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Rubio’s Coastal Grill Launches Three New Dishes Featuring Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Calling all seafood lovers. On Wednesday, February 23, Rubio’s Coastal Grill locations in California, Nevada and Arizona will introduce new dishes featuring Wild-Caught Red Argentinian Shrimp with a sweet-spicy kick of honey and chipotle peppers. With its large size, bright color and exceptional flavor, wild Red Argentinian shrimp is a Rubio’s fan favorite.

“The rich, fresh, sweet-tasting Wild-Caught Red Argentinian Shrimp never fails to delight guests, and we’re thrilled it’s back on the menu,” said Rubio’s Co-Founder, Ralph Rubio. “Our Red Argentinian shrimp are sourced from the icy, pristine waters off the far southeastern tip of Argentina. They are wild-caught, never farmed, continuing our commitment to serving responsibly sourced seafood wherever possible.”

 While available, Rubio’s guests can enjoy wild-caught Red Argentinian shrimp paired with a specially created chipotle honey sauce. The culinary team has created three incredibly flavorful menu options, available for a limited time, including:

Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp Bowl

Wild caught, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp, crisp romaine, citrus rice and black beans topped with handmade guacamole, cilantro/onion mix, creamy chipotle sauce, a new chipotle honey sauce, pickled red onions and a slice of fresh lime.  

 Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp Burrito

Wild caught, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp, citrus rice, black beans, handmade guacamole, cilantro/onion mix, creamy chipotle sauce, a signature chipotle honey sauce and pickled red onions all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Served with tortilla chips.

 Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp Two Taco Plate

Wild caught, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp on top of melted three cheese blend, crisp romaine, and cilantro/onion mix. Topped with creamy chipotle white sauce, a new chipotle honey sauce and pickled red onions. Served on warm flour tortillas with black beans, tortilla chips, and a slice of fresh lime.

Guests are encouraged to order ahead through the Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook and Instagram

Credit: Rubio’s Coastal Grill.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

How Does Exercise Help Ease ADHD?

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that can make it difficult to pay attention, finish projects, and maintain a stable emotional threshold. Those who struggle with ADHD often have trouble keeping relationships and places of employment. Furthermore, people living with ADHD are prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions that can complicate and compound their symptoms.

ADHD is frequently associated with younger children struggling to maintain focus in school and their daily activities. ADHD can be difficult to manage, especially for those who received their ADHD diagnosis online at an older age. However, recently, as mental health has become a popular topic of discussion, more adults are seeking diagnosis and treatment to fill in the gaps they may have noticed growing up. As they learn more about their new diagnosis, so too are they learning how to live it.

Research has found that exercise, while providing a host of physical benefits, greatly impacts the brain. Besides promoting a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, exercise helps prime and condition the body’s physiological responses, preparing and even shielding people with ADHD from their worst symptoms.

How Does It Help Combat ADHD?

When you exercise, blood flow increases to the brain, releasing neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, two naturally-occurring substances that provide clear thinking. People with ADHD often have less dopamine than people without the condition, which is why stimulant medications like Vyvanse and Adderall help increase this neurochemical.

Exercise improves memory by increasing molecular targets like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF helps increase synaptogenesis, the forming of new synapses that manage learning and memory, making your brain much more efficient at storing information and memories.  

While exercise does not decrease stress hormones, it does reduce the number of stress receptors in the hippocampus, minimizing the effect of stress hormones on the brain. This is good news for people with ADHD. Stressful events can feel much more overwhelming for people with ADHD. 

Other benefits of exercise for adults with ADHD include:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Enhanced memory
  • Enhanced executive function (i.e., the skills necessary to plan and organize)
  • Improved impulse control
  • Increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (i.e., a protein involved in learning and memory–people with ADHD have very little of it present)

Medical researchers have concluded that at least 150 minutes of exercise a week (moderate intensity) is needed to maintain peak physical health. That’s about 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week.

To start, fit one healthy activity a day into your current routine. If you drive somewhere local, try walking instead. The point is to make the exercise as simple as possible until it becomes a learned habit. If you are interested in more intense exercises like sprinting or weight lifting, 75 minutes of exercise a week will keep you in shape.

No matter your current level of fitness, and despite the current therapies you’re already engaged in, exercise makes a great addition to your ADHD preventative routine.

About the Author

Roni Davis is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Dexter, Feb. 24th Pet of the Week

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Such a handsome boy is Dexter! He’d love to be your right-paw man, so dexterous with treats, balls, stuffed Kong toys and walks is he! Dexter is only 4 years old, but he’s spent too many of his months at the shelter—he’s been there since early summer! Thanks to the shelter volunteers, he’s come a long way in socialization. He loves long walks and does so very well on a leash, and he also understands that he’s not a lap dog! You’d need a big lap. If you have a big heart to match Dexter’s, though, he’s ready to go home! Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Dexter. Ask for A627706.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Ralphs and Food 4 Less Announce 10 Food Trend Predictions for 2022

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) America’s largest grocery retailer and parent of company of California-based Ralphs and Food 4 Less, today announced its 2022 Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead. This fourth-annual report centers on the continued dominance of at-home meals, powered by convenience, affordability, social gatherings, and the desire for sustainable and nutrient-rich food items.

Kroger’s 2022 Food Trends Report is thoughtfully curated by Kroger’s food experts – from Our Brands product developers to culinary specialists. The report contains 10 top trends that will influence consumer food purchases in 2022, while uncovering the “why” behind the trends. Overall, the trends can be broken down into emerging flavors, food item premiumization, and behavior shifts, all of which paint a picture of what consumers are sourcing and the ways in which they are preparing food in 2022. The findings show that consumers continue to have an increased passion for home-prepared meals, an awareness of both their own health and the planet’s, and a desire to seek comfort through food, which directly correlates to what will be on shopping lists this year.

“Last year, even as many Americans returned to work and eased back into social gatherings, it became apparent that new habits were formed in 2020 and that they are here to stay – including cooking more at home. Customers are enjoying the convenience, affordability, and just plain fun that comes from preparing meals at home,” said Stuart Aitken, Kroger’s senior vice president, chief merchant and marketing officer. “As at-home meals remain a staple, Kroger is proud to provide customers with fresh food options that meet them where they are in the kitchen – whether that’s a fresh heat-and-eat meal on a busy school night or a four-course recreation from your favorite restaurant you’ve missed.”

“Unlocking these trends allows us to prepare for the year ahead, adapt our offerings, and innovate within Our Brands to ensure we continue to provide customers exactly what they need and want to delight themselves and their guests in 2022 and beyond,” said Juan De Paoli, vice president of Our Brands. “At-home meals hold major significance for our customers, and we take the importance of supporting these moments very seriously. The Our Brands team is endlessly striving to provide quality items that become the perfect backdrop as customers pridefully serve as they celebrate holidays, birthdays, milestones, anniversaries, and other get-togethers. We’re excited to unveil new offerings in the year ahead that will add a wonderful – and tasty – touch to these gatherings.”

The latest tastes and freshest trends can be found on Kroger.com and in the aisles where customers shop for Simple Truth®, Kroger’s natural, organic and free-from brand; Kroger®, customer favorites that exceed expectations while fitting budgets; and Private Selection®, a collection of culinary creations designed to elevate every occasion.

Kroger’s top 10 trends for 2022 can be broken down into three categories: emerging flavors, item premiumization, and behavior shifts. Check out the list below, as well as fresh recommendations for those looking to get a jumpstart on each trend:

Emerging Flavors

  1. Umami away! Umami is the taste that just makes things taste…better! Asian cuisine has long understood how ingredients high in umami help elevate other ingredients and round out flavors in a dish, but the umami trend is exploding across new products, multicultural cuisines, traditional cooking, and hybrid mash-ups.

Products to Try:

  • Private Selection Chile Crisp Condiment
  • Private Selection Chile Crisp Sauce
  • Private Selection Premium Truffle Butter
  • Private Selection Sweet & Spicy Soy Chile Sauce
  • Simple Truth Plant-Based Korean Style Meatless Meatballs
  • Kroger Teriyaki Style Cook-in-Bag Pork Tenderloin
  • Kroger Wild Mushroom Ravioli
  • Private Selection Sweet & Savory California Tomato Jam
  1. “Everything” is … everything. ‘Everything’ seasoning is the trending flavor for 2022, as consumers top their favorite meals with a savory touch. Be on the lookout for ‘everything’ inspired foods from the bakery, to dips and even specialty cheeses to follow the trend.

Products to Try:

  • Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
  • Kroger Everything Bagel Sour Cream Dip & Spread
  • Private Selection Everything Bagel Flavored Bacon
  • Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoned Mashed Avocado
  • Simple Truth Organic Everything Seasoning Keto Seed Crackers
  1. Tastes of tequila. The biggest beverage taste of 2022 follows the umami trend – savory tequila. As consumers continue to host at home, tequila is a shareable spirit that opens the door to experimentation. With tons of mixes to explore and custom cocktails to create, consumers are using tequila as a base to delight guests with diverse palettes.

Products to Try:

  • Simple Truth Organic Cilantro Lime Jalapeno Margarita Mix
  • Private Selection Bloody Mary Cocktail Mixer
  • Simple Truth Organic Ginger Lime Mule Mix
  • Simple Truth Tropical Turmeric Juice Cocktail
  • Simple Truth Organic Paletas Caribbean Style Mix Frozen Fruit Bars
  • Kroger Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
  • Big K Pineapple Passion Fruit Soda
  • Private Selection Strawberry Mango Pineapple Blend Frozen Fruit
  • Private Selection Tequila Serrano Beef Jerky
  1. #TBT flavors. As consumers cook more at home, recipes from their childhood are delivering comfort and joy to people. Think of the nostalgic 90s comeback, but apply it to meals.

Products to Try:

  • Kroger Deluxe Fluffer Nutter Ice Cream
  • Kroger Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Cookies
  • Kroger Mini Pizza Bagels
  • Kroger Pimento Cheese Spread
  • Kroger Edible Cookie Dough
  • Kroger Corn Dogs
  • Simple Truth Organic Sour Cherry Fruit Chews
  • Private Selection All Beef Hot Dogs

Item Premiumization

  1. PLANeT-based foods. Consumers continue to focus on the health of the planet, not just through plant-based foods, but also by reducing their waste impact with upcycled ingredients and more recyclable packaging. Plant-based foods are now being purchased for indulgence, comfort, and nostalgia, rather than being solely known as the healthier choice for our bodies, while still helping consumers lower their carbon footprint. Customers can also recycle flexible plastic packaging from Kroger Our Brands products through our national partnership with TerraCycle.

Products to Try:

  • Kroger Egg & Cheddar Croissant with Plant-Based Breakfast Patty
  • Simple Truth Plant Based Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Mac & Cheese
  • Simple Truth Plant-Based Baking Mixes made with upcycled Okara Flour Sugar Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookie, and Dark Chocolate Brownie (coming soon)
  • Simple Truth Non-Dairy Cheese Shreds, Slices
  • Simple Truth-Kipster Carbon Neutral Eggs (launching in 2023)
  1. Grocery glow up. Cooking at home isn’t just about convenience anymore; emulating restaurant and travel experiences at home with upleveled, “Instagram- able” meals is trending today. Consumers are raising the bar when recreating dining experiences at home and have been met with the premiumization of frozen food as well.

Products to Try:

  • Private Selection Duroc Baby Back Ribs, Bone in Pork Chop, Boneless Pork Chops
  • Private Selection Macarons
  • Simple Truth Grass-fed Beef Burgers, Beef Hot Dogs
  • Simple Truth Organic Flavored Nitro Coffee
  • Kroger Bavarian Pretzel
  • Kroger Family Size Broccoli & Parmesan Sauce
  • Private Selection Goat Cheese & Crispy Bacon Pinsa Crust Style Pizza
  • Private Selection Ruby Chocolate Ice Cream Bar
  • Simple Truth Organic Plant-Based Meals Kimchi Meatballs
  1. Hyper-local: Consumers are more conscious about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases and are making it a point to purchase products grown or made close to home. Alternative farms have created a way to get locally sourced, natural ingredients at their peak freshness – so everyone can support and enjoy their local farms – and in-store bakery items are providing consumers a chance to support small businesses.

Last year, Kroger launched Go Fresh & Local in 2021, which offers additional opportunities for fresh suppliers to become part of the organization’s supplier network. Last year’s winners will soon be appearing on shelves and include Maazah, Nona Lim, Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale, Simply Southern Sides, and Soupergirl. As part of Kroger’s Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion plan, the organization is committed to increasing its spend with diverse suppliers to $10 billion by 2030 – after reaching $4.1 billion in spend in 2020, representing a 21% increase from the previous year.

Behavior Shifts

  1. Natural health & beauty. Consumers are seeking out natural products to increase beauty from the inside-out. Eating for beauty and medicine is trending with food and beverage products that have health and beauty-boosting benefits are trending in 2022, with examples including fermented kombuchas, collagen-rich bone broths, antioxidants, probiotics, reductions of sugar, and additions of omega-3s.

Products to Try:

  • Simple Truth Beauty Crate Avocado Coconut Papaya Bar Soap
  • Simple Truth Beauty Crate Almond + Oatmeal + Honey Effervescent Bath Bombs
  • Simple Truth Organic 2% Reduced Fat Milk with Omega-3s
  • Simple Truth Organic Low-Sugar/Zero Sugar Kombucha
  • Simple Truth Organic Tropical Turmeric No Sugar Added Juice
  • Simple Truth Body Oil – Rosemary Mint and Coconut Papaya
  • Private Selection Drinkable Chicken Bone Broths
  1. Good enough to share. Whether you’re vegan, organic, gluten-free or otherwise, you can have your cake and share it too. Foods for specific diets or eating styles taste so good when everyone can enjoy them and no one is left out of a great eating experience.

Products to Try:

●     Kroger Family Size Migas Egg Bake

●     Kroger Pork, Beef, Pepper Jack & Cheddar Party Tray

●     Kroger Carbmaster Classic White Bread

●     Simple Truth Plant-Based Cupcakes

●     Simple Truth Vegan Grated Parmesan Cheese

●     Private Selection Protein Pancake Mix – Toasted Coconut

  1. All aboard charcuterie. Charcuterie has created a board craze, especially when it comes to breakfast and dessert. Boards have branched out beyond appetizers to offer consumers a variety of small portions to make the most out of every meal. As “boardies” start or end their day, breakfast and dessert boards open a world of flavors without the commitment to a single dish.

Products to Try:

  • Private Selection Dipped Cheesecake Bites
  • Private Selection Caramelized Onion Burger Topper
  • Kroger Mini Quiche Duo
  • Home Chef Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers Stuffed with Cream Cheese
  • Bakery Fresh Goodness French Toast Fritters
  • Bakery Fresh Goodness Loaf Cakes
  • Murray’s Cheese Wild Blueberry Preserves
  • Simple Truth Almond Butter Filled Pretzels

Credit: Kroger Co.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Blues on Beale * Provides A Rich Insight On The Blues And Its Place In American History

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Featuring Grammy award winner Bobby Rush, Grammy nominee Shemekia Copeland, award-winner Castro Coleman and a host of acclaimed musicians, Larry Lancit’s Blues on Beale was filmed entirely in the Blues clubs on famed Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, captures the people, the soul and music of the 36th International Blues Challenge, an annual event organized and staged by The Blues Foundation. Starting in the early fall of 2019, Blues Societies from across the globe held local competitions for Blues bands and solo/duo acts. The winners of these competitions qualified to travel to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in late January 2020. 232 winners of these local contests brought their hopes and aspirations to Memphis to compete for medals, recognition and possible record contracts by performing in 20 clubs along renowned Beale Street, the most celebrated Blues location in the world. The 2020 IBC was perhaps the last major music event staged before Covid-19 put the world on “hold.”

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “If you love the blues genre of music, Blues on Beale is the perfect documentary for you! If it is not your favorite style of music, or you don’t know much about it, this film written by Cecily Lancit and directed by Larry Lancit (also producers) provides a rich insight on this art form and its place in American history.” See her full review below.

Blues on Beale

By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

If you love the blues genre of music, Blues on Beale is the perfect documentary for you! If it is not your favorite style of music, or you don’t know much about it, this film written by Cecily Lancit and directed by Larry Lancit (also producers) provides a rich insight on this art form and its place in American history. As a music lover, I found this exceptional work beyond entertaining.

Some background: The International Blues Competition on its 36th edition was one of the last events that took place before the lockdown in January, 2020. Over two hundred acts (bands, solo or duo) from around the world got together at the iconic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee to compete in a challenge organized by The Blues Foundation. Only 16 acts make it to the final and 5 are awarded winners. This documentary covers this competition and intertwines live performances and interviews with the musicians, judges and music experts. The montage brings the audience back to the origins of blues with footage and photos from legends like BB King and Elvis Presley and others that gave birth to this touching music.  Stories about those blues pioneers contrast with contemporary artists like Bobby Rush and Shemekia Copeland, making Blues on Beale educational as well as fun to watch.

I am impressed by the talent and the different ethnicities and performers from countries like Croatia and Australia that share the love for blues, despite the fact that it is a secular folk music created by African-Americans early in the 20th century in the South of the United States of America. The producers excel at getting these artists to share their stories. You learn how blues is perhaps the music genre that better connects with the human condition and how it transcends boundaries. Despite the connotation of the word “blues.” this music is uplifting and meaningful. Blues also connects with the audience by telling a story whether is about slavery and oppression, longing for a better job or love.

The editing flows nicely and surprisingly—there’s a good element of surprise. It just feels that the narrative is sometimes redundant and lacks a deeper insight on the venues and idiosyncrasy of the city. Memphis is the perfect location, but feels a bit abandoned in the storytelling. My favorite part is the energy in how they present the information and ignite a spark in the audience. You’ll appreciate the true craftsmanship in the performers and how they don’t follow a trend nor are they part of a marketing campaign.

The message of the film is that music is powerful and transcends gender, race and nationality; it unites people and goes beyond the competitive spirit.

I give Blues on Beale 4 out of 5 stars and recommend for kids 10 to 18, plus adults. Blues on Beale is available now on VOD.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery * Lovable Characters, Beautiful Locations, Classic Film Takeoff

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is a vibrant new take on the classic 1951 Alice in Wonderland film. Featuring reimagined (though instantly-recognizable) versions of iconic characters and introducing memorable new ones, the series highlights diverse cultures and characters as Alice and her friends learn about community through their adventures in the Wonderland Bakery. Wonderland is home to all sorts of unique families, each with their own fascinating cultures and traditions, which Alice and her friends learn about through their explorations with food. In this contemporary version, the royal family, for example, is inspired by Cuban heritage, giving Alice and her friends the chance to discover buñuelos and huevos habañeros, among other Cuban-inspired treats, while Hattie, a mad hatter boy and descendant of the original Mad Hatter, is based on Japanese culture and whips up mochi and sekihan with his family.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S., comments, “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is absolutely magnificent! Lovable characters, beautiful locations and references to a classic film take center stage in this excellent show.” See her full review and interview with Libby Rue below.

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery

By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is absolutely magnificent! Lovable characters, beautiful locations and references to a classic film take center stage in this excellent show. Fans of all ages are bound to love this series.

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery follows Alice (Libby Rue) who is a young baker in the world of Wonderland. Alice goes on several adventures with her friends, Hattie (Cj Uy) and Fergie (Jack Stanton). The trio resemble the personalities of their ancestors, Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit from the classic tale Alice in Wonderland.

The series has such fun-loving characters, each a “rockstar” in their own right, with vivid  personalities and a developed character arc. Even though they mirror iconic characters from the classic Alice in Wonderland, they are not carbon copies—that means some refreshing twists as we see these new kids grow and learn their way around this topsy turvy town. Alice is a bright, spunky, and modern version of Alice from the 1951 film. My favorite character is definitely Hattie—he’s very fun to watch—not always fitting the stereotype of what a “Mad Hatter” is, growing into his own, but proud of his heritage. The songs on the soundtrack to the series move the storylines along perfectly—no doubt sure to be a hit, with young children soon to be bopping along to the melodies. The animation is spectacular—every strand of hair is visible on Alice’s head just like the fur on Fergie. The visuals of bright colors, abstract patterns and unusual architecture add to the world building of the Wonderland that fans all around the world are familiar with. It’s as if the show picks up with Alice exactly where the movie left off in 1951 and nothing since has changed. This series is perfect, reminding fans why they fell in love with the original film, engaging audiences to watch every last second of every episode.

The theme of Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is to follow your dreams. Alice loves baking with her whole heart and is regarded as the best baker in Wonderland. Even as things don’t go her way all the time, Alice never gives up baking, and sometimes solves her problems by baking delicious cakes.

I give Alice’s Wonderland Bakery 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 12, and older. It is available now on Disney Junior.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Raising Dion: Season Two * Dion’s Powers Have Proven To Be A Blessing And A Curse

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Raising Dion follows the story of Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) and her son Dion (Ja’Siah Young) after Dion starts to manifest several mysterious, superhero-like abilities. Two years after defeating the Crooked Man (Jason Ritter), Season Two follows Dion as he continues honing his powers with the support of his mom and Tevin (Rome Flynn), his Biona trainer who catches Nicole’s eye. After befriending new student Brayden (Griffin Robert Faulkner) – a fellow powered kid – a series of alarming events unfold, and Dion learns that danger is still looming. Navigating twists, turns, and surprise visitors, Dion and Nicole must prevail again — not just to save themselves, but the entire city of Atlanta.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Maica N. comments, “Fans have been waiting to see what’s happening with Dion and his family and friends after their lives were turned upside down. Dion’s powers have proven to be a blessing and a curse, but can these powers help Dion fight evil when everything he’s ever known is on the line?” See her full review below.

Raising Dion: Season Two

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 14

After a two year hiatus, the second season of Raising Dion is here! Fans have been waiting to see what’s happening with Dion and his family and friends after their lives were turned upside down. Dion’s powers have proven to be a blessing and a curse, but can these powers help Dion fight evil when everything he’s ever known is on the line?

Season two of Raising Dion comes two years after Dion (Ja’Siah Young) defeated Pat (Jason Ritter) and the Crooked Man with the help of his mom, Nicole (Alisha Warren), and his friends Esperanza (Sammi Haney) and Jonathan (Gavin Munn). Dion is continuing to learn how to control his powers with the help of BIONA and his new trainer, Tevin (Rome Flynn). When a new kid, Brayden, who Dion learns is also powered, comes to school, his life becomes unstable as he realizes danger is still lingering.

In this new season, I really like the involvement of Dion’s friends Esperanza and Jonathan. It gives Dion more of a support system, and it also gives more depth to his character, as he has to balance being a normal kid as well as having power. The “triangle of power” what the three call themselves, gives Dion the opportunity to do what he needs to do to save his family, friends, and city because he doesn’t have to do it alone anymore. Another beneficial addition to this season is Tevin, Dion’s new trainer. Tevin is powered, and because of that, he will have a closer bond with Dion. It also gives Dion someone trustworthy to look up to and to protect him. The introduction of Tevin also adds another storyline for Nicole which fans will enjoy. Brayden’s character brings another element of suspense—being a young and vulnerable kid makes him an easy target for the dark energy, and it allows him to get close to Dion. So, what really makes this season good are the storylines and the addition of new characters. They all fit and complement each other, and that makes the audience yearn for more.

The message of season two of Raising Dion is to always follow your instincts. When Brayden is trying to convince Dion to do questionable things, Dion always has second thoughts. The characters in this show have an out-of-the-ordinary life, surrounded by different threats. So when they feel something is wrong, going with that gut feeling is essential. For the most part, Raising Dion is kid-friendly, with minimal use of inappropriate language and fighting scenes.

Raising Dion is everything I hoped it would be and more. Who knows what’s to come for Dion as he, along with his powers, starts to mature? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. I rate Raising Dion 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults. Season two of this series can be found on Netflix starting February 1, 2022. Make sure you check it out!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

The Wolf and the Lion * Great Family Movie For Young Animal Lovers. Unique Storyline

February 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment

After her grandfather’s death, 20-year-old Alma decides to go back to her childhood home – a little island in the heart of a majestic forest. While there, she rescues two helpless cubs: a wolf and a lion. They forge an inseparable bond, but their world soon collapses as the forest ranger discovers the animals and takes them away. The two cub brothers must now embark on a treacherous journey to be reunited with one another and Alma once more. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “The Wolf and the Lion is a great family movie for young animal lovers. The sets and locations are very pretty, and the music is lovely. The storyline is unique, although sometimes predictable.” See her full review below. 

The Wolf and the Lion

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

The Wolf and the Lion is a great family movie for young animal lovers. The sets and locations are very pretty, and the music is lovely. The storyline is unique, although sometimes predictable.

This story follows a 20-year-old young woman named Alma (Molly Kunz), an orphaned musician. After her grandfather dies, she inherits his house only to find that he had befriended a she-wolf and her pup. Then, after exploring the crash site of a plane, Alma finds a lion cub. The pup, Mozart, and the cub, Dreamer, soon develop an inseparable bond. But when they are separated, all seems lost. What lengths will they go to see each other again? 

The most notable performances are probably those of the animal actors. The wolf and lion that play Mozart and Dreamer are not only best friends on the screen, but best friends in real life. They are now in a Canadian sanctuary where they will spend the rest of their days together. Along with the animals, Molly Kunz also has a strong performance. She really seems to care for Mozart and Dreamer, and her struggle of how to best take care of them is very visible. Also, Alma is a pianist, and Molly plays piano, too. The sets and locations of The Wolf and the Lion are stunning. The island that Alma lives on has a gorgeous lake and beautiful forests, and her house feels very homey and comforting. Overall, the story of this film is distinctive, but the ending, as well as some other scenes, is somewhat expectable.

The messages of the movie are that you are the only person who knows what’s best for you and that animal welfare is important. This film depicts hiding and raising two large, potentially dangerous animals in your home.  

I give The Wolf and the Lion 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. This movie releases in theaters on February 4, 2022.

Filed Under: Media Reviews