‘Adventure Time: Card Wars’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on July 7, 2016July 26, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Let’s get Mathmagical and have some new adventures! ADVENTURE TIME: CARD WARS is a selection of fantastic and fun stores featuring your two favorite heroes Finn and Jake!! This super special DVD release focuses on the Card Wars episdoes of the series, and even comes packaged with an exclusive card wars card that is available nowhere else, and might just win you the new Adventure Time Card Wars game as you play (but you didn’t hear that from me, man).

Adventure Time’s fan-favorite episode, “Card Wars,” now has its own expansion! Adventure Time: Card Wars DVD showcases the original “Card Wars,” episode, from 2012, Cartoon Network’s brand-new “Daddy-Daughter Card Wars,” plus 14 additional Adventure Time episodes specifically curated for this release. And to top it off the DVD will include an exclusive “Card Wars” playing card, compatible with the Card Wars Doubles Tournament tabletop game coming in August.

Finn and Jake play an epic card game, but when Jake becomes overly competitive and insists on playing for a “cool guy cup” and the “dweeb cup” hilarity ensues. The Adventure Time: Card Wars DVD releases with 16 episodes and is a must have for fans and collectors alike.

Adventure Time premiered on the Cartoon Network in 2010 and has won a Peabody Award for Children’s Programming; won four Emmy Awards with nine nominations; and received numerous other accolades including British Academy Children’s Award for International and Annie Award for Best Animated TV Production for Children’s Audience.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Adventure Time: Card Wars, email us at [email protected] with “Adventure Time 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 July 20, 2016.

Preview of ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato, Hashi, and Kameyo. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta.

Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle, and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King and the evil twin Sisters, to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

Kubo’s quest begins nationwide August 19, 2016 from animation studio LAIKA and Focus Features.

‘Elena of Avalor’ on Disney Channel

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The newest Disney princess is about to make her debut. Elena of Avalor is a 16-year-old with a lot of spirit, determination, and spunk. A long time ago an evil sorcerer imprisoned her inside an amulet, and her sister Isabel and their grandparents were stuck in a painting. 41 years later they are free and ready to continue their lives.

Elena is excited to be queen, but after the first episode, “First Day of Rule,” she realizes she needs some on-the-job experience before ascending to the throne. So, she appoints a Grand Council to help her. They include her grandfather Francisco, her grandmother Luisa, her older cousin Duke Esteban, and her new friend Naomi. She also has Zazo, an animal spirit guide.

Elena of Avalor is a spinoff of Disney Junior’s popular series Sofia the First. There are several similarities between the two fairytale lands, but there are also many differences. Sofia has a magical amulet that summons other princesses when she needs help. Elena has a “scepter of light,” a beautiful glowing scepter that gives her special powers.

Sofia has Minimus and the other flying horses, and Elena has Luna, Migs, and Skylar, flying creatures called jaquins that are half bird/half jaguar. Sofia and her sister Amber and brother James are much younger than Elena and Isabel. Sofia has Cedric the royal wizard and Elena has Mateo, a wizard-in-training. In their castles, Sofia gets advice from Baileywick and Elena has Armando.

Elena and Isabel are Disney’s first Latin princesses and the show incorporates Latin music, folklore, mythology, along with plenty of Disney magic and fun, as well as learning opportunities for the characters. As Elena sets off on her journey to be queen, she has to learn how to do her job well as well as how to balance her family with her royal duties.

Elena makes her debut in August in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and later in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort. There are already plenty of merchandise items that are becoming popular with youngsters. Elena’s bright red dress and black hair sets her off from the other Disney princesses. She is young, but also very plucky and smart. And Isabel is also going to have her share of fans.

Elena of Avalor premiers on Disney Channel July 22, 2016.

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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Glow All the Way Ombre Blush from Hard Candy – Product Review

Posted on July 2, 2016July 3, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Summer’s here and with it comes more outside activities, bar-b-ques, beach days, sailing, ball playing, and other great things to do. We all want a glow on our cheeks to show just how healthy we are. Let’s face it, the sun can dry out our skin, even with sunscreen. The new “Glow all the way” Ombre Blush from Hard Candy gives cheeks not only a pretty color, but also a glow.

When we were young our cheeks had a natural glow. They looked dewy and fresh, but as we age they don’t looks as bright and moist. And powders make us look even drier.

So why would we want to add a powder blush? Because this one is different. The Ombre Blush includes a compact with shades of color along with a light cream color to add radiance. There are pearls blended into the color that really do give a shiny appearance to cheeks. And the radiant glow looks healthy and youthful.

I have used this new Ombre Blush not only on my cheeks but also my eyes. The radiance gives eyes a more open and awake appearance, and sometimes I have simply used the lighter side of the compact and dabbed that right under my eyebrows for a refreshed, open-eyed look.

When Hard Candy sent me their two newest colors – Sunburst and Punch – to test, I was a little put off by the density of the pigmentation. They didn’t look like natural colors and of all things we want to look natural, not overly made up. But the combination of the shades of color along with the creamy white side of the compact surprised me. After lightly brushing them on, my cheeks looked dewy and healthy.

The colors are baked so only a minimal amount is necessary to achieve a natural, glowing look that is perfect for the lazy days of summer.

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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‘Emma’s Chance’ on DVD

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Greer Grammer stars in this coming-of-age story about a high school student who finally discovers who she is and what she wants. Emma’s Chance is not only the story of Emma, but also of a horse named Chance.

Emma is an honor student but lately her grades are falling and her friends are taking her down a path of destruction. She’s not a bad person, but the bullying and peer pressure has her making choices that aren’t in her best interest.

When she is caught trespassing on a horse ranch, she alone takes the blame as her so-called friends have run off leaving her alone when the police arrive. Her punishment is to work on the ranch before and after school. That is the best thing that could have ever happened to her, and she eventually comes to that conclusion.

Emma initially has the job of cleaning the stalls, but eventually, after forming a relationship with an often-difficult horse named Chance, she proves that she has a connection with him and the other horses. She moves from cleaning stalls to taking care of the actual horses. And, she even learns to ride. It’s Chance that lets her ride him and the two become quite close.

When the ranch is facing financial ruin, Emma proposes she and Chance enter the upcoming horse show for juniors. The prize money could help the ranch and the esteem of having a winning horse could help garner publicity for the ranch.

Emma finally has the self-esteem to face the bully at school. She stands up for herself, and is not embarrassed any more when she is called “horse girl.” She has come to love the horses and find a purpose in her life. The ranch is where rescued horses are kept and trained. They have been saved from either mistreatment or death. Once they are trained, they are then adopted out. Saving horses is now Emma’s goal in life. It’s her purpose and gives her satisfaction.

Greer Grammer is delightful as Emma. This young actress first started in the business six years ago and has proven she has what it takes to shine onscreen.

The Red Bucket Equine Rescue ranch, depicted in the film, is a real rescue facility in Chino, California. To date they have saved 326 horses and found homes for 193 horses. If this movie touches your heart, you can donate to the rescue at their website. They need all the help they can get. In this aspect, the movie is realistic.

Emma’s Chance is rated PG for mild thematic elements.

About the Author

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‘Royal Pains’ Comes to an End

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

When USA network television viewers first met Dr. Hank Lawson (played by Mark Feuerstein), he was unfairly relieved from his position in the Emergency Room of a prestigious Manhattan hospital after a wealthy benefactor died in his care.

Eight seasons, several trips to exotic locales such as Hong Kong, Budapest, and France, and 104 episodes later, the Hamptons’ “concierge doctor” takes down his shingle, but not before Royal Pains creator Andrew Lenchewski and fellow executive producer Michal Rauch manage to tie up any loose ends.

“We were very fortunate, because after season six USA let us know that season eight would be the last. It gave us the opportunity to complete the stories and say a proper good-bye to our long time fans. And instead of an end, I think the storylines give each of our characters a new beginning,” stated Lenchewski during a telephone interview. To divulge any specifics would be a disservice to the nearly six million fans expected to tune into the finale Wednesday, July 7, 2016.

When initially scouting locations, Lenchewski only had to stroll down Main Street in South Hampton to know this would be home for the beloved drama series. “We were really blessed. The residents welcomed us with open arms, even when we had to temporarily stop traffic or make them walk on the opposite side of the street.

Rauch continued, “We fostered many lasting relationships. It’s impossible to cite one or two incidences that stand out in our memories, because there are so many. The residents repeatedly told us how proud they were of the show. To us, these were magical encounters.”

Aside from the Hamptons, Royal Pains took full advantage of familiar area sights. For example, several scenes were shot on the bay side of Point Lookout, while other places included the Northport Village in the Town of Huntington, Old Westbury Gardens, Freeport’s Nautical Mile, and Oyster Bay Town Hall, which was transformed into the entrance of the Hamptons Heritage Hospital emergency room, while several beach scenes were filmed at West Neck Beach in Huntington.

Doubling as the Hamptons’ home of Boris, the Russian nobleman, who offers his guest house to Hank and brother Evan, is Oheka Castle that actually sits 60 miles west of the affluent resort community.

Feuerstein interjected, “I never dreamed we’d go eight seasons, I thought maybe three. Eight is the Holy Grail in TV. My favorite scenes, aside from physically fighting with Paulo Costanzo, who played my brother Evan, was getting to put my father, playing an ice cream man, in the series. And the guy who’s yelling about his plane being stolen in episode three of season eight is my real brother. It’s perfect casting if you knew my brother.”

Admittedly a bittersweet moment, Feuerstein summed up his feelings, “It’s been the ride of my life and the greatest job of my career. I couldn’t have had it without our dedicated fans.”

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.

TV Fourth of July Marathon

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

There will be no jockeying for a vantage viewing spot to catch the Fourth of the July festivities since NBC, PBS, and CBS has reserved a first row seat to some of this year’s most spectacular fireworks displays. Celebrating its 40^th anniversary is Macy’s pyro display originates from five barges stationed on New York City’s East River. The peacock network marks the occasion with a two hour star-studded broadcast hosted by Tamron Hall and Willie Geist.

The celebrity lineup welcomes Kenny Chesney, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Jennifer Holliday premiering a brand new arrangement of America the Beautiful, while the United States Air Force Band supplies the musical accompaniment.

Turning northward, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas make a slight detour from touring to appear during the two hour live Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular via CBS. Set against Boston’s Charles River Esplanade, conductor Keith Lockhart will led the Boston Pops in a program of favorite melodies.

Set against the backdrop of the West Lawn of the White House, A Capitol Fourth airs on PBS Monday. Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron introduces Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Sutton Foster and the cast of Gloria Estenfan’s musical On Your Feet! And what could be more appropriate for the occasion than Christopher Jackson, who portrays George Washington from Broadway’s hottest ticket – Hamilton? Topping off the evening is the National Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner with The Voice’s Season 10 winner Alisan Porter.

Sony Movie Channel salutes America’s Armed Forces with an Independence Day Military Marathon leading off with western icon Randolph Scott in 7^th Cavalry and Hangman’s Knot. Also included in the lineup is Jack Nicholson’s The Last Detail; Jean-Claude Van Damme in Second in Command; GeneHackman in Bat 21; Sean Penn and Michael J. Fox in Casualties of War; plus James Caan and James Earl Jones in Gardens of Stone.

Setting the record straight, the Smithsonian Channel airs The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima on Sunday. The documentary reveals that Navy Corpsman John “Doc” Bradley, the focus of the book and subsequent film Flags of Our Fathers is not in the iconic photo, but actually participated in the first and lesser-known flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Instead, that honor goes to US Marine Corps Pfc. And Purple Heart recipient Harold Schultz, based on forensic evidence provided by the Smithsonian Channel and production company Lucky 8 TV.

Schultz survived the bloody month-long battle in the Pacific, earning a Purple Heart, and later worked for the US Postal Service in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. He never shared his story with the public, and after his death in 1995 a copy of the iconic photo was discovered among his meager possessions.

Traveling back in time, HDNET Movies celebrates the patriotic holiday with a fully focused emphasis on America western favorites beginning with Paul Newman as an outlaw with a unique brand of justice in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, while Spencer Tracy uncovers a small town’s violent past in Bad Day at Black Rock, followed by Henry Fonda in A Big Hand for the Little Lady. Keeping up the momentum is Paul Newman in Hombre and Jason Robards in The Ballad of Cable Hogue.

Then Union officers John Wayne and William Holden go behind enemy lines in The Horse Soldiers, as Glenn Ford builds a newspaper empire in Cimarron. All the titles repeat in the evening to complete the 24 hour marathon.

If anyone regrets not being at the beach this holiday weekend, AMC is quick to remind people of the dangers larking in the ocean’s depths with its Jaws-athon. StevenSpielberg’ monstrous great white made his debut in 1975 and returned for three encores – Jaws 2 (1978), Jaws 3 (1983) and Jaws: The Revenge (1987).

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.

“In My Dreams” CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on June 28, 2016July 18, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

This summer, find a companion to reverie with Dean Jones. His new album of 13 new original songs, In My Dreams, leads listeners on a stream-of-consciousness journey full of humor and hopefulness. The unique sound of In My Dreams melds various genres, from pop to calypso, to jazz, to funky folk. Jones sings and performs all of the instrumentation. This is a fun and whimsical CD that will have everyone smiling.

Like musical essays, the songs on In My Dreams raise questions and spark an alternative perspective on everyday subjects like pets, fruits, babies and people watching. The songs employ wit and syncopation to ponder important questions like “Do You Talk to Yourself?” Or, “Have You Ever Been Real?” Or, “What Kind of Fruit” would you like to be?

Dean Jones is known for his work as leader of Dog on Fleas. For more information about Dean Jones and his upcoming performances, visit his website.

We have some copies of this CD to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of In My Dreams, email us at [email protected] with “In My Dreams 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 July 15, 2016.

La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles provide a glimpse of the past

Posted on June 28, 2016August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

With the popularity of the Ice Age movies (the newest is coming out this summer), interest in history has been spiked, especially in kids. The group of friends in the films – a mammoth, a sloth, and a saber tooth tiger – would definitely have not been friends, but fiction is the name of the game so in the fun animated films they are. To learn more about the real life counterparts of these Ice Age heroes, a trip to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles is called for.

First of all, this facility has the world’s largest collection of Ice Age fossils – into the millions. That in itself is a must-see for visitors. Their on-site film, Titans of the Ice Age narrated by Christopher Plummer, provides a look at the history of the facility as well as the history of the animals that roamed the local area 50 thousand years earlier. This is the only excavation site for the thousands of animals that lived and roamed in what is now Southern California, and specifically the surrounding area of the tar pits.

The man-made lake in front of the museum is not exactly what the tar pits were like when the animals were alive. What they actually encountered were asphalt pits (not like the asphalt we know now). These pits were basically carnivore traps, meaning the animals, for example a mammoth, would find himself stuck and unable to move, then die, then carnivores would attempt to feed on the carcass and subsequently get stuck and die. This was a cycle that left layers of fossils on top of each other, and has given us a window into the living creatures of the past unlike any other we have seen.

This area of Los Angeles, known as Hancock Park, is rich in fossils and history. While building its new parking lot in 2006, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art next to the pits discovered a section rich in fossils. The museum is conveniently located next to the tar pits. This find produced 16 new sites since the process began in 2008. Besides fossils from the regular group of mammals, this new excavation is producing microfossils, which include lizards and shells. These microfossils help scientists learn more about what was living and happening on the planet at the time, thereby giving historians a better picture of the planet.

The next time you are in the Los Angeles area, a visit to La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum is a good family opportunity to learn about history and see fossils close up. Being a continuous excavation site where visitors see the current projects unfolding in front of them is something that might spark the interest of future paleontologists.

About the Author

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

‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Awesome Edition

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Let’s face it – baby pandas are adorable and the newest film in the Kung Fu Panda franchise has plenty of them. Kung Fu Panda 3 is a fun-filled story that is every bit as enjoyable as the original movie that came out in 2008.

The story has Po, the Dragon Warrior, and the Furious Five (Tigress, Mantis, Viper, Crane, and Monkey) in a fight for survival not only for themselves but also for the entire village as well as all the pandas. Yes, as viewers discover, Po is not the only surviving panda. His biological father tracks him down and tells the story of the secret village where pandas live and thrive with the ways of Chi.
Chi is the “energy that flows through all living things.” It is the force desired by Kai, a villain that returns to the realm of the living after being banished to the spirit world by Oogway. He is now collecting the Chi from all the masters to become the largest force in China. But he doesn’t count on one thing – Po!

Po now has two dads – Li, his biological father, and Mr. Ping, his adoptive father. He leaves the village with Li to learn the ways of the pandas. When he gets to the panda village he encounters a different way of life than what he has known. And viewers finally learn what happened way back when Po was lost and ultimately taken in by Mr. Ping.

The panda village is filled with pandas of all ages, however the adorable young curious and often-mischievous pandas, will steal the hearts of viewers. They are filled with frolicking fun and teach Po their ways. Finally, it comes down to Po using the pandas and their own unique abilities to help save everyone from the evil Kai.

The Awesome Edition combo pack includes a Blu-ray, a DVD, Digital HD, and plenty of bonus features. “Everybody Loves a Panda Party” is a musical video story about the movie and all the characters. “Po’s Posters of Awesomeness” has Po (voiced by Jack Black) describing all the posters of him in the noodle restaurant.

“Play Like a Panda” is a great bonus showing not only the little pandas in the film but also real life baby pandas. As the filmmakers say, with the addition of the young pandas, “the cuteness level” rises. And it certainly does. And “Panda Paws” is a fun short that has features two pandas – Mei Mei, a ribbon dancer and little Bao – auditioning for the Spring Festival.

In “The Origins of ‘Skadoosh’” Po tells viewers how he came up with his trademark word. “Make a Panda Party Paper Pal” talks viewers through the process of folding the little paper panda that is included in the box. It’s a fun activity for kids and in the end they have their own paper panda that they have created. Deleted scenes round out the bonus features.

Bryan Cranston supplies the voice of Li, Po’s father. Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), Angelina Jolie (Tigress), Jackie Chan (Monkey), Seth Rogen (Mantis), Lucy Liu (Viper), David Cross (Crane), and James Hong (Mr. Ping) all return for this third installment in the franchise. Kate Hudson adds the voice of Mei Mei.

Kung Fu Panda 3 is an entertaining film for the whole family. And the cuteness factor is raised a hundred percent with the addition of the young pandas. This is definitely just as entertaining and in some ways even more fun than the original movie. This movie is rated PG for martial arts action and some mild rude humor.

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