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Universal Studios Hollywood Casts a Dazzling Spell on “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” with Its All-New “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle,” Beginning June 23

May 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Beginning June 23, guests are invited to see “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” in a whole new light when Universal Studios Hollywood introduces its all-new “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts TM Castle,” featuring a dazzling light projection experience against the backdrop of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will shine brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin that culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky.

The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection, designed to dance across the stunning Hogwarts castle, will be accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

This new summertime feature will take place multiple times a night during its run.  Live rehearsals with annual pass previews and very limited guest access will begin in June in preparation for the June 23 grand opening.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.

The architecturally stunning land also includes the incredibly captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, now enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

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Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, completely redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

About Warner Bros. Entertainment: Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms.  A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product, and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

Filed Under: Featured Content, SoCal City Kids News

Chuck E’ Cheese’s Gives away FREE CAKE for 40th Anniversary!

May 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Did you know your favorite birthday spot as a child is celebrating a birthday of its own this year? On May 19th, Chuck E’ Cheese’s will be celebrating its 40th birthday at locations around the country with an attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title for the most birthday blowers blown simultaneously. Each participating location will offer free cake while supplies last, 40 free tickets with a $5 minimum purchase and birthday blowers to get the party started. The stunt will take place at 7:40 p.m. CST / 8:40 p.m. EST.

 

The first Chuck E. Cheese’s store opened in 1977 in San Jose, CA. Since then, the iconic family entertainment brand has made numerous changes including adding new, more adult-friendly menu items but remains America’s number one place for birthdays. Most recently, Chuck E. Cheese’s launched a program for children and families impacted by autism, called Sensory Sensitive Sundays. Throughout 40 years of the brand’s existence, Chuck E’ Cheese’s continues to be Where a Kid Can Be a Kid.

Credit: Chuck E. Cheese.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – More Thrilling and Hilarious Than its Predecessor

May 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Clayton P. comments, “Set to “Awesome Mixtape #2”, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. #2  is more thrilling and hilarious than its predecessor.” See his full review below.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

By Clayton Pickard, KidsFirst! Critic, age 17

 

 

Set to “Awesome Mixtape #2”, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. #2  is more thrilling and hilarious than its predecessor. It is an action packed, sci-fi adventure about a group of intergalactic criminals who are tasked to work together to save the universe. Chris Pratt again stars as Peter Quill, aka Star Lord. The rest of the cast follows suit – Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot and Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket.

 

The film starts out with the classic 70s song “Brandi” by Looking Glass as we see two young people driving down the highway, very much in love. We later learn that this is the back story of Peter’s conception and is foreshadowing the main storyline of the film. The movie jumps 34 years and Peter is now Star Lord, captain of a band of reformed outlaws. The group is hired to guard the uber batteries of the Sovereign planet. Upon leaving, Rocket steals some of the batteries and a space battle ensues. Star Lord and his crew are shot down and make an emergency landing on a nearby planet. Before landing,  they notice a mysterious spaceship, which takes out the entire Sovereign fleet pursuing them. The rest of the film is an emotional, action-packed adventure, having to do with this mysterious personage. There are lots of battles between different factions in this crazy sci-fi, fantasy universe.

 

The movie has lots of lively and entertaining scenes. My favorite is when Rocket Raccoon uses traps to his advantage to defeat an incoming horde of ravagers. Every scene with Drax is terrific because he has a different philosophy of life and has the most infectious laugh of any character in any movie, ever. I also love how Peter is obsessed with 80s pop culture.  He references them all the time, but his companions never understand them, because they didn’t grow up on Earth. I especially love how 80s music is used to evoke nostalgia from Peter’s childhood, making for a terrific oldies soundtrack.

 

Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is phenomenal and full of whimsical jokes that don’t get old. It is a perfect family adventure that is suitable for ages 10 to 18. Parents and grandparents will even get a kick out of it. I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging humor and captivating action. It opens in theaters on May 5 so, be sure to check it out.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Must-Haves for the Kids this Spring!

May 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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Kids love to construct and the Techno Gears Bionic Bug kit from The Learning Journey is the perfect way to encourage them to build. With its 80+ colorful construction pieces, power motor and more, this kit includes everything a child needs to build their own bug with motorized gears. The product aligns with the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math standards and introduces children to the science of gear ratio.  Techno Gears Bionic Bug is for ages 6+ and is available online and at specialty retailers for approximately $19.99.

I like that this is bright, colorful and just simply fun! It’s also educational and really is a fun way to learn!

Techno Gears Bionic Bug is for ages 6+ and is available online and at specialty retailers for approximately $19.99. You can find it here.

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Rocket Science for Babies: Physicist Creates Science Board Book Series! I love this! I really wish this set had been available when my son was a baby.

In a world where toddlers operate smart-phones and computers before they learn to walk, is it really too soon to teach them Newton’s three laws of motion or Einstein’s theory of general relativity? Physicist and father, Chris Ferrie, doesn’t think so.

 

Chris’s mission to teach toddlers (and their adults) advanced science and math concepts before they encounter them in school led him to create Baby University, a board book series that introduces young readers to complex ideas like physics and math using simple explanations and colorful illustrations.

 

All books in the series approach topics with a tongue-in-cheek humor that adults will love sharing with their little geniuses or their adult friends. In Rocket Science for Babies readers learn about the basics of aerospace engineering. General Relativity for Babies introduces Einstein’s most famous theory and teaches babies all about black holes, gravitational waves, and more. Quantum Physics for Babies and Newtonian Physics for Babies give simple introductions to the principles that give quantum physics and Newton’s laws of motion their names.

 

These first four books in the series were released on  May 2, 2017. Additional releases will be added to the series July 2017, October 2017, and January 2018.

Disney Gets into Subscriptions!

Do you have a Princess at home?  They will absolutely love this!

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A few months ago Pley launched with Disney a brand-new, Disney Princess subscription, a limited edition mystery box designed to empower girls.
I received the first box which featured Beauty and the Beast. It had come out around the same time as the movie that hit the theaters in March.  I was really impressed with everything that was included and the little girl I gave the box to was delighted!
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For just $24.99 you’ll get a mystery box containing between 4-8 Disney Princess toys, activities and fashion accessories (all have $50+ retail value). Each bi-monthly box tells the story of a new princess and, like a rags-to-riches princess story, the shipping box magically transforms into a castle, boat, or tower that can be decorated and played with, both reducing waste and increasing play value.
Little girls everywhere will anxiously await the sound of the doorbell, announcing their Disney Princess PleyBox delivery.
Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this post. Photo was provided for the Techno Gears Bionic Bug kit.
 
Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Kitty is Pet of the Week!

May 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Kitty, May 20 Pet of the Week

He-e-e-ere, Kitty! Her family moved across the country and took everyone but Kitty. They left this sweet lap cat at the shelter to her fate. Kitty is an affectionate indoor 10-year-old, good with kids and dogs, and weighing in at a whopping 17 pounds! Because she’s a senior, her adoption fee will be only $20. She’ll need lots of love, affection and likely a weight-loss cat diet. Meet Kitty at the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A589611.

 

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Best holiday destinations in Europe for families

May 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Are you planning for a holiday? How about Europe? There are so many destinations in the continent apt for a family vacation. Choose the one as per your budget and likings.

Are you planning a holiday or a vacation with your family this summer? If so, Europe can be one of the finest options to consider. Europe is a favorite holiday destination among the tourists from all over the world. There are spots in the continent that seems apt for holidaying with your family members, including children.

While you are visiting Europe, see if you’re eligible for the European Health Insurance Card is an important element to consider for more info on this click here to find out more. This is helpful when you fall sick in a foreign land and require medical attention at the earliest.

The article highlights the top five holiday destinations in Europe that is considered apt for families.

London

For a long time, London is considered as the top most holiday destinations in Europe for families. The city is the greatest example of the amalgamation of the tradition with the contemporary. The best part about the city is that there is something for everyone. You and your children will be mesmerized with the spots like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The London Eye, British Museum, Piccadilly Circus and so many other spots.

Rome

If you have considered Rome as the next holiday destination with your family, you and your children can create so many memories together as you visit the world famous historical Colosseum and the Pantheon. There are several museums that are kid friendly and there are piazzas or public places tp roam and enjoy gelatos. Basically, it can be said that Rome isana educational city to explore at any age.

Paris

The city is known for its beautiful tourist spots and the name itself brings so much of excitement and thrill. Paris is popular for its iconic historical landmarks that the kids will love to explore and have an enriching and fun filled vacation. Centre Pompidou and Jardin de Luxembourg along with the City of Light are a must visit. Furthermore, visiting Eiffel Tower, especially in the evening is simply jawdropping to watch.

Edinburgh

If you are travelling to the beautiful Scottish city of Edinburg with your family, perhaps visiting in the month of August is the best idea. During the month, the Annual Edinburg Festival takes place in the city. Your kids will simply enjoy every bit of it. They can even try their feet at the traditional bagpipe tunes and have the best of the moments. The ancient Edinburg Castle is also an attraction of noteworthy.

Spain

The beautiful countryside alongside the warm sunny weather and the kid friendly beaches make Spain one of the perfect destinations for enjoying family vacations. There are so many different activities to get indulged in that the kids won’t get bored at all. Mountain biking is one of the popular sports loved by the biking enthusiasts. You can accompany your little one and explore the towns and cities of the country on bikes. This is an excellent way of creating memories and having fun.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Services

Look at the best things to get Daddy for Father’s day

May 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Do you want to make your dad feel special? Father’s day is near and it is an excellent opportunity to showcase your love and appreciation for your dad. There are so many gifting options. Choosing any one can be a challenging thing.

Father’s Day is not far away and if you want to make him special and extraordinary, gifting him with presents won’t be a bad idea. Sometimes it can be really difficult to choose a gift for your father on the special day. Selecting a gift for your dad depends largely on his interests. If it is your child’s first time celebrating Father’s day, as a mother you can make arrangements and make your partner feel special. If you and your little one are struggling for ideas you can try to find the perfect Fathers’ Day Gift Ideas in 2017 From Look What’s Cool and then decide what to get after that.

Today, in the digital age, even your dad is tech savvy and won’t mind if he is gifted with the new age gadgets and technology. The market is flooded with so many different products apt for gifting your dad and showing your love, respect and appreciation towards him.

The article highlights some of the best gifts that you can present him on the Father’s Day.

Fitness tracker band

If you want your father to adopt the healthy way of living and adhere to fitness activities, gifting the activity tracker band, can be an excellent option. It is a smart accessory that can fit on your wrist and can monitor our heart rate, keep a track on your workouts and also your sleeping patterns. It can sync with your smartphone easily and give your call notifications right on your wrist.

DSLR camera

You are well aware of your dad’s fascination and love for photography. Fulfilling the responsibilities of the family head, he seemed to have forgotten about his passion and even never complained about it. How about gifting your father a DSLR camera? Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? Help your father nurture the skills of photography and give him the opportunity to capture his best snaps. Your dad will simply love you for it.

An oak recliner

From morning till night, you must have found your dad running from home to grocery shops to office and everywhere to meet your and other family members demands. Don’t you think your father needs a break as well and relax for some time with his very own time? Gifting an oak recliner seems to be an excellent idea. Allow him to relax watching television or reading his favorite book with his favorite cup of coffee.

An expensive watch

Your dad deserves to be treated like a king. You can make him feel so by gifting him with an expensive, luxury watch. All through the years he had hardly spent on expensive items on himself. On such a special occasion, you have the opportunity to make your dad feel special about everything he has been doing for you all these years.

Wireless speaker

Does your dad loving listening to the old classics. But he always have to depend on the laptop or desktop for listening to songs. The quality of the songs is not up to the mark, but he doesn’t care much. Give him the taste of real musical treat with the wireless speaker. You dad can enjoy music anytime, anywhere without compromising on the quality.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

5 things you need when your kids get their first job

May 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Congratulations for your kid’s first job. Is he/she relocating to a new destination? It must be hard for the child to adjust. You as a parent must make it comfortable for your child.

You must be feeling very proud as parents! Your child has landed with a lucrative job offer. A lot is going to change for her/him after she/he bags the job opportunity. After all it the first job and it is a transition period that your kid undergoes. From being under your protective shell, she/he is going to a totally different world that she/he is completely unfamiliar of.

As parents there are several things that you need to do so that your child is comfortable enough when they get their first job and relocate to some other location. Moving out of the home and settling someplace else means moving out of the comfort zone and adapting to a totally new environment.

Have an open conversation with your child

Since your child is away from home, adjusting to a totally new environment with new people, you have to also assure your child that you are with him/her every time. For this, there is the requirement of an open conversation with your child. Your child must be comfortable and feel free to talk about everything. This attitude can help your child adjust faster.

Make sure your child has the right documentation.

When your child gets their first job there are a few bits of documentation they will need to have. They will need to set up a current account for their paycheck, have ID to show they are eligible to work and other more local documents, such as social security in the US and National insurance in the UK, these are easy to get, for example, National insurance can be easily sorted by sites like NI apply in the UK to get them in the workplace as soon as possible. Also, a pan card new registration is worthwhile having for tax records.

Words of encouragement are a must

The words of encouragement from the parents are the best for your kid’s self-esteem boosting. Your kid might be little shy and have a low level of confidence. Words of encouragement can be an excellent medicine to eliminate their inferiority complex and also help them adjust faster. This is a must step for all those parents whose kids are going out for jobs outside.

Avoid being judgemental

A new workplace, and that too when it is the first job, is not an easy thing to handle. Your child will be busy learning things in office. In fact, in the personal front as well, your child is adjusting to the new environment. In the midst of all such events, there is every possibility that your child might not get the adequate amount of time to make calls to you or even speak to you. It is advisable that you should not be judgemental about your child’s behavior because he/she is going through a lot of new things and that too all alone without your physical presence.

Always support your child

No matter what it is your duty as parents to support your kids every time. Even if your child’s performance at the workplace is not satisfactory, you must support him/her and encourage to do better. You should never discourage the child and compare with others. Everyone is different and unique in their very own ways.

 

 

Filed Under: Announcements
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