Archives for March 11, 2023

Outer Banks: Season 3 * Filled With treasure Hunting, Close Escapes, Daring Rescues And Romance

After losing the gold and fleeing the Outer Banks, Season 3 finds the Pogues washed ashore on a desert island that, for a brief moment, seems like an idyllic home. Officially deemed “Poguelandia,” the island’s newest residents spend their days fishing, swimming, and reveling in the carefree lifestyle of their temporary dwelling. But things quickly go south for John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ, and Cleo when they find themselves once again caught up in a race for the treasure, quite literally running for their lives. They’re broke and far from home, they can’t trust anyone, Ward and Rafe are hungry for revenge, and there’s a ruthless Caribbean Don who will stop at nothing to find the bounty. Was the treasure ever within their reach? Or was it all a trap to stop them once and for all? Either way, it’s the Pogues against the world – and the only way out is together.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “The third season of the teen (and adult) adventure series, Outer Banks, is back and even more action-packed! This season is filled with loads of treasure hunting, close escapes, daring rescues and romance. I love how much the plot and characters change from the previous seasons.” See her full review and Interview with  Chae Stokes and Rudy Pankow below.

Outer Banks: Season 3

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

The third season of the teen (and adult) adventure series, Outer Banks, is back and even more action-packed! This season is filled with loads of treasure hunting, close escapes, daring rescues and romance. I love how much the plot and characters change from the previous seasons.

The story of the Pogues continues as the show picks up right where it left off with John B (Chase Stokes), JJ (Rudy Pankow), Kiara (Madison Bailey), Sarah (Madelyn Cline) and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) stranded on an uninhabited island they’ve named “Poguelandia.” But once they get rescued from the island, things go south. And the search for treasure isn’t nearly over yet.

Since this is the third season of Outer Banks, I highly recommend watching the previous seasons to things make sense. Fans of previous seasons will love this as there are many high stakes chases and unexpected plot twists. This season doesn’t get old and keeps you very engaged. The cast of this show is extremely talented. The best performances come from Chase Stokes (John B), Charles Hanford (Big John) and Andy McQueen (Mr. Singh). Chase Stokes’ character goes through a lot emotionally, especially in this season, and he makes it very believable and realistic. We hadn’t seen very much of Charles Hanford as Big John in the first two seasons, so it is very entertaining and surprising to get to know him more and see what kind of person he is. Mr. Singh is a new character this season, but his character fits in with the plot super well. Andy McQueen perfectly portrays him. I can really sense his background and feel what his past is even though we never see it.

The messages of this show, similar to seasons one and two, are that family can be chosen, change happens and should be accepted, and mistakes are okay because they are a part of life. Additionally, it shows how powerful love from friends is. Be aware that there is some profanity, violence and many risky things the kids do that are dangerous.

Outer Banks: Season 3 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It comes out on Netflix on February 23, 2023.

Trailer:

Having an Oscars Party tomorrow?

This will be a hit with your guests!

Tomorrow is the Oscars! Are you having a party? Cello Simple Pleasures Trays will be a hit with all your guests! The pre-portioned, ready-to-serve trays offer a convenient combination of the very best flavors and textures, perfect for snacking or entertaining. Cello Simple Pleasures can be served as an appetizer, or as part of the popular grazing table trend, featuring a tasty mix of award-winning cheeses, meats, and more! Available for $9.99-$19.99 at Kroger, Wakefern, Tops, Woodman’s, and Lipari. You still have time to hit the grocery store!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

New- Fun Kids’ Games & Activities

These are sure to be a hit with kids!

This one is great for older kids! 8+

Head Spin is a new fast-paced family game from Project Genius, the premier maker of brain teasers and puzzles. In each round, players try to figure out the color order based on the prompt. Then they’ll show that answer on their spinner and place it on the landing pad. The first player to show the correct answer on their spinner wins the round. Head Spin is brain bending fun for even the quickest minds and fastest hands. Recommended for ages 8 and up. https://projectgeniusinc.com/head-spin/ and available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I found this game very entertaining!

This one is designed for kids 6-14! If they like baseball, they will love it!

Playfinity’s Backyard League Gaming Baseball turns a game of catch into a video game through a connected mobile application for iOS and Android devices. Their brand-new game, Speed Test, guides players through a 10-round test and announces speeds for each throw. It is recorded into a test history, tracking the player’s progress over time. Real-time audio commentary guides the player and enhances performance. The Backyard League Gaming Baseball is the same size and weight as a regulation MLB baseball, and it connects to an iOS or Android device via Bluetooth. It allows players to track different stats about each throw they toss and catch, such as speed, airtime, height, and transfer speed. The Backyard League mobile app allows players to build and track their baseball skills that focus on different skills, like hand-eye coordination, consistency and transfer speed. Now, how cool is that?! Their brand-new game, The baseball and games are designed for kids 6-14, and it offers 70 hours of play time on a single cell battery. Available at https://playfinity.com/ and Amazon.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

The Hoglet Computer Mouse Creates a Better Learning Experience

Fun way to keep kids focused!

If you have a child that has a difficult time staying focused, this next product really may be helpful! The Hoglet by HedgeHog Health is a game-changing fidget gadget and computer mouse that understands kids’ sensory needs while helping focus and productivity. It works with a wireless keyboard and I really love the bright colors! I received the pink one and just love the color! I also like that it is easy to clean and that you don’t have to download any drivers to use it!

Price: $39.99

Available on Amazon

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

 OC Zoo Welcomes New Jaguar to the Large Mammal Exhibit

Mickey, an 11-month-old jaguar, makes his debut at the OC Zoo’s Large Mammal Exhibit and displays his ability to blend in with his new environment.

A young jaguar is the newest addition to the OC Zoo’s Large Mammal Exhibit, joining four large cats in the new section of the zoo.  

Mickey, an 11-month-old jaguar, comes to the OC Zoo from the World Wildlife Zoo in Arizona just months after his brother, Ziggy, debuted in the zoo’s new, 2-acre habitat. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Mickey, the newest jaguar, to the OC Zoo,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The OC Zoo continues to offer a unique, enjoyable and affordable experience for families. Since the opening of the Large Mammal Exhibit last year, the OC Zoo has drawn a record number of visitors, where people of all ages can see animals up close and learn about local wildlife.” 

Since its opening in May, the Large Mammal Exhibit marks the largest expansion project in the zoo’s history, providing a home for five large cats in a comfortable, natural-looking environment. The area also features artificial rock walls, climbing platforms, a waterfall and several viewing areas for the public to see the large cats up-close. 

In May 2022, the zoo welcomed two young, orphaned mountain lion sisters to the exhibit, along with a young, injured male mountain lion and an adult jaguar. 

Considered endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, jaguars’ range includes the southwest of Arizona and New Mexico, south to Argentina and northeastern Brazil.

Mickey, along with the other large cats, will be available for the public to visit Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission into the OC Zoo is $2 per person ages 3 years and over; ages 2 years and under are free.

Credit: OC Zoo.