Misty Copeland visits ‘Peg + Cat’

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Combining counting, shapes, and sizes, along with dancing, October adds a new dimension to the popular PBS Kids show Peg + Cat – namely the world-renowned dancer Misty Copeland. This is a fun episode for viewers, Peg, and even Cat.

The duo learns that dancing is not about size, shapes, or colors. Anyone can dance, According to Misty Copeland, “Everything is awesome when you dance.” Dancing is also about how you make people feel. And Peg and Cat love to dance.

When they arrive just a bit late to get a seat for the Swan Lake ballet starring Misty Copeland, Peg and Cat are disappointed. But their friend says they can watch the performance from the wings if they do a little backstage work. Peg and Cat jump at the idea. They get to see Copeland up close and when something happens on stage, Peg takes over as a ballerina and Cat takes on the role of the prince. He’s a bit reluctant since he has a tail, but Copeland talks him into it and all the dancers enjoy their performance of Swan Lake.

This is a fun episode for kids as well as adults. And Misty instructs Peg and Cat to “Dream big – you can do anything.” This was what got her to the top of her profession.

“PEG + CAT furthers PBS KIDS’ commitment to using the power of media to help all children realize their potential,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “These new episodes will help kids build important life skills, such as problem-solving and perseverance, and set a positive example for our viewers – especially girls – with the series’ signature combination of ‘girl-power’ and ‘brain-power’ and special appearances of real-life role models Misty Copeland and Sandra Oh.”

“The Dance Problem” episode of Peg+Cat with Misty Copeland premiers October 19, 2016.

In another episode this new season, Sandra Oh returns as the President of the United States. This episode premiers October 4, 2016.

“We are so excited about introducing these special episodes of PEG + CAT to young viewers and their families nationwide,” said Paul Siefken, Vice President, Broadcast and Digital Media, The Fred Rogers Company. “You never know who Peg and Cat may encounter next as they work together to solve problems, and with both Misty Copeland and Sandra Oh joining the show as guest stars this fall, fans are in store for even more ‘totally awesome’ fun.”

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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‘Blue and Red Make Purple’ Book/CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 30, 2016October 20, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

With The Secret Mountain books with CDs kids learn about music with the entertaining books and CDs together.

This new book with CD offers young listeners a musical journey through the different colors of Jennifer Gasoi’s multi-layered and playful music. The colorful picture book, featuring original illustrations by Steve Adams, highlights the history, instruments and unique characteristics of each musical genre along with listening suggestions accompanying each song. Along the way, Gasoi offers readers a chance to create their own sounds, and discover more about the songwriting process itself. Full lyrics are also included in this delightful music-forward title.

The accompanying CD features 12 original songs that meld styles ranging from bluegrass to Dixieland swing, folk to calypso to Cajun and klezmer.

Featured is Gasoi’s GRAMMY Award winning hit “Throw a Penny in the Wishing Well,” and traveling tunes like “Little Blue Car” and “Goin’ on a Trip,” all of them with a positive message underscored in “Bright Side of Life.” Gasoi hopes that readers will be inspired to “express themselves, tap into their own mastery, and embrace their unique gifts.”

We have some copies of this book/CD combination to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Blue and Red Make Purple, email us at [email protected] with “Blue and Red 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 October 17, 2016.

Vanessa Trien and The Jumping Monkeys ‘Wonderful YOU’ CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 30, 2016October 16, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Vanessa Trien is a first-class composer of original melodies that are artfully crafted, while at the same time displaying a natural quality that makes them easy for kids to sing along with and recall. Reminiscent of Woody Guthrie’s children’s songs, every number on Wonderful YOU has a compact message, style and flavor that is effortlessly comprehended and remembered by children and adults alike.

Wonderful YOU kicks off with Vanessa Trien dueting with Alastair Moock on “One Foot in Front of the Other.” Explains Vanessa, “Observing Alastair’s family support one another when they faced a major health challenge, I was filled with inspiration. With thoughts of them ‘pulling each other through’ those hard times, I wrote the chorus to ‘One Foot in Front of the Other,’ and I’m honored that Alastair agreed to sing it with me.”

Other highlights include a cover of the Beatles’ “All Together Now,” with Barbara Brousal in a cameo role, while Vanessa Trien’s kids and their friends add their voices to the chorus; “Feeling Thankful,” a sweet country waltz sung in harmony by Vanessa Trien, Barbara Brousal, and Rani Arbo (with Rani Arbo on fiddle); and the celebratory anthem, “Fireworks,” which envisions people coming together from all over to sing on the Brooklyn Bridge, as fireworks explode gloriously overhead.

For more information go to their website. http://vanessatrien.com/index.php?page=homepage

We have some CDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Wonderful YOU, email us at [email protected] with “Wonderful YOU 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 October 15, 2016.

Filtrie Helps Parents Control Ads

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re a parent and you’re watching TV with your kids and an ad comes on for erectile dysfunction or an alcoholic beverage, you might think your kids really don’t need to be watching this kind of advertisement during their TV viewing. But what can you do? There’s no way of actually stopping ads from airing. You can tape a show and fast-forward through the ads, but that requires more time and sometimes the kids still get exposed to the content anyway.

Filtrie is a new company that is offering parents a way to control what kinds of ads their family watches. No, it doesn’t stop ads from airing, but it does let parents select the appropriate kinds of ads for their family.

“Filtrie is a new and patented technology that gives viewers unprecedented control over advertising content in protecting their preferences and values,” said Jim Birch, founder and CEO of Filtrie.com. “Our free opt-in services ties in with the viewer’s mobile phone so we know exactly when they’re watching TV and display ads appropriate for them. By connecting that information to existing and new television equipment we are able to assist both viewers and advertisers in providing meaningful content and privacy protection at a level that has not existed before, while also providing deeper and more accurate data to broadcasters and advertisers. This is a technology with the potential to move advertising (and viewer control) into a new generation.”

This technology does not work with older televisions, however with the new Filtrie-compatible sets, it blends right in and viewers can select the kinds of ads they want to see and advertisers can target the viewers that are interested in their products and services.

When you opt-in to the system, you answer several questions about yourself and your family. The service learns your values and desires and then when you watch TV you won’t be exposed to things that are uncomfortable for you or your family.

Once you sign up for the free Filtire service, it works with a variety of sources: cable, satellite, broadcast, IPTV, DVR, etc. It tracks viewing in real time and substitutes appropriate ads for whichever viewers is watching. It automatically replaces ads you don’t want your kids to see (alcohol, ED, lingerie, etc.) with other ads. In other words, parents finally have control over what kinds of ads their children are exposed to.

Filtrie is not a censoring device. It is simply a customizable device that caters ads to your own preference. The software responds to what you want it to do. If you want to block all erectile dysfunction ads and replace them with something else, then you now have the capability to do so with this service. It’s that easy. And the Filtrie service is free.

If this appeals to you, for more information visit their website.

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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Moana Merchandise Hits the Shelves

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The new Disney movie Moana doesn’t open until November 23, 2016 but merchandise is already flooding the shelves. Being the daughter of Chief Tui, Moana is the newest Disney princess and is this going to be the big animated movie for the season.

Plenty of Moana merchandise is already available with more coming almost daily. And Moana costumes will most likely be filling the streets this Halloween.

Moana is a film for boys and girls. With the character of Maui, boys will certainly find his storyline interesting. Maui is voiced by Dwayne Johnson. He is a demi-god of the South Pacific. His fishhook has magic powers with elaborate engraving on it.

The Maui Light-Up Fishhook is a fun toy that will be enjoyed by boys and girls, and goes great with the Maui Halloween costume. This sculptured fishhook is easy for little hands to hold although it is a little heavy and a bit wide for very tiny kids. The entire hook measures 18 ½ inches long.

There are sculpted designs on the actual hook and when the button on the handle is pressed the blade lights up and a sound is emitted. The sound and light can also be active by motion via the switch on the back of the handle.
Maui’s Light-Up Fishhook requires 2 AA batteries, which are included in the unit. It is for ages 3+. This item lists for $24.99.

The Moana Classic Doll measures 11 inches high. She is clothed in her traditional outfit and holds her paddle, which itself is engraved with tropical designs. Her long flowing black hair and poseable body make her a fun doll for kids to play with. She wears her special necklace and presents all the tropical beauty of Polynesia.

In the film, Moana is voiced by Auli’i Cravalho. She sets out on the sea to prove herself and fulfill a quest. The box for the Moana Classic Doll has a pop-out outrigger boat. With this boat and the doll, kids can create all kinds of adventures for this new princess. The boat is not waterproof so keep it on land.

With her detailed outfit, paddle, and boat, Moana is set for fun adventures in your home. The Moana Classic Doll lists for $19.95 and is intended for ages 3+.

The Moana Figure Play Set is definitely something that will inspire hours of fun and imaginative play. The 10-piece set includes Moana, toddler Moana, Maui with his fishhook, Maui as Hawk (he shape shifts in the film), Pua the pig with Heihei the rooster, Kakamora the pirate, Tamatoa the giant crab, Gramma Tala, Chief Tui, and Te Ka the lava monster.

The figures are all different sizes up to 4 inches high. They come in a decorative box however once they are removed from their plastic insets the figures cannot go back without a little help from mom or dad. This is a colorful set that can easily be transported to grandma’s house for plenty of fun there, or taken in the car to occupy kids and spark their imaginations.
The Moana Figure Play Set lists for $24.95.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for Moana products. There are other toys and clothing that are bound to be on a lot of holiday gift lists this year.
FRANCINE BROKAW

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‘Amazonia’ on DVD

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Martin Sheen narrates Amazonia, a pseudo-documentary about life in the Amazon Rainforest. In the “making of” bonus feature the filmmakers relate how they didn’t want to make a regular documentary showing life, dangers, companionship in the Amazon and the threat to the rainforest. Instead, they decided to show the Amazon through the eyes of a newcomer, so they created a fun-filled and emotional story about a little monkey who was raised by humans and through an accident is left alone to fend for himself in the wild.

Sai is a sweet little capuchin monkey who was raised by a loving human family. He is sent away and during his flight the plane crashes in the middle of the Amazon. Sai is left to fend for himself. Not knowing anything about how to survive, he learns from the other animals in the rainforest.

Being a partial documentary, there are all kinds of animals and critters looked at and described. Butterflies, jaguars, snakes, sloths, birds, ants, river dolphins, monkeys, and even other capuchin monkeys are part of Sai’s adventures. Sai discovers all kinds of interesting things and animals while struggling to survive.

The photography is beautiful and the scenery is awe-inspiring. The Amazon, with its lush greenery, supplies the most oxygen for the planet and is in danger. That is what they filmmakers wanted to relay with their film. But by showing the living creatures through the eyes of this adorable little monkey, they not only show the ecosystem of the Amazon, but also strike an emotional chord in the viewers.

Amazonia is a spectacular story of life in the Amazon with the story of Sai layered on top of that. While there are some scenes of peril, rest assured, little Sai does survive, so if you have very sensitive children, you know there is a happy ending for him. Although there is one major death in the story, the main character is a survivor and in the end finds his way to where he is meant to be.

The movie was originally in French, but with Sheen narrating, it is now available in English.

Amazonia is rated G.

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Yes to Single Use Facial Masks

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

With all the makeup and sunscreen that we put on our faces, not to mention the daily dirt and environmental particles that we’re exposed to, our faces need a little extra care. Whether you’re acne prone or have sensitive skin, there is a Yes To mask for you.

The grapefruit is for pore perfection, the cucumber is for calming, the coconut is for hydrating, the tomatoes is for detoxifying (with charcoal), another tomatoes mask is for fighting acne, and the man’s charcoal is made especially for men.

These single use masks are easy to use. They come already cut out with holes for your mouth, nose, and eyes. Simply place the paper mask on your face and relax for about ten minutes. Then peel the mask off and discard it.

This is a quick and easy way to pamper yourself and give your face a little pick-me-up.

With the many different masks, you might be wondering which one is right for you. The company has taken that decision out of your hands. Simply follow the guide below to select the mask that is best for your face.

With the single use paper masks, there is no gooey cream or anything to get messy in your bathroom. The mask stays where you place it on your face so you can go sit down or rest on your bed and nothing will ooze out. It’s clean and simple.

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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Wild Oats GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 29, 2016October 14, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

After her husband dies, Eva (Shirley MacLaine) receives a life insurance check for $5 million when she was supposed to get only $50 thousand. With the help of her best friend Maddie (Jessica Lange), Eva decides to take the two of them on a fabulous adventure to the Canary Islands. Soon the insurance company is on their trail to retrieve the mistaken money.

The book, “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure,” is an interesting account by MacLaine of all the problems that occurred during the making of this film.

We have a fun giveaway for you.

Courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment:

One GRAND PRIZE: 1 DVD + Shirley MacLaine paperback “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure”

1st RUNNER UP: 1 DVD

To be eligible email us at [email protected] with “WILD OATS 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 October 10, 2016.

Los Angeles Philharmonic kicks off the 2016/2017 Winter Season

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

While the Hollywood Bowl is the place for music in the summer, the Los Angeles Phil calls the Walt Disney Concert Hall its winter home. September 27th the Los Angeles Philharmonic kicked off its winter season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with a grand gala and concert featuring Megan Hilty and Brian Stokes Mitchell singing songs by Cole Porter and Gershwin, and George Li accompanying the orchestra for a rousing rendition of Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm.”

The opening night gala was dedicated to Gershwin and the Jazz Age, with songs by Ellington, Porter, Bernstein, and of course Gershwin. Led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the orchestra was met by countless applause and standing ovations. The concert was full of music and fun as Brian Stokes Mitchell involved the entire auditorium in his rendition of “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” The two singers performed duets – “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “So in Love.” They each were featured in solos and the orchestra ended the night with the Gershwin’s legendary “An American in Paris.”

The Disney Concert Hall is a beautiful venue and for visitors to the city, it is a wonderful place to take in a concert. Locals know the stunning architecture, which has been featured in countless television commercials as well as feature films. And the LA Phil is the “hometown orchestra” that never fails to touch the hearts, minds, and souls of all its listeners.

This is the eights season Gustavo Dudamel has been conduction the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This Venezuelan native has dedicated his life to music and bringing the love and joy of music to all his listeners. Dudamel received the Americas Society Cultural Achievement Award in 2016, and the 2014 Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award for the Elevation of Music in Society from the Longy School. He was also on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2009.

For more information and a schedule of the season’s concerts, visit www.laphil.com. There are also tours of the magnificent Walt Disney Concert Hall, however the auditorium itself is not on the tour due to rehearsals and special events.

(all photos courtesy Craig T. Mathew and Greg Grudt/Mathew Imaging)

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‘The Beatles: Eight Days a Week’ streaming on HULU

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

There was no way of predicting the lasting impact. Four unassuming lads from Liverpool stepped up to mike on The Ed Sullivan Show at 8:12 p.m. on Feb. 9, 1964 and literally sparked a musical revolution with the first chores of I Want to Hold Your Hand. Some 73 million television viewers witnessed the birth of Beatlemania that fateful night.

Yet there was a price to be paid. Within the span of four years, The Beatles performed 815 times in 15 different countries and 90 cities throughout the world, but unlike many groups that came before and after, The Beatles collectively knew when it was time to step away from the marathon concert schedule and concentrate solely on the creative process. As Paul McCartney recalled, “In the beginning things were really simple By the end it became quite complicated.”

In choosing to reinvent, evolve and survive, their subsequent work in the studio gave vent to many of their most memorable songs – All You Need is Love, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Penny Lane, and Strawberry Fields.

For Baby Boomers, who want to relive those treasured memories, or millenniums, who know ever lyric of their brilliant music catalogue, but little of the members’ personalities, Academy Award winning director Ron Howard recounts the story of the inner workings of those exceptional touring years, underscoring the band’s unique musical gifts and their remarkable, complementary personalities in the insightful but hardly trail blazing documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week.

Drawing from more than 100 hours of rare and unseen footage collected from fans, news outlets, national archives, as well as the Beatles’ private collections, this material is coupled with in depth interviews with surviving Beatles’ members McCartney and Ringo Starr.

As a traditional purveyor of feel good nonfiction and proficient storyteller, Howard does make one misstep by interspersing a number of talking head segments with Whoopi Goldberg, Elvis Costello, Larry Kane, and Dr. Kitty Oliver among others. Cute in themselves, the story of Goldberg’s mother surprising her with a pair of Beatles’ Shea Stadium tickets lends little to the storyline.

A musical gem on its own merits, the film includes 12 full and partial performances that have been recut, re-mastered in high-definition and 5.1 surround sound. Included in the collection is their final roof top rendition at Apple Studios of Don’t Let Me Down, lifted from what turned out to be the album Let It Be.

Stevie Van Zandt’s Rock and Roll Forever Foundation hosted the New York premiere of Ron Howard’s documentary. For several years this non-profit group, founded by Bruce Springsteen and Van Zandt has been offering extensive educational materials free-of-charge to middle and high school teachers interested in taking their students on a historical exploration of popular music. It will be launching a nationwide educational effort focused on the Beatles film. Those materials will join more than 70 preexisting multi-media lesson plans on the Website.

In addition to the materials offered at no cost to teachers at RRFF’s teachrock.org Website, Scholastic, Inc. will host a national webcast on Oct. 19^th, moderated by Whoopi Goldberg, with Van Zandt and special guests speaking to students nationwide about the Beatles and their lasting impact.

Enjoying a brief theatrical run earlier this month, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week” can presently be seen Hulu, which the streaming channel is using to launch its Hulu Documentary Films division.

About the Author

Winnie Bonelli is a former entertainment editor for a daily metropolitan New York City area newspaper. She is passionate about movies and television and loves to take readers behind the scenes.