hair however you won’t smell any alcohol in the products. Don’t worry about getting pulled over for driving intoxicated because you smell like beer!

According to Brad and Sarah, the founders of BROO Craft Beer Hair, the first ingredient in each of their products is beer because it “has all the amazing B vitamins, minerals and proteins that make hair strong, shiny and healthy.” As soon as I heard about this company I thought about my mom drenching my long hair with beer. She was right. And both Brad and Sarah’s moms rinsed their hair with beer too.

I tried the “Feel the Buzz” Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s not flowery or sweet smelling, but it does make your scalp tingle. And, as I expected (and hoped it would do), my hair is shiny and healthy looking.

They use pure ingredients that moisturize, cleanse, and put a shine in your hair. Your hair will be clean and soft. The products are pH balanced, and –yay – they are made in the USA! Plus, they are vegan, so you know they are created with the utmost care and purest ingredients, free of dyes, parabens, and other things you don’t understand but know can’t be good for you!

BROO is a product that lives up to the hype. Beer is good for your hair. Mom knew best!

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‘Eye of the Needle’ on Blu-ray

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Donald Sutherland stars in this adaptation of Ken Follett’s best-selling novel about a German spy during World War II. Undercover as a Brit in England, this man with the code name of “The Needle,” manages to ascertain secret information about the Allied upcoming invasion at Normandy. It is now a matter of time to find him and keep him from getting the information to Hitler.

Kate Nelligan is Lucy, a lonely woman living on Storm Island with her young son Joe, her husband David (Christopher Cazenove), and the keeper of the lighthouse. A few years earlier the couple had a car accident on the day of their wedding, rendering David crippled. Instead of flying spitfires during the war, he ran away from everything to become a sheep farmer on a quiet island. Feeling sorry for himself being left in a wheelchair, the couple makes the best of their lives.

Then a stranger is washed onto the island during a ferocious storm. This man befriends the couple while trying to figure out how to get his message to a waiting Nazi submarine. He alone knows where the Allies will invade. If he gets the information to Germany, the invasion at Normandy will be a disaster.

Try to count the number of people he kills during the film. He is intent on doing his job and won’t let anything or anyone get in his way. That is until he meets Lucy. Their love affair puts a bit of a snag in his plans, but ultimately he knows he has to get this vital information to Germany.

This is an interesting and often tense story. It’s well-written and definitely well-acted. Sutherland is a spy you love to hate. He has no scruples and will kill his best friend if he has to.

If you are in the mood for a good spy movie, check this out. It’s a thrilling spy story with a bit of romance.

Eye of the Needle is rated R and is available on a limited edition Blu-ray from Twilight Time.

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Sela Ward stars in ‘Graves’ on EPIX

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Sela Ward returns to TV on top. She plays former first lady Margaret Graves with Nick Nolte playing the former president. Margaret is a no-nonsense, strong, passionate woman. She is the rock that holds her husband and entire family together. Ward met with the media and discussed her new role.

“One of the great things about playing a role like this for women in general is that women really subjugate their passions, their secret desires, their unlived lives for their children, their family, their husband, behind the scenes, and Margaret is getting to live her unlived life, her second spring, and I think that will resonate with a lot of women because we’re all living to our 80s on the average, mid 80s, and you really have to look at your life and go, ‘We’re getting an entire second adulthood, and what are you going to do with that? What are you going to do with the rest of your life?’”

In the second episode Margaret is approached to run for the Senate. She has been a beloved first lady and the anchor for her husband. Now it’s her time to shine.

“In Margaret’s case,” explained the actress, “she’s getting to live her secret passion and dream, and we all should do that across the board. I think it resonates with the deep theme, particularly for woman.”

The idea of having a second chance at a different life later on is appealing to this woman. She notes that since we are all living longer, and hopefully remain healthy, we don’t need to retire at a certain age. We are still worthy and have something to contribute later in life.

Ward is thrilled that her character might inspire other women to think about their own dreams and even though they might be middle aged, they can still follow their heart and passion. Middle age is not the ending of our lives. It can simply be the next step up.

Ward just turned 60 and is happy with this stage in her life. She is also happy that her character is not wallowing in the past and her past glories but moving forward and finally looking out for herself and her own desires, not just those of her family.

Sela Ward first caught the attention of viewers in the 9183-1984 series Emerald Point N.A.S. Her big hit came on the series Sisters (1991- 1996). She played Lily Manning in the series Once and Again in 2002, then Jo Danville in 2013 in CSI: NY. Her list of films and TV shows is varied, however her latest role affords her the ability to not only showcase her talent but also inspire viewers.

Graves premiers October 16 on EPIX.

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‘Best of Enemies’ on PBS

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

With today’s 24-hour news cycle with countless cable networks, we don’t think of the past when we had just the three main networks: NBC, CBS, and ABC. Today we take political commentaries and insolent attacks against others and their political views as the norm. But that really didn’t start until the late 1960s. And the two men who started this format were William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal, two gentlemen who had very different ideas about life and politics and both had superb knowledge of the English language.

In the Independent Lens documentary Best of Enemies, the rivalry between these two men and their imprints on today’s political landscape are examined. Back in the 1960s, ABC was third among the three networks. They didn’t have the finances to cover the political conventions gavel to gavel, as the other two did. So they reverted to employing Buckley and Vidal to debate the candidates and issues. This was a new tact and one that turned out to be successful for ABC.

What ultimately happened is that name-calling turned the tide and took a toll on Buckley. Both men were well versed in the language and could talk circles around anyone else, but when you put them together in a head-to-head matchup, the explosion was heard around the world, so to speak. Well, at least around the country.

This is a very interesting documentary. “In the focused light of the 1968 national television camera, the seeds were planted for our present media landscape, when the spectacle trumps the content of argument,” says director Robert Gordon. “Each side today, like these two men, sees the other as malignant, promulgating views catastrophic for America; strident partisanship is understood as virile patriotism and compromise is castration. These Vidal-Buckley debates forecast the present state of civic discourse, heated by camera lights and abbreviated by corporate sponsors.”

“Ultimately, this is a story about something I care about deeply; how the way we now ‘talk’ and ‘listen’ to each other through media is in fact corrosive to our society,” says director Morgan Neville. “Sometimes I look around and wonder, ‘What happened to the adults in our culture?’ This film, I hope, offers some clues.”

Once you see this and learn about the Buckley/Gore debates, you won’t look at today’s talking heads the same way.

Best of Enemies premiers October 3, 2016 on PBS.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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 SockIt for Young Soccer Players

Posted on October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Soccer is a favorite sport among youngsters. It’s been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Although it has been played a little differently in various cultures through history, it remains a popular sport around the world. One father has created a new technology that promises improvement in players’ accuracy and power when kicking the ball.

“After watching my daughters and their teammates continually hit the ball with their toes in practice, I went out to look for some kind of device that could help train them to instead kick on the top of their shoes,” said Joe Briganti, SockIt founder and CEO. “I didn’t find anything in stores and saw this as a great opportunity to show my daughters a little about business and how to make an idea a reality.”

This little device is made from industrial strength thermal plastic rubber and fits onto cleats. When the player kicks the ball correctly, six LED-powered lights light up. A replaceable lithium battery powers this device, which helps players gain confidence and accuracy while still having fun.

The SockIt is for ages 5-12 and is one-size-fits-all. Besides helping youngsters improve their kicking skills, it is fun to wear and withstands all the impact little legs deliver. And once one child wears it, the entire team will be asking for their own.

What is admirable about the company is that for every SockIt sold the company will donate a portion of the revenue to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. And the company has donated products and set up soccer scholarships for underprivileged kids to help pay their fees. No sport is free. With fees to join leagues as well as equipment, the costs add up.

This wearable device is something that will soon be seen everywhere. Helping kids with their skills while doing it in a fun way is a unique thing. By wearing the SockIt, kids will learn, in their own way, how to adjust their kicks in order to get the best outcome and power. They can practice by themselves because the SockIt will let them know when they have done it correctly. When it lights up it’s like saying “good job!”

The SockIt comes in four colors: orange, blue, yellow, and magenta. It lists for $19.95. Simply strap it onto your child’s cleats and they’re ready to go.

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