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Avengers: Infinity War – Truly Worth the Hype! This will Blow Your Mind!

April 29, 2018 By Leave a Comment

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calista B. comments, “Wow! Just, wow!! Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building up to this movie for ten years. This movie is glorious. All I can say is, you will not be expecting what happens.” Lucia F. adds, “I can honestly say that it is one of the most exciting and enjoyable movies I have ever seen. I was dazzled by this enormous spectacle of a movie. There are so many surprises, laughs and even sad moments. The production values, acting, special effects and writing are top-notch, of course.” KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Kimbirly O. wraps it up with, “I love this film! It has all the feels. I cheered for the heroes, loathed the villains and found Thanos’ crew to be a creepy bunch. When I think about the behemoth task of directors Anthony and Joe Russo, I want to evoke the “mind-blown” emoji!” See their full reviews below.

Avengers: Infinity War
By Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

Wow! Just, wow!! Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building up to this movie for ten years. This movie is glorious. All I can say is, you will not be expecting what happens. It left me screaming inside. I still cannot believe it.

The storyline is about the Avengers and their allies needing to team up to stop the titan Thanos from collecting The Infinity Stones and destroying half the universe.

Now, because all the Marvel characters are finally coming together, Marvel fans will obviously be excited. And when basically every single character appears on-screen, the theater erupts into claps and screams of joy. I always love it when a studio or company can make people feel such excitement for their characters. It’s just really cool.

This movie features lots of different locations that the characters travel to. I must admit, some of these locations are absolutely gorgeous and others, totally desolate, but still incredible. I love the shots in space and on different planets, especially the snowy planet that Thanos goes to at one point. In fact, the whole movie looks fantastic. Everything – from the costumes, the camera angles, the scale, the special effects –  is fantastic! I was so invested in the visuals the entire time.

Also, let’s be honest, this is Marvel, we all expect this movie to be absolutely hilarious. And it is. No surprises there. I laughed so hard at Iron Man and Doctor Strange arguing, Star Lord being jealous of Thor and basically all of Spider Man and Drax’s dialogue. Comedy always seems to be Marvel’s greatest strength. The writing, in general, is fantastic. I love the interactions these characters have, even the dramatic moments. That’s coming from someone who usually hates dramatic moments, because I hate being sad in movies.

This is a superhero movie, so obviously there are some pretty cool action scenes. And yeah, this movie has some awesome action scenes. Probably my favorite is the huge fight in Wakanda that is shown in the trailer. The fight is absolutely massive and straight up amazing. The shots and the way the characters work together are just glorious. I felt so immersed in all the action.

Since this movie is connected to the other Marvel movies in their Cinematic Universe, there is the possible question about whether you need to have seen all the other movies in order to understand this one. I would say, not all of them, but at least a few certain ones. I recommend that you brush up on your Marvel characters before you go, just to be ready.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as it gets pretty dark. It opens in theaters nationwide April 27, 2018 so, check your local listings.

 

Avengers: Infinity War

By Lucia F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 19

As everyone knows, the hype for this movie was extreme. Even with expectations so high, I can honestly say that it is one of the most exciting and enjoyable movies I have ever seen. I was dazzled by this enormous spectacle of a movie. There are so many surprises, laughs and even sad moments. The production values, acting, special effects and writing are top-notch, of course.

The plot of the story involves Thanos, motion-captured and voiced by Josh Brolin, who is arguably the most evil bad guy yet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This character is intent upon collecting all six Infinity Stones, crystals that control each aspect of existence (time, space, reality, power, mind and soul). The plot involves the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and others because each of them has an infinity stone that Thanos wants. If someone gets all six stones they can control reality and Thanos, concerned about overpopulation, wants to destroy half the population of the world. The whole team has to figure out how they can stop Thanos from getting all six stones, so they can save the world.

Besides the impressive production values, what people will most enjoy about this film is that it is a really funny movie. The jokes keep coming and simply don’t stop, which definitely makes for a kid-friendly film.  As in every Marvel movie, the music is terrific. Alan Silvestri of Polar Express fame wrote the rousing score. Last, the realistic makeup fooled me into believing that many of the characters were bleeding. Although, it’s not really gory.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars for being a gorgeous and colorful blockbuster film. Of course I love everyone’s acting, especially (let’s be real) Benedict Cumberbatch, who is the best Doctor Strange. Am I right? The masterful special effects, the humor and even the many surprising emotional moments combine to tell an entertaining story of how everyone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe come together to save the world. I recommend this film for ages 12 to 18. It opens nationwide in theaters April 27, 2018, so go check it out.

Avengers: Infinity Wars

By Kimbirly O., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

 

See it! When I reviewed Black Panther, I wholeheartedly admitted I am not the target audience for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This week, as I took my seat, I STILL thought I was not the target audience for Avengers: Infinity Wars and yet I would not have traded my seat for the universe. I felt as if my old friends had invited me to visit and I loved every minute of our time together.

This film rolls out like a reunion story, with old wounds and new challenges. The superhero liaisons are interesting and all the characters work together when every star system is on the line. My favorite character is Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Throughout the trials and travails, he is led by a moral compass. I also like seeing Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) conflict and emotion. Yes, emotion. Thanos’ quest to collect all six super powerful Infinity Stones is tough to watch – especially when revealed his plans to wipe out 50% of the population. When our superheroes realize he is on a genocide quest, the action truly ignites.

I love this film! It has all the feels. I cheered for the heroes, loathed the villains and found Thanos’ crew to be a creepy bunch. When I think about the behemoth task of directors Anthony and Joe Russo, I want to evoke the “mind-blown” emoji! More than 76 characters with multiple, simultaneous plotlines! The cast is immense, yet everyone has their featured and focused action. Speaking of which, the action is intense at times and the CGI creatures are wicked. The superheroes’ costumes are like old friends or your favorite shoes that you can’t wait to see again. It is rare for a summer blockbuster to truly deliver on its “epic” promise. This one delivers.

I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars for the cast, special effects, life lessons, awesome comedic pop culture references throughout, make-up (men and women) and female empowerment. This film will appeal to ages 8 to 18. I caution younger viewing due to fight scenes which may be disturbing to them. Stay for the end crawl! This opens April 27, 2018 in theaters nationwide. Look for it!

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Images: Walt Disney Studios.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its Urban Ocean Festival on April 28th and 29th!

April 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its Urban Ocean Festival on April 28 and 29, featuring the Trashin’ Fashion show, a boat cruise, art, games, mural painting, poetry, live music, sustainable seafood tastings by Seafood for the Future and Premier, and other activities inspired by the bustling ocean. The Pacific waters off Southern California host a variety of industrial and recreational activities and also provide habitat for a diverse array of animals. Visitors to this festival can learn more about and better appreciate the urban ocean. During the festival, the Aquarium will show its films about the urban ocean and aquaculture (fish/shellfish farming) daily in its Ocean Science Center. There will be a special boat program during the festival and the summer at an additional cost. The Urban Ocean: World Port and Sea Life Cruise occurs monthly, June through September (at 4:00 p.m. on June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8), aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises. The Urban Ocean Festival is included with admission—$29.95 adult (12+), $26.95 senior (62+), $17.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members. The combo prices for Aquarium admission and Urban Ocean Cruises aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises are: $39.95 adult (12+) and $15 child. For info: (562) 590-3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org.

I had the opportunity to preview this fun event and really enjoyed it!

Filed Under: Featured Events

A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean!

April 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Fox and Coats here! Thanks so much for hosting us on your blog. We’re so excited the first book in the SECRETS OF TOPSEA series is out in the world, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to give your readers a behind-the-scenes peek at how we named the town—a process almost as long as Topsea’s endless pier!

 

Our biggest inspiration for the world of Topsea was the delightfully creepy podcast Welcome to Night Vale, and the quirky kids book series Sideways Stories from Wayside School. As we brainstormed and wrote A Friendly Town That’s Almost by the Ocean, our placeholder town name was Sidevale.

 

We knew we wouldn’t (and couldn’t) actually use it, and figured another, better town name would come to us eventually. Problem was, we got really attached to Sidevale — and just couldn’t figure out a town name we liked as much. Even after we’d sold it, and edited it… we still called the town Sidevale.

 

We both wrote long lists of potential town names, sharing them in a spreadsheet. We scoured maps in coastal areas all over the world, seeking oddly named coves, weird little inlets, bizarre beaches for inspiration. We jotted down long lists of oceanic words and terms, from seashells to boat parts.

We liked a few of them… But we didn’t love any.

We made even longer lists. We took notes on coastal road trips. We watched the sky for signs. We doodled ideas in the sand. We enlisted the help of our agents, our editors at Disney-Hyperion, author friends like Sarah Enni and Maurene Goo, our mothers and fathers, any rock cats we passed.

It really came down to the wire. We finished two rounds of revisions and headed into line edits, and still, our town was called Sidevale! At that point, we realized the town name had to be two syllables; otherwise, it would throw off the cadence of many of our sentences. We sent a final list of ideas to our editors and agents, which included the word “Topsy”…then realized we could alter the spelling to sneak the sea in there. The response was unanimous: everyone loved it! It’s just the perfect name for a quirky little coastal town.

 

We hope you’ll visit Topsea soon! We think you’ll have a ton of fun. Just don’t make eye contact with the rubber ducks.

 

About the book: Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you’ll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. There’s a high tide and a low tide… and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. And seaweed is the main ingredient in every meal—watch out, it might just start chewing you back!

 

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they’ll get used to life in their new town—it’s just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can’t anyone remember his name? (It’s Davy!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!

 

Through newspaper articles, stories, surveys, notifications, and more, follow Davy and the rest of Ms. Grimalkin’s fifth-grade class through the weird world of Topsea. (Whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with the rubber ducks.)

 

About the authors: Kir Fox (Kirsten Hubbard) and M. Shelley Coats (Michelle Schusterman) are great friends, longtime critique partners, and ardent consumers of the strange and unusual. Kirsten is the author of the middle-grade novels Watch the Sky and Race the Night (Disney-Hyperion), and the young adult novels Like Mandarin and Wanderlove(Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books). She lives in Los Angeles. Michelle is the author of the middle grade series I Heart Band and The Kat Sinclair Files (Grosset/Penguin), and the middle-grade novel Olive and the Backstage Ghost and the forthcoming Spell & Spindle (Random House Children’s Books). She’s also the coauthor of the YA novel The Pros of Cons (Scholastic). She lives in New York City.

Self Disclosure: I participated in a Book Blog tour and received this wonderful Guest Post. The image was also provided. 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

2018 Southern California Optimism Walk

April 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment

This Saturday, local participants will walk side by side in the 2nd Annual APDA Southern California Optimism Walk to raise critical funds and awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to further APDA’s mission to help every person impacted by PD live life to the fullest. The 2018 Southern California Optimism Walk is part of a series of Optimism Walks taking place from coast to coast and participants will include people living with PD, their friends and care partners, medical professionals who focus their work on PD, and more.  It is not too late to register to participate or to make a donation. 

This fundraising event offers a short one-mile non-competitive walk through beautiful gardens (individuals can walk as much or as little as they choose) and other family-friendly activities including live music, sponsor activities, educational opportunities and more. Most importantly, it offers the chance to bond with and support others who are similarly connected.

WHEN:       Saturday, April 28, 2018
                  Walk: 9:30 am
                  Check-in: 8:30 am

WHERE:    South Coast Botanic Garden
126300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.

OTHER FACTS:   
–   Every 9 minutes someone in the US is diagnosed with PD
–   Funds raised enable APDA to continue providing local information, education, and support to those impacted by PD and fund scientific research into the causes, prevention,
treatments and ultimately the cure.

MORE INFORMATION:  For more information, please contact Janell Pomeroy at 310-486-0153 or CAwalk@apdaparkinson.org or visit us online.

Credit: The 2018 Southern California Optimism Walk.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to assist the more than 1 million Americans with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $170 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org

Filed Under: Featured Events

King, April 26 Pet of the Week

April 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Until the end of April, you can get a King for just a few coins of the kingdom! This month, there’s a Pittie Party at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, and potential adopters may pay as little as $1 or as much as $1,000,000 to adopt King or any of his pit-bull or pit-bull-mix subjects! King, found as a stray, is 6 years old and loves a walk around the castle moat or a romp with little princes and princesses. Meet his majesty on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A551949.

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

How To Give Your Kids A Great Education

April 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Giving your kids the best possible education is extremely important. A good education sets them on course for finding a great job and enjoying the whole world around them. Education holds the key to exploring the world around you with eager eyes. Therefore, as a parent, you should try to encourage your kids to learn, and cheer them on when they do. Giving your kids a great education is far more than just sending them to school, as you must be on hand to give them answers to their many questions and foster interests in being creative too. There are no rules when it comes to educating your children as long as they understand the importance of being kind and respectful to others as well as staying safe.

Find The Perfect School         

Finding the perfect school to send your kids to can feel like a never-ending task. However, you need to start looking at various establishments early and attend open days. Finding the perfect school for your child might take some time but your efforts will be worth it when your child is happy, settled, and engaged in learning further down the line. Give your kids a great education by selecting the schools that are recognized for the reputation and history of academic excellence. One incredible school to consider is St Mary’s Private School located in beautiful Oxfordshire. As well as excellence in education, it also features a program of varied extra-curricular activities. Conduct some research on the schools you’re applying to and listen to some testimonials from students, present and past.

Start From A Young Age

Spark your children’s desire to learn from a young age by placing them in nursery schools so that they learn how to play and interact with other children, and to continue teaching them at home. Teaching at home doesn’t necessarily have to mean sitting down at the dinner table with books. Instead, it can involve getting your kids playing outside and learning about wildlife and ecosystems. You can foster interests in music by getting a musical instrument for them to play, listening to music and taking them to concerts close to you. Give your kids a great education by keeping their activities varied and fun. Try to take your young toddler to groups held at the library so that they can integrate with others alongside engaging in reading and learning.

Answer Their Questions

Kids have very inquisitive minds and they seem to have endless questions. You should always try and give honest and open answers to your kid’s questions, as otherwise, they can become confused and misinformed. Answer questions truthfully and honestly, and let your kids know that you’ll do your best to help them make sense of the world. Many things are brand new to children, so it’s your responsibility as a parent to introduce them to new experiences and help develop their intrigue and drive for to learn. Give your kids a great education by taking them to new places, to see new sights, eat new foods, learn languages and so on. Explore with your children and give them the very best, loving, and informative start in life.

Filed Under: Announcements

Tips for Choosing the Best Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep

April 26, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Whenever people talk about their beds, they mention a lot about their mattresses, and rightfully so. A mattress is the principal, most significant financial investment one can make in their sleep. However, when it comes to judging how good each sleep session is, pillows are equally important to mattresses. If a person sleeps on a pillow that is worn out, and crumples and folds it down just to get relaxed every night, it is a warning sign from the pillow asking for an update. Even if the pillow in question is not old and shrunk, it may not exactly be the ideal solution. Here are some important tips on choosing the best pillow for a good night’s sleep.

Fill or fiber

There is a range of fill selections that can be used for pillows. While it is hard to pinpoint one type and call it the best—each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending upon the needs of the user and his or her preference. Here are some of the most common types.

  • Down – These pillows are light in nature and are super-soft. If the user prefers to have a soft place on his bed to rest his head while sleeping, a down pillow is ideal for him. Down pillows are typically manufactured from goose or duck fibers.
  • The Goose Down Pillows are in fact softer than the Duck Down pillows. Hence, they are slightly more expensive. However, there are also different varieties so far as the lightness in Goose Down pillows is concerned. Down pillows are manufactured with various mixtures of down, fluffs, and other stuffing.
  • A memory foam pillow is usually considered as the best pillow for Back Sleepers. These pillows make sure that the head is kept aligned. The density of these foam pillow materials frequently causes the pillow to adapt to the body temperature of the person using it. This pillow’s design guarantees that the user’s head remains cool while staying in a buoyed position.

Weight of the fill

Down or synthetic pillows are light in weight. On the other hand, memory foam pillows are a slightly heavier choice. The weight of the filling in a pillow is completely a personal choice. If the users prefer to reshape and move the pillow about as they change their resting positions, a light pillow might be a good choice. Even though the weight of the fill is completely a personal choice, it is advisable not to select pillows that are too weighty as they can cause discomfort to the head.

Size of the pillow

Most people find a standard sized pillow sufficient enough in terms of its size. If the user prefers to sleep on a bigger pillow, the choice is completely healthy, as long as he can keep the sleeping posture aligned accordingly. The width or fineness of a pillow should allow you to sleep with your head, neck, and shoulders in alignment with your spinal cord.

These factors are crucial to selecting the perfect pillow. It is a decision that is highly important for a good nights’ rest!

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

The West Coast’s Largest Pet Expo Returns to Orange County Featuring Cats and Dogs, plus Fish, Birds and Frogs…and More!

April 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Thousands of Animals and the People Who Love them to Gather at the OC Fair & Event Center, April 27-29!

A weekend full of animal education, family fun, pet entertainment, competitions and adoptions
Showcasing everything you need to know for a happier, healthier pet.

***Please Do Not Bring Your Pets***

America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626) Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29, 2018.  The annual family-friendly event features all creatures cute and cuddly, furry, feathered and scaled of all sizes, shapes and colors.

“Entering our 29th year, America’s Family Pet Expo is THE destination for pet lovers, offering education on responsible pet care, entertainment and pet adoptions.  We couldn’t be prouder of the pet loving community we have in Southern California, making America’s Family Pet Expo the ultimate destination for all pet lovers,” said Jacinthe Moreau, President of the World Pet Association, producer of the America’s Family Pet Expo.  “As we have grown over the years, the show has progressed to include the best in pet ownership and care.  America’s Family Pet Expo offers animal adoptions, a variety of educational presentations, family fun pet entertainment, and exhibitors offering show specials and while showcasing the latest and greatest in pet products.”

    

New to America’s Family Pet Expo for 2018 is the Sea Lion Splash Show; a unique mobile aquatic experience combining both marine fun and environmental education.  Sea Lion Splash Show features rescued sea lions from both California and South America.  Ready to thrill and excite an audience of all ages, the sea lions balance balls, shoot hoops, dance, shake their flippers, and even do a handstand or two.

Returning to the 2018 America’s Family Pet Expo will be The Catit Playground. This popular interactive activity brings a close-up view for guests to watch charming adoptable cats and kittens to see how they interact with different toys and people.  This is a great atmosphere for guests to learn all about cats and to gain a little insight into “Catitude.”

America’s Family Pet Expo will include on-site cooking demonstrations. Hosted by JustFoodForDogs, the “Find Out What’s Cooking” talks will feature lessons on how to create homemade meals to promote optimal health, longevity and well-being for dogs.

Returning favorites to America’s Family Pet Expo include Repticon, reptile show and sale, offering hundreds of common and rare species of reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and spiders.  Plus, the ever-popular Splash Dogs and The Great American Petting Zoo, family fun the whole family will enjoy.

In advance of America’s Family Pet Expo, kids can design and create a 10-gallon aquarium in the Kid’s Aquarium Contest.  The aquariums will be on display throughout America’s Family Pet Expo and are judged according to age group and two categories – Natural and Creative.  Also, for the aquatic enthusiast is the Aquascaping Contest, where contestants will compete to make the most beautiful, and natural underwater environment in a small aquarium.

Pet Adoptions will be handled onsite for those looking for that perfect animal addition to the family.  There will be hundreds of animals hoping to find their “furever home” from local community partner organizations at the Pet Expo.

Standout Breeds and Breed-Specific Rescues On-Site Include:

  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Belgian Malinois
  • Bichon Frise
  • Spaniel Breeds including Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, and Cocker Spaniel
  • Dalmatian
  • German Shepherd
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Leonberger
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Terrier Breeds including Biewer Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Russell Terrier
  • Shetland Sheep Dog
  • Shiba Inu

 General Admission, $15.00; seniors 60 and over, $13.00. Children 6-12, $10.00. 5 yrs and under, free. Active and retired military free with ID. Show hours:  Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm.
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Facility charges $8.00 parking. Kindly leave all pets at home.

For more information and to purchase tickets online visit www.PetExpoOC.org .  America’s Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 68-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.

Credit: America’s Family Pet Expo.

Filed Under: Featured Events
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