Archives for July 2012

Summer Family Sleepover

Friday, July 27, 2012

Summer Family Sleepover

5:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.

Grab your sleeping bag and prepare for an adventure this summer at the Aquarium with your family! Explore our exhibits with your family as you complete a scavenger hunt. Touch marine animals like sharks, sea stars, and sea jellies. Participate in a fish feeding, and paint your very own souvenir T-shirt in the art of Gyotaku. Included in your sleepover will be a pizza dinner, light snack, and cereal breakfast. Space is limited so sign up today. Check-in is at 5:00 p.m. and the sleepover ends at 7:00 a.m. the next morning.  [Read more…]

‘Spider-Man’ on the Red Carpet and the Silver Screen

Marvel Comics’ heroes transfer well to the silver screen, but those who think they know Spider-Man from previous incarnations will meet a different Spider-Man/Peter Parker in Columbia Pictures’ current release The Amazing Spider-Man. “… it is a completely different film that starts at the beginning of Spider-Man’s journey,” says KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Raven Devanney, age 15, in her review (below). Well, maybe not completely different, as the familiar events set the story in motion. But it is a new villain and a new love interest. And there is plenty of humor. “In fact, this whole film is filled with comedy and action,” says Raven.   

KIDS FIRST! youth film critics were also there at the exciting red carpet event on Saturday. Be sure to check out the KIDS FIRST! website to share their experience on video.

The Amazing Spider-Man

Reviewed by Raven Devanney

The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone definitely lives up to its title because it is truly amazing. I was expecting this film to be an add-on to the most recent Spider-Man series, but it is a completely different film that starts at the beginning of Spider-Man’s journey. Of course, Peter Parker (played by Andrew Garfield) is bitten by a genetically modified spider and transforms into Spider-Man, his uncle Ben dies, and that’s all the same in the past films about this spandex-sporting hero, but instead of falling for his typical love interest, MJ, Peter falls for Gwen Stacy (played by Emma Stone). And there is no Green Goblin in this film, but instead a new villain for Spider-Man to face.

 I love this movie! The special effects are phenomenal, especially in 3-D. I love Andrew Garfield in the part of Peter Parker because he does a fantastic job portraying him and he and Emma Stone have such great chemistry, which really shows in their characters. My favorite scene is when Peter is transforming into Spider-Man, because his aunt and uncle have no idea what’s wrong with him and it’s so funny. In fact, this whole film is filled with comedy and action. My favorite character would have to be Gwen Stacy played by Emma Stone because I really admire her and she does a wonderful job playing this role.

 I think something very different about this film is it seems that the target audience is just teens, whereas in past Spider-Man movies the main audience is teens and adults. Overall, I give The Amazing Spider-Man 5 out of 5 stars because it is amazing and I want to see it over and over again. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out. Go catch it in a theater near you!

Watch Raven’s video review  here!

 

Legendary Once-in-a-Millennium Event Celebrating The Year of the Dragon!

Let The Dragon Games Begin! Searching the farthest reaches of the globe, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has gathered the best of the best circus performers to honor the Spirit of the Dragon! Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical tournament of champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with astounding circus feats of bravery and athleticism that will take you on a wondrous journey to discover what it takes to believe in your dreams. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS is a never-before-seen circus adventure of legend and spectacle coming to STAPLES Center (July 11-17); Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario (July 20-24) and Honda Center, Anaheim (July 27–August 5).  [Read more…]

International Surf Festival

Join the fun and activities at Hermosa, Manhattan, Redondo and Torrance beaches.

Presented by BEACHSPORT.org, the Chambers of Commerce and Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Department of Beaches and Harbors.  [Read more…]

Summer Pedicures

Sally Hansen has you covered for fast and easy Pedicures this summer!  We received the Pedicure Salon effects Real Nail Polish Strips and I love these! No dry time! How cool is that?!  These are so easy to use, take no time to dry and really do last up to 10 days! Besides that, they come in so many cool designs!

  [Read more…]

MIKE & IKE Lemonade Blends

Mike & Ike Lemonade Blends are available all year long! We were delighted to find this out and even more excited to receive some of these yummy treats to try out for ourselves!  We just love the Strawberry Lemonade and the Raspberry Lemonade! They also come in Tangerine Lemonade, Lime Lemonade and Lemonade flavors. But, did you also know that Mike & Ike lemonade Blends help in the fight against childhood cancer? NOW, that is a reason alone to go and buy these yummy candies! A portion of the proceeds of each pkg. is donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation™ fights childhood cancer one cup at a time. Join MIKE AND IKE® to help find a cure and fulfill Alex’s dream. For more information visitwww.alexslemonade.org.

* A minimum annual donation of $100,000 will be contributed to ALSF.

Mike & Ike has also teamed up with us for a Summer giveaway! Two winners will win a pkg. of these yummy Lemonade Blends!You must be a subscriber to enter!

Next, just leave us a comment below telling us your favorite thing about July! Deadline to enter is July 18th, 2012. Two winners will be randomly selected.

 

Aquarium of the Pacific Day Camps

Summer learning fun for kids!

July 9-13 or August 20-24, 2012

Ocean Adventure Day Camp

Full Day: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 pm. Monday-Friday
Half Day: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Explore the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants during our week-long summer day camp adventures.

Campers will get the chance to go behind the scenes, meet animal care staff, and help us take care of some of the animals. Each Ocean Adventure Camp week is a different program.

Ages: Grades 2-4. MUST be at least 7 years old due to behind the scenes access.

Cost: Half-day $160 / Full-day $290 (Aquarium member discounts available)

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Info: 562-590-3100 or website

RSVP: Pre-registration and pre-payment required on all classes unless noted. (562) 951-1630   [Read more…]

Healthy Summer BBQ Snacks

Looking for healthy summer BBQ snacks this summer? Ones that actually taste good?
Popchips are the answer! They are never fried and never baked. Popchips are well…simply…popped!
They also come in so many tasty flavors from BBQ to Sour Cream and Onion. Those were my two favorites
until I received the latest new flavors!  [Read more…]