Archives for March 1, 2014

The Son of God – A Modern Version of the Story of Jesus

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With Lent just a few days away, this film is timely and appropriate for Christians. The life story of Jesus is told from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jailene A., age 13 says, “This is the most eye-opening, magnificent film I have ever seen.” See her full review below.

The Son of God
Reviewed by Jailene A.
Full video review here.

This is the most eye-opening, magnificent film I have ever seen. “The Son of God” is about the story of Jesus. This movie modernizes the scriptures of the Bible along with showing everyone the miracles of Jesus. This movie really touched me because of the intensity and power it contains. From the minute Jesus is born, this movie shows every sin he forgives to the crucifixion and resurrection of the Holy Spirit. This movie will make you want to learn more about the Bible and everything about religion. I think the entire cast does such a great job portraying such powerful characters and I think everyone should watch this movie.

This movie has so many qualities that make it great but a key quality is the incredible location where they shot the movie. The movie is filmed in Morocco which is an incredible touch because it really makes the surroundings look like Jerusalem. I really like how Diogo Morgado, who plays Jesus in the film, really got into character and prepared fr such a powerful role.

My favorite character is Mary Magdalene because of her bravery and intense courage. She was one of Jesus’ disciples. She is the first one to find out that Jesus has resurrected and she never had one doubt about who Jesus was. I admire her loyalty and I think she doesn’t get as much recognition as she should.

My favorite scene is when Jesus gets into Peter’s boat and Peter says that there are no fish in the lake anymore. Jesus puts his hands in the ocean and in a matter of seconds; Peter’s net is filled with tons of fish. Peter asks what they are going to do and Jesus says that they are going to change the world. I think this is the best scene because of how touching and inspirational it is. It really shows that if you have faith and believe in the Son of God, anything is possible. This scene is the start of something powerful and I loved it.

I recommend this movie for audiences 13 and over because of the intense and bloody depiction of the Crucifixion and other violent scenes. This movie is very touching and inspirational. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars because I enjoyed it a lot and it makes me want to know more about the life of Jesus and more of his miracles. This movie is in theaters February 28th 2014 so make sure you check it out!

Jailene A., 13, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Garden Docent Training Class Offered

 Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site’s gardens and grounds include plants from the 1840s, 1880s and 1930s, as well as recently planted California natives that surround the new visitor center.   Share the history and beauty of this historic landscape with visitors as a Garden Docent (tour guide) at Rancho Los Cerritos!  Training for garden docents begins Friday, March 14, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and continues for five weeks; there is no charge.  For more information or to register for this very special volunteer opportunity, please call (562) 570-1755.   

Becoming a garden docent is a perfect opportunity for nature lovers who want to share their joy of plants!  The serene 4.7 acres of landscaped grounds include trees from the mid-19th century, historic roses, exotic vegetation, an herb garden, an adobe horno, an old water tower, and a magnificent Moreton Bay Fig that dominates the main garden.   Newer installations include the arroyo and garden along the western perimeter of the property, planted with California natives. Learn about the early development of the gardens, their renovation in the 1930s by landscape architect Ralph Cornell, and the newest restoration work as you explore hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers in docent training.  

During training volunteers will have the opportunity to work closely with the Rancho’s horticulturist as she takes them on an enlightening, educational experience through the grounds.   They will also learn to enhance their public speaking abilities and practice interpretation techniques to liven up tours.   Upon completion of the course, garden docents will be equipped with sufficient knowledge to give informative and engaging tours to the public.

Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site is located at 4600 Virginia Road in Long Beach.  Built in 1844, the adobe home and grounds of Rancho Los Cerritos echo with the rich history of Spanish, Mexican, and American California and with the families who helped transform Southern California from its ranching beginnings to the modern, urban society it is today. The two-story Monterey-style adobe is primarily furnished to reflect occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. The site, a National, State and Long Beach Historic Landmark, also includes historic gardens and a research library and archives. The Rancho is operated by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation in public-private partnership with the City of Long Beach. For more information please call (562) 570-1755, or visit the website at www.rancholoscerritos.org and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.con/rancholosc.

 

THE SHOPS AT MISSION VIEJO TO MAKE WAY FOR LULULEMON ATHLETICA THIS SPRING

Simon Property Group’s (NYSE: SPG) The Shops at Mission Viejo is excited to announce today that lululemon athletica, will open its doors later this spring as the newest addition to the center, just in time to get swimsuit ready for the summer.

 

Known for its yoga-inspired athletic apparel, lululemon athletica is slated to open an approximately 3,700-square-foot store on the upper level of The Shops at Mission Viejo, across from the Apple store. The brand focuses creating components for both men and women to live longer, healthier, fun lives, specializing in making technical athletic apparel for yoga, running, and many more sweaty pursuits.

 

“lululemon athletica’s strong ties to the local community mirrors that of our center, and we’re thrilled to welcome lululemon athletica to our robust lineup at The Shops at Mission Viejo,” said Patsy Sanquist, director of marketing and business development at The Shops at Mission Viejo.

 

The retailer hosts various community experiences ranging from weekly complimentary yoga classes to goal-setting workshops.

 

Founded in 1998, lululemon’s first store opened in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, British Columbia, in November of 2000. The women’s and men’s retailer now has locations throughout North America and Australia, with plans to expand across the UK and Asia.

 

For more information, visit The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShopsAtMissionViejo, Twitter at https://twitter.com/ShopsMV or Instagram at http://instagram.com/ShopsMV. To learn more about lululemon athletica, visit www.lululemon.com.

 

About The Shops at Mission Viejo

Among the 150 stores and restaurants at The Shops at Mission Viejo, this indoor mall features Nordstrom, H&M, Macy’s, Apple, Sephora, and The Cheesecake Factory. Home to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, Paradise Bakery and Microsoft, recognized by the OC Register’s 2013 People’s Choice Awards for “best ice cream,” “best cookie,” and “best tech store” respectively, The Shops at Mission Viejo serves many nearby communities such as Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano and the city of Mission Viejo. The Shops at Mission Viejo is conveniently located at the intersection of the I-5 and Crown Valley Parkway in the city of Mission Viejo. With over 150 stores and restaurants, The Shops at Mission Viejo is south Orange County’s main shopping destination. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/the-shops-at-mission-viejo or call 949-364-1771.

 

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America, Asia and Europe comprising approximately 243 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website atwww.simon.com.

 

About lululemon athletica inc.

lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) is a yoga-inspired athletic apparel company that creates components for people to live long, healthy and fun lives. By producing products that help keep people active and stress free, lululemon believes that the world will be a better place. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional designs, lululemon works with yogis and athletes in local communities for continuous research and product feedback. For more information, visit www.lululemon.com.

 

Ozeri 4×3 runner Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer with Tri-axis Technology and Dual Walking and Running Modes

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Looking for a Pedometer that records Dual Walking & Jogging Modes, Steps To Goal, Distance and Speed? I love the 4×3 runner Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer by Ozeri! My favorite thing is that it features the dual Walking and Running Modes but it also has so much more! It tracks my progress toward Daily Exercise Goals, counts up to 1 million steps and even has a 30-Day Memory! But, wait! There’s more! It tracks your steps, speeds, distance, calories and fat burned and has an Auto Sleep Mode. It also has a manual reset, which is great because not all pedometers have this ability. I also like that it is very simple to use! It is not a complicated gadget that will leave you quickly running for another pedometer! I also like that it comes with a sturdy clip and a lanyard and it’s small enough to always take with you. I finally found a pedometer that I like better than an app! I have also found that it is quite reliable and I don’t go out walking or jogging without it! You can find this product on sale at Amazon.com. Sold by Moderna Housewares LLC and Fulfilled by Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received this product for free to facilitate this review feature but any opinions expressed are my own. Photo Credit: Ozeri.