Queen Mary Presents All-American 4th of July Celebration

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Active Duty Military Honored for Independence Day!

The Queen Mary will celebrate America with a unique take on the classic July 4th holiday by highlighting the best of traditional American entertainment decade by decade. Throughout the day, the air will fill with the sounds of Big Band, Swing, Pop and Rock while the decks become alive with vintage style entertainment, live performance acts and summer games.  In honor of Independence Day, uniformed Active Duty Military men and women will be admitted free of charge.

 “We’re transforming all decks of the ship in to a ‘time machine,’ with each new era marked by a change in music and programming,” said Steve Shelton, Queen Mary Director of Entertainment Events. “Guests will reminisce Independence Day in bygone eras while still being able to enjoy today’s popular music and entertainment. There’s something for the whole family.”

 Beginning at noon, the iconic Long Beach attraction will throwback to the last century with a take on The Golden Age, which coincides with the ‘hey-day of transatlantic travel’. This period is of special significance to The Queen Mary which embarked upon its Maiden Voyage during the 1930s. Amusement and entertainment will include a stilt-walking Uncle Sam, Bingo and golden era games and characters, the Lil’ Big Band, a barbershop quartet and will conclude with the not-to-be-missed California Foot Stompers.

The mid-century celebration kicks up its heels with vintage games and entertainment from the Andrew Sisters to the Pointer Sisters, concluding with a Beatles Tribute Band.

 Popular area DJs will spin Disco grooves and tail-shakers from the 70s, 80s and 90s, while date-appropriate games, amusements, libations and treats are served up. The session concludes with the Mike Vitale Band performing favorites of the period.

 The festive spirit of activities, touring, dining, shopping, and dancing will crescendo with one of the most highly touted 4th of July Firework displays in Southern California.  And bringing the Independence Day celebration to close, guests can exercise their freedom of choice to wind down with a patriotic movie under the stars on the open air Sports Deck or to rev up under the musical spell of local DJs.

 The All American 4th of July event time is 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm. For more information, tickets, VIP Packages, and special July 4th Overnight Stay visit http://www.queenmary.com/events/july-fourth.phpor call (877) 342-0738.

About the Queen Mary                   

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Behind the Scenes tour while guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends tour.  The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms spanning three decks including nine full suites which have hosted a variety of colorful characters from World War II leaders to British royalty and the stars of Hollywood’s golden era.  The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, CA.

Photo Credit: Queen Mary

 

Water Beds: Sleeping in the Ocean by Gail Langer Karwoski

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A soothing bedtime story…

 Water beds: Sleeping in the Ocean answers the question of how marine mammals-animals that live in water but breathe air-manage to sleep in the ocean. Young readers meet ten marine mammals, including sea otters, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and harbor seals and learn about their unique habits. Although the brief portraits are based on the up-to-date scientific research, author Gail Langer Karwoski weaves the facts into simple, poetic language, and Connie McLennan’s rich oil paintings capture the ocean’s habitats and its appealing creatures. This really is the perfect story-time book! My son and I received it and really enjoyed it! Water Beds invites children to drift into sleep on gentle waves of imagination. Water Beds has been vetted for scientific accuracy by Sea World. Children, parents and teachers will love the “For Creative Minds” educational section at the end of the book. It includes: Fun Facts about mammals, Teaching trivia about how marine mammals adapt to their habitat and a “Design-Your-Own-Marine Mammal” craft. Add this one to your summer reading list and find it at Sylvan Dell Publishing.

“Epic”

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From the animators at Blue Sky Studios comes a new animated feature film with a female protagonist, “Epic.” If you like fairy tales, then you will love this film. A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world — and ours. Rated PG, it’s the perfect film to share with your whole family.

13-year-old KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B says, “I absolutely love this film. It has a great plot, and some really great characters. I like how the visuals are outstanding, and flawless.” KIDS FIRST! Film Critics also discuss Epic on the KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions Radio Show.

“SOFIA THE FIRST,” CABLE TV’S #1 SERIES AMONG KIDS 2-5,

“Sofia the First,” cable TV’s #1 series among Kids 2-5, will expand to a daily telecast and kick off Disney Junior’s multi-platform “Pirate and Princess Summer” programming event beginning MONDAY, JUNE 10. The series, starring Disney’s first little girl princess, will air weekdays at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT and weekends at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and weeknights at 7:00 p.m. and weekends 5:30 p.m. on Disney Junior.

 

All summer long, new episodes of “Sofia the First” and hit series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” will alternate with Friday premieres FRIDAY, JUNE 14 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 on both Disney Channel (9:00 a.m. ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:00 p.m. ET/PT). Authenticated pay TV subscribers can watch the shows a week in advance on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and via the WATCH Disney Junior apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. WATCH Disney Junior delivers a live feed of the network online and to mobile devices, as well as on demand episodes of popular shows. Currently, the service is available on Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent Communications and AT&T U-verse.

 

Notable guest stars include Academy Award nominee Viola Davis (“The Help”) and Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) on “Sofia the First,” and Jerry O’Connell (“Crossing Jordan”) on “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Classic Disney Princess Jasmine, voiced by Linda Larkin (“Aladdin”) and sung by Broadway legend Lea Salonga (“Miss Saigon”), makes her debut appearance on “Sofia the First.”

 

(Editors please note: Images and clips are available at www.disneyjuniormedianet.com. Registration required).

 

The “Pirate and Princess Summer” event takes place across all Disney Junior digital platforms including Disney Junior On Demand, WATCH Disney Junior and iTunes, as well as an immersive online super-site onDisneyJunior.com featuring new episode specific activities and games to “unlock” each week with a special token showcased during each episode premiere. Beginning Friday, June 14, parents and caregivers can log on to DisneyJunior.com/Summer and upload the photos of their child dressed as a pirate or princess for the chance to be featured as the “Pirate/Princess of the Day” on Disney Junior.

 

Among the premieres are an episode of “Sofia the First” featuring Princess Jasmine, Friday, June 14 (9:30 a.m. ET/PT); Jerry O’Connell guest starring as a pirate genie in search of a treasure wishing well on “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” Friday, June 14; Jane Kaczmarek and Teri Hatcher recur in the roles Red Jessica and Beatrice Le Beak, respectively on “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” Friday, June 21; Viola Davis guest starring as Sofia’s energetic Buttercup troop leader on “Sofia the First,” Friday, July 26; and Megan Mullally guest stars as Miss Nettle, a new fairy teacher who Sofia quickly learns is up to no good, on “Sofia the First,” Friday, August 23.  All airtimes are 9:00 a.m. ET/PT unless otherwise noted.

 

Also this summer, a full “Sofia the First” product line including apparel, home décor, toys and much more will launch at major retailers nationwide for the first time, along with an expanded product line for “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

 

2013 to date, Disney Junior on Disney Channel is pacing for another record year in Total Viewers (1.53 million), Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5 and Women 18-49. The programming block is home to 3 of the Top 4 cable TV series among preschoolers with “Sofia the First” (#1), “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” (#3) and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates (#4). The 24-hour Disney Junior Channel has been the #1 preschooler TV network each week since becoming publicly reported on April 1, 2013 in Total Viewers (357,000), Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, topping Nick Jr. by double-digits (+12% to +36%) and Sprout by triple-digits (+116% to +158%) in key demos.

 

Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network’s biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S.  Disney Junior channels in Japan, India and Disney Junior Portugal launched in fall 2012, bringing the total number of channels to 33 worldwide.

 

Disney Junior sponsored Feature.

Great Gift Suggestions for Father’s Day from Shutterfly!

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It is finally June! Father’s Day will be here very quickly! Have you started looking for Father’s Day gifts? Shutterfly has lots of great gift suggestions!  How about a Desktop Plaque (8×10) or  Luggage Tags? Or maybe a Desk Organizer? My son and I had the opportunity to order all of the above from our friends at Shutterfly and were so impressed! First off it is so simple and quick because Shutterfly is so user friendly! I mean we actually picked out our selections and ordered in less than 30 minutes! So much quicker than going to the store to pick out gifts and then shipping is so super quick too! The Desktop Plaque would really make a great gift for Dad or Grandpa! We received the 8×10 size and I love that you have a wide variety of designs and can add more than one photo. Great prices too! The 8×10 retails for $29.99.

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My favorite is the Desk Organizer!  It is such high quality and perfect to put your pencils in! This would make a great gift for Dad and even Teachers at the end of the school year! It is on sale right now for $23.99 until June 5th! (After 6/5 it goes up to $29.99) Maybe you have a Dad who travels? A Luggage Tag would make the perfect Father’s Day Gift! It is quite affordable at $9.99. You can find all of these wonderful gift suggestions and many more at Shutterfly!

We have teamed up with our friends at Shutterfly for a Father’s Day Giveaway! You will win all 3 of these amazing products!   Don’t forget you must be a subscriber to enter! Next, leave us a comment below telling us why you would like to win! Deadline to enter is June 7th, 2013 at 12 pm. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I received products to review but opinions are my own.

 

Celebrate The Cultures Of The Islands During The Aquarium’s 10th Annual PACIFIC ISLANDER FESTIVAL

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Discover the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands through an ocean of
entertainment and educational programs, including music and dance performances,
traditional crafts, demonstrations, and ethnic cuisine. Watch Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and
Tahitian dance performances while listening to traditional music. Enjoy live music from the
sounds of ukuleles to drumming. Try out ancient Hawaiian games, and see Marshallese
weavers. The 10th annual Pacific Islander Festival will feature various cultures, including
Hawaiian, Marshallese, Chamoru, Tahitian, Samoan, Maori, Tokelauan, and Tongan. During
the festival the Aquarium will also present its Heritage Award on Sunday, June 2 at 11:45
a.m. honoring Perci Flores in recognition of her dedicated service to the Pacific Islander
communities of Southern California.
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, 2013 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST: $25.95 for adults (12+), $14.95 for children (3-11), $22.95 for seniors (62+), and free for
children under 3 years old and Aquarium members

For More Info: (562) 590-3100 or website.

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FESTIVAL
PARTNER: Long Beach Sea Festival
AQUARIUM: Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the June Keyes Penguin
Habitat, Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the interactive Shark
Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers
educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading
scientists. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, CA.
For information call (562) 590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.

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Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer Written by Mary Holland

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Growing up is hard to do!

Follow this photographic journal of a red fox as he explores the world around him during the first few months of his life. He’s about a month old when he first comes out of the den. Watch as he learns to hunt through play and by using his senses. See the changes as he grows from a young kit to a young fox. After all, by the next summer, he’ll have kits of his own! Naturalist photographer and environmental educator Mary Holland has captured Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer in a way that is sure to grab children’s hearts. My son and I received this book and loved watching Ferdinand’s journey. We also found the For Creative Minds section of the book interesting and fun to read! A wonderful book for the whole family! Find this book and many others at Sylvan Dell Publishing.

This Land Is Your Land

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This star-studded project pays tribute to the concepts of liberty and justice for all and celebrates respect for the individual diversity that makes this country unique. Weaving songs, poetry and stories together to create an entertaining yet educational experience, we have carefully selected pieces that speak of the ongoing struggle to achieve these basic beliefs and the special significance of the contributions of the civil rights movement. With songs and poetry by Woody Guthrie, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, this recording is a must for every family collection. 16 classic songs, stories and poems including If I Had a Hammer, Sister Rosa, Everyday People, Calypso Freedom and This Land is Your Land. (Ages 6-Adult)1. The Kids In School With Me (Poem) – Langston Hughes
2. This Land Is Your Land – Various Artists
3. Reflections Of Woody Guthrie – Ted Danson
4. If I Had A Hammer – Brian Johnson
5. Everyday People – Taj Mahal
6. Ballad Of The Underground Railroad – Danny Glover
7. Follow The Drinking Gourd – Eric Bibb
8. The Story Of Claudette Colvin – Awele Makeba
9. Sister Rosa – Neville Brothers
10. Calypso Freedom – Sweet Honey In The Rock
11. Human Family – Danny Glover
12. Like Me And You – Raffi
13. Anishinabe – Bill Miller
14. Somos El Barco – John McCutcheon
15. Dreams Of Harmony – Freyda Epstein

My son and I received this CD and really found the variety of songs interesting and enjoyed listening to them! You can buy it on Amazon by clicking here.   Check out more great kids music on the Music for Little People website at www.mflpdistribution.com