Archives for 2013

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer pierside in Pascagoula, MS.
Credit: Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program.

More astronauts have traveled into space than aquanauts into the deepest part of the ocean. About 95 percent of the ocean is unexplored. The Aquarium of the Pacific and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) invite the public to dive into the unknown, the final frontier of our planet, during Explorers Day on Sunday, July 21.

 Guests will have the opportunity to meet and hear from historical and modern-day ocean explorers, see demonstrations of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) under water, and watch live video feeds from three deep-sea exploration vessels. NOAA and other agencies and organizations engaged in ocean exploration will feature educational booths at this event. Kid’s activities, including guest appearances by the Octonauts, will be included throughout the day.

 Sylvia Earle and Don Walsh are among the ocean explorers the public can meet at this event. Earle led the first team of women aquanauts during the Tektite Project and set a record for solo diving to a depth of 3,000 feet in 1970. Walsh is one of only three people to reach the deepest part of the ocean—the bottom of the Mariana Trench. He accomplished this in 1960 with Jacques Piccard, recording a depth of 35,886 feet. This feat was not accomplished again until 2012, when Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron became the third person to reach the trench’s seafloor and the first solo diver to do so, recording a depth of 35,756 feet. Explorers Day was made possible by generous support from Felix Williams and Susan Slavik Williams.

WHEN:           Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

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

INFO:              562-590-3100 / www.aquariumofpacific.org

COST:            Included with general admission: $25.95 adult (12+), $22.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.

AQUARIUM:  The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important topics facing our planet are explored.

*Aquarium of the Pacific sponsored Post.

Facebook.com/AquariumofthePacific  /  Twitter: @AquariumPacific  /  YouTube.com/AquariumofthePacific

Smart Collaboration Includes Limited-Edition Smart Puffs® Packaging and Sweeps!

SEA CLIFF, N.Y. (June 11, 2013) – Smart Puffs®, all-natural cheese puffs from the makers of Pirate’s Booty, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University,” an all-new 3D animated comedy adventure that opened in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013.  As the exclusive salty snack for the film, Smart Puffs is offering a special limited-edition 4.5 oz. package and a Scary Smart Sweepstakes where parents have the chance to win $10,000 towards their child’s education.

 Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU).  But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program.  To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.  Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”).  Monsters University also features the voices of Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Dave Foley, Sean P. Hayes, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn, Charlie Day, Nathan Fillion, Bobby Moynihan, Julia Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Tyler Labine, John Krasinski, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Behrs and John Ratzenberger.

Smart Puffs is at the top of its class, made with real, all-natural ingredients and baked into tasty, crunchy puffs.  Smart Puffs is made from the finest milled American corn and real Wisconsin cheddar cheese.  Smart Puffs is also gluten, peanut and tree nut free.  The limited-edition “Monster University” Smart Puffs package features Mike and Sulley and Scary Smart Sweepstakes details.

“We are excited to collaborate with this summer’s highly-anticipated animated film, ‘Monsters University,’” stated Eric Berniker, Pirate’s Booty Vice President of Marketing.  “This is the perfect collaboration – while Mike and Sulley are getting smart and scary at Monsters University, we’re offering consumers a smarter way to snack with Smart Puffs and parents a chance to win $10,000 towards their child’s education with the Scary Smart Sweeps,” he continued.

“The ‘Monsters University’ edition of Smart Puffs is a great way to extend the fun and bring the film to life with a snack that the whole family can feel good about eating,” said Don Gross, Disney Global Promotions Vice President.

 Parents can text “SMART” to 82257* to enter for a chance to win $10,000 towards their child’s education in the Scary Smart Sweepstakes.

 *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Open to residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C, 13 years of age or older at time of entry.  Void where prohibited.  Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 AM (ET) on 5/1/13 and ends at 11:59:59 PM (ET) on 7/15/13.  For Official Rules, visit facebook.com/piratesbooty.  Message and data rates may apply for wireless device entry (available on participating carriers only).  Sponsor:  Robert’s American Gourmet d/b/a Pirate Brands.  The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates are NOT the sponsor of this sweepstakes.

We also received a sample of  “Smart Puffs®, all-natural cheese puffs from the makers of Pirate’s Booty.” They were such a hit in our house that they are all gone! My son absolutely loved them! He says they are his new favorite!

We are excited to announce that we have teamed up for a Giveaway! You must be a subscriber to enter and only U.S. residents! One winner will win two Smart Puffs Monsters University themed 4.5 oz. bags and a Monsters University poster! Leave us a comment below telling us your favorite (or child’s favorite) Monsters University character! Next, Like Pirate’s Booty on Facebook: www.facebook.com/piratesbooty.

Deadline to enter is July 7th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries! Don’t miss out! We also received this prize to review and it really is an “epic prize!” (according to my 9-year-old son)

Self Disclosure: I received samples and a poster to facilitate this review.

That’s right, it’s SUMMEAR – the time of year when it’s most important to provide ear protection for your kids during hot months of water fun in the pool, at the beach, and the water parks.  According to the CDC, germs along with water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas found in pools and at other recreational water venues are one of the most common causes of swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa.  Pain, itchiness, redness or pus can occur when water stays in the ear canal for long periods of time, providing the perfect environment for germs to grow and infect the skin in the ear.

AquaEars for Children is a soft silicone earplug that offers dual protection for water-sensitive ears by sealing out water and reducing ear discomfort due to water pressure.To help your kids stay protected and happy this swimming season, AquaEars has a new line of fun and colorful licensed character ear plugs including Finding Nemo, Hello Kitty, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and ©Disney.

We received AquaEars to try out and tried them out with my son and a couple other kids. They really work and the kids liked the designs and that they were comfortable.

Our friends at AquaEars have also compiled four water safety tips for you to follow next time your child takes a dip:

1.  Be an Explorer: Always take the time to explore around the swimming area to help your child identify the location of lifeguards, water preservers, bathrooms facilities, depth markers with shallow and deeps ends, sitting areas, and even other swimmer’s behavior in the area

2.   Pump your Brakes:  Never allow children to run or even walk fast around or in a swimming area.  The spillover and foot traffic from the water makes surfaces wet and slippery and children can easily injure themselves or others by falling on the hard surface or even in a body of water. Using the © Disney/PixarCars AquaEars ear plugs are a great way to remind them to “pump their brakes” and walk while enjoying water activities.

3.  Find Some Water Buddies: Even if a lifeguard is on duty, a child should never swim alone and should always have an adult supervising by land and preferably by sea.  Never leave any child unsupervised by or in the pool or other body of water.

4.  The Fish Test: Your child may be more confident about their swimming abilities than you are so before they start to swim ask them to pass the ‘fish test’ by showing you some basic swimming techniques such as holding their breath, treading water and swimming underwater.  Be honest about their ‘fish test’ results by telling them where they are able or unable to venture based on your observations.  Make sure the lifeguard supports your ‘fish test’ findings.

Can you tell us a safety tip for Summer? Our friends at AquaEars have teamed up with us for a Giveaway! One winner will win one character AquaEars product. (Only U.S. residents and you must be a subscriber to SoCal City Kids) Leave a comment below telling us your Summer Safety Tip. Next, go to their Facebook page and “like” their page. Deadline to enter is July 5th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

AquaEars are available at your local retailer for an average retail price of $4.00, and include a convenient carrying case. For more information, visit http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/AquaEars-C6.aspx or connect with the brand on Facebook for special offers, tips and giveaways: www.Facebook.com/AquaEars.

Self Disclosure: I received the AquaEars products free of charge to facilitate this review.