Amazon Prime Video Kids premiering Prime Original holiday specials

December 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

As families everywhere hang stockings from the fireplace, place presents under the tree, leave fresh-baked cookies out for Santa, and prepare New Year’s resolutions, Amazon Prime Video Kids will be premiering brand-new Prime Original holiday specials, exclusively on Prime Video. Click Clack Moo: Christmas at the Farm, inspired by the acclaimed children’s book series “Click, Clack, Moo” from New York Times bestselling duo Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, premieres on November 28 and Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year, based on the award-winning “Pete the Cat” book series by Kimberly and James Dean, spreads cheer starting December 26.

Amazon Prime Original Holiday Specials:

  • Click Clack Moo: Christmas at the Farm: It’s Christmas time and the farm animals have a problem: how to buy Farmer Brown the present of his dreams – a Tumbletron 300 clothes dryer. It’s a race against time for them, and for Duck who has his own problem – upping his “nice” numbers for Santa to get off the “naughty” list. (Nov. 28)
  • If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie: If it’s holiday time in Mouse’s house then, that means Christmas cookies (including a special one for Santa, of course), caroling…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant. Can Mouse and his animal friends save the show, without getting utterly distracted along the way? It’s a wild ride as Mouse and his friends embody the friendship and caring at the heart of the holiday season.
  • The Snowy Day: Based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana’s house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.
  • Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year: It’s New Year’s Eve and Pete the Cat needs a New Year’s Resolution, but… he doesn’t even know what a resolution is! So, with the help of his family and friends, Pete sets out on a fun, musical ride to find one. But as the clock ticks down to midnight, Pete is still resolutionless…will he find one in time? (Dec. 26)

 Amazon Prime Original Holiday Episodes:

  •  The Stinky & Dirty Show, Season 2: “Snow Problem” – Stinky and Dirty clear the snow from train tracks in front of FAST, the freight train, then unplug a clogged tunnel so he can reach his destination with a shipment of Christmas trees and ornaments for the Go City town square. “Sleigh Riders” – Early Christmas morning, Stinky and Dirty find a crashed sleigh filled with gifts, and decide to deliver them – but they must find ways to move themselves in snow, and a sled on pavement in order to bring Christmas gifts to the residents of Go City! (episode 1) (Nov. 23)
  • Wishenpoof, Season 2: “A Wish World Christmas” – It’s Christmas time and Bianca, her family and friends are gathered around the town’s Christmas tree to make their wishes. When Bob’s wish breaks and Penelope’s wish gets thrown off course, Bianca becomes determined to do whatever it takes to make their wishes come true! (episodes 12 & 13)
  • Creative Galaxy, Season 1: “Baby Georgia’s First Christmas” –  Baby Georgia gets sad because she has to leave the snow alien Arty made outside, so he goes to Sculpturon and learns to make one she can look at indoors. “Christmas Memories” – Arty wants to treasure Christmas with his friends, so they head to Paperia and learn to turn their photos into a picture book they can look at forever! (episode 13)
  • Tumble Leaf, Season 2: “Snowflake Dance” – An injured Rutabaga can’t do the Snowflake Dance so Maple steps in and learns the dance in unexpected ways. “The Tinsel Tree Topper” – When Fig loses, then breaks a special holiday tree topper, he learns that just being together is a reason to celebrate. (episode 2)
  • Bookaboo, Season 1: “Bookaboo’s Barkin’ New Year’s Eve” special features the incredible Paula Abdul and a whole host of Bookaboo’s celebrity friends who come together to celebrate and countdown to midnight. (episode 9)

Prime members will be able to stream these specials exclusively via the Amazon Prime Video app for compatible TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices, and online at www.amazon.com/primevideokids.

Filed Under: entertainment, holidays Tagged With: , , ,

Off-Broadway’s PUFFS is going HOLLYWOOD

December 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

  

On Saturday, February 3rd and Sunday, February 4th, 2018, PUFFS (or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a CertainSchool of Magic and Magic) will shoot PUFFS: Live Off-Broadway for worldwide audiences.

The event will define the euphoria of achieving the best of two worlds – on one stage.

Co-Directed by the hit show’s director, Kristin McCarthy Parker and cinematographer Kathryn Jones, the five-camera, two-day shoot will capture the hilarious, inexhaustibly accomplished and acclaimed cast; as they dazzlingly and dizzyingly portray 53 certifiably off-balance and uproariously entertaining characters.

Both the hit Off-Broadway show and the anticipated Live Capture are produced by Tilted Windmill Theatricals’ John Arthur Pinckard & David Carpenter.  The groundbreaking and critically celebrated script is by Matt Cox.

The Live Capture project took shape at the insistence of the burgeoning multitude of fans continually asking when the show would be playing in their city.

When the cameras roll, PUFFS will make history as the first Off-Broadway show to offer its fans the rare opportunity of participating in the films’ creation by joining in a Kickstarter Campaign being made available for a limited amount of time.

There are eleven of them.

These are comedic geniuses who have been acclaimed by the New York Press Corps and sold-out audiences alike at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) where they opened on Saturday, July 8th.

On stage, they start out running, somewhere around 80 mph, kidnap the audience and continue the journey gaining momentum until they blow the roof of the theatre.

When producers, David Carpenter and John Arthur Pinckard, established Tilted Windmills Theatricals, they did so to re-energize and re-vitalize both the creative and financial possibilities of the American Theatre.

PUFFS: Live Off-Broadway will prove their Mission Statement and then some; while delivering PUFFS to the entire country.

They produce at the intersection of the Performing Arts and the Popular Arts; a lucrative and now very busy corner.

On September 29th, 2017, they celebrated the First Anniversary of the universally acclaimed comedy’s journey to National presence.

On November 4th, 2017, they celebrated their 100th performance Off-Broadway at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street – between 8th and 9th Avenues.)

THE LIVE CAPTURE


There are 400,000,000 wizard enthusiasts alive today.

They now have the opportunity to support the creation of their OWN LIVE CAPTURE for WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION.

Currently being heralded as one of the funniest productions on sale in America, PUFFS takes a second look at everyone’s favorite world of wizards through the eyes of the Puffs, a lovable group of magical misfits.

When playwright Matt Cox began writing PUFFS in July of 2015 most everyone in the theatrical community knew he was elevating the American comedy to new heights.

His vision was groundbreaking.  His voice was unique.  His results were hilarious.   Even his choice of composer, Brian Hoes, to write the original score was inspired.

Over 25,000 people have seen PUFFS to date.  The Live Capture will increase that number one thousand fold.

PUFFS: Live Off-Broadway will be shot at New World Stages with a live audience.

The Final Cut will be available to rent or download.

PUFFS
or
Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic


For seven years a certain boy wizard went to Wizard School. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of The Puffs who just happened to be there too. This is a play for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. It is a Potter inspired comedy for anyone who has ever felt like a secondary character in someone else’s story. The play gives you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three newheroes just trying to make it through magic school.

The Off-Broadway Playing Schedule
at
New World Stages
(340 West 50th Street)

Mondays at 8:00pm
Thursdays at 8:00pm
Fridays at 8:00pm
Saturdays at 2:00pm
Saturdays at 8:00pm
Sundays at 3:00pm

Note:  Both the Saturday and Sunday matinee shows will be
Special Family Friendly Performances – for audiences of all ages.

Tickets:
Telecharge.com
212-239-6200
General $67    Premium $87

Filed Under: entertainment, theater Tagged With: ,

Destination LA: McCabe’s Guitar Shop

October 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Santa Monica California has sun, surf, and music…

One of this L.A.’s treasures is McCabe’s Guitar Shop where you can expect to find more than just stringed musical instruments and lessons on how to use them. People come to hear from those that have mastered their craft. Concerts at McCabe’s are an intimate small stage affair that feels like what it is, getting up close and personal with an artist. Whether you are a fan of the performer(s) or just looking for a destination to hear live music, this is the place to keep an eye on with a history of greats going back five decades.
For my experience I was lucky enough to catch an all time personal favorite, Langhorne Slim, in a pared down solo performance in the back room. Telling stories and singing from a single chair, which at times could barely contain his energy and need to move, Langhorne entranced fans and first timers alike with a mix of folk, rock, and country twang. How do I know? I’m a fan from back before his first album Electric Love Letter came out in 2004. The couple next to me had been tracking him for a few years, since they first encountered him as an opening act. The group behind me were new to the experience of seeing Langhorne Slim on stage just like my date, and by the end they were total converts.

There are artists that exactly repeat their albums when they perform live, those that sound nothing like it without a sound engineer, and those that transcend recordings of their work when you experience their vitality in person. Langhorne Slim is definitely the third. Don’t get me wrong, he is in all of my playlists and his most recent cd, The Spirit Moves, has a permanent home in my car, but there is nothing like being there. I have caught three performances in LA over the last few years, the most recent which lead to my discovery of McCabe’s Guitar Shop as a venue, and each time I brought a newbie as my guest. All three are now on notice for the next concert and ready to buy their tickets.

The experience was enhanced by the atmosphere at McCabe’s. Wood paneled walls covered in every type of strummable guitar, ukulele, banjo, and more that I don’t have names for, come together to create a world transported back and steeped in history. With tickets running between $20-$30 and affordable afternoon shows for families as well as their night time events McCabe’s Guitar Shop offers a taste of the now while surrounded by the history of the music played there. Come during the day or slip in at night for a show, either way visitors can feel the notes that have sunk into the walls as greats play skillful chords, and newbies their first notes.

Check out the Concert Calendar at McCabe’s Guitar Shop and keep your eyes open for Langhorne Slim’s Tour Schedule for local appearances.

Filed Under: entertainment, travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

The Other F Word Series is Back With Season 2!

October 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Other F Word

Last year I shared with you about The Other F Word, an edgy comedy about a group of friends who find that the angst of raising kids may be nothing compared to the angst of starting over after they are grown.  The show, written and producer by Caytha Jentis, was met with so many rave reviews I’m thrilled they’ve just released Season 2! My only possible complaint is that it ended too soon but I loved being about to binge watch for free through Amazon streaming.

The Other F Word proves that we don’t have to be afraid of getting older – there’s nothing scary about “forty.” And these four friends certainly bring a fun, comedic perspective to the issues surrounding midlife for women. You’ll love the cast including Judy Gold, Steve Guttenberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Michael Boatman, Alysia Reiner and Nancy Giles. Plus, former Comedy Central EVP and comedian Judy Gold joins Jentis as an Executive Producer. The chemistry between these characters is brilliantly portrayed and highlights the importance of friendship at every age. With such an amazing group there’s no doubt Jentis has another hit season on her hands.

The Other F Word

Jentis will say it’s not a success that she achieved on her own, however, as she enlisting the help of some wonderful writers and contributors. While Caytha Jentis wrote the show, she had help from other moms behind the scenes and women entrepreneurs. One of the scenes was co-written by Emmy award-winning tv writer Judy Rothman Rofe who authored Neurotic Parent, while the musical within the series is written by the award-winning playwriting team Pam Weiler Grayson and Alice Jankell.

She also gave back to woman-owned businesses and when you watch The Other F Word, you’ll see many of these products featured: 10th Studio, peach, Adam & Eve Unbound Box, SheSpark, Pink Truck and much more. I love that! Head over to Amazon Prime Streaming and check out the show today. Together we will prove to Hollywood that midlife women matter and we are a demographic tired of ageism and sexism.

The Other F Word

As one Amazon reviewer wrote: “Humorous, realistic, and completely well cast series. Actors had great chemistry and it’s about time someone talked about the post mid-life crisis in a marriage dynamic and how life changes but get’s better!” And I agree – it’s about time! Click here to binge-watch (I mean check out) The Other F Word today absolutely free.

http://www.theotherfwordseries.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theotherfwordseries/

https://twitter.com/tofwseries

 

**Disclaimer – I was compensated for watching this series and giving my honest review. All opinions are my own and do not reflect compensation.

Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: , , , ,

Coastal Country Jam in Huntington Beach

October 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Coastal Country Jam LogoAs if the beaches of Southern California aren’t enough on their own, events like the Coastal Country Jam, held this year on September 23-24, should lure you from near and far. With a great line-up that included such bands as Lady Antebellum, Brett Young, Eli Young Band, and Old Dominion, this two day festival is a must for country music fans or just music lovers. And yes, in case you were wondering, there were plenty of cowboy boots in the sand at Huntington Beach.

Coastal Country Jam in Huntington Beach CaliforniaThe Coastal Country Jam was a small village of interesting shops, food vendors, music stages, and a giant ferris wheel over looking the ocean along Huntington Beach California. Days in the sun, colorful sunsets, and crescent moons were an added appeal to the quality music that blasted from the main stage. This concert brought the best parts of laid back beach life to entertainment. Loads of beach chairs, giant beanbag chairs for two, and hammocks were set out for comfortable listening. A plus being that all seats had to be low so even from the ground the views were great.

If you wanted to dance your heart out and get up close and personal with the stars there was plenty of standing room right up front. The stage was complete with runway so even if you couldn’t get right in there early next to the main speakers, you could get great shots when the musicians made there way out into the crowd. I loved being able to go back and forth between my beanbag and the “front row”.Lady Antebellum at the Coastal Country Jam

The highlight of the night for me was Lady Antebellum. The band has personality, a kicking brass section, and familiar tunes. They also did some amazing cover songs as part of their act. Some you might expect like    Still the One by Shania Twain, others might be a surprise like Take It Easy by the Eagles and Honky Tonk Woman by The Rolling Stones.

Overall Coastal Country Jam was a beautiful setting, gorgeous SoCal weather, and top notch talent. The artists were a treat to listen to for two days and I can’t wait for the series to come around again next year!

Follow Coastal Country Jam on Social Media to keep up with future events on Facebook and Instagram,

Check out the full Concert Lineup:

Coastal Country Jam Saturday Lineup

Coastal Country Jam Sunday Lineup

Filed Under: entertainment, Uncategorized

5 Tips to Choosing the Best Antivirus Software for your Mac While Staying Within a Modest Budget

August 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Your mac is a costly investment, which is why you need to take care of it, inside and out. When it comes to protecting it from viruses, malwares, spywares and other online threats, you need to be smart. However, many people misconstrue being smart by spending a lot of money on antivirus packages and programs; even if they don’t need the other features. You can find a list of top antivirus products at https://computer-fixperts.com/security/best-antivirus-software/. Fortunately, many reputable antivirus brands are already affordable. You just need to be critical and find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the ways to finding the best antivirus program for your mac while staying within a budget:

  1. Try Free

Obviously, the most low-cost way of getting an antivirus for your mac is to try out free software. A lot of brands today offer free antivirus program that offers basic protection for your mac. If your computer usage is not too heavy, a free software may suffice. Make sure to try out different free programs to find one that works well for you.

  1. Monitor Your Mac Activities

Before rushing into buying an antivirus software for your mac, determine what you really need first. Monitor your mac activities to help you determine the level of protection you need. A lot of people do not realize that a low- cost or free software may suffice since they have very light mac activities. Through this, you will be able to make the most of your money.

  1. Compare Prices

When shopping for the right antivirus for your mac, be diligent enough to do some price comparisons. Some brands cost higher than others that may just give you the same level of protection and added features. However, this does not mean sticking to the cheapest you can find if you are not comfortable or convinced that it can deliver the protection it says. Check out as many brands as possible and compare them. Choose the ones with an affordable price that offers decent service for your mac.

  1. Buy Only the Features that You Need

What you can’t get for free, but still need it, you can spend money on it. But never on features that you do not really need. Make sure you know the basic things that you need and the added features you require and base your purchase on that.

  1. Ask for Recommendations

If you are uncertain whether you are buying the right thing or not, do not hesitate to ask for recommendations. You can ask family or friends who have knowledge in these to give you the best options that suit your modest budget. This may save you time and money from shopping and buying the wrong ones.

Getting the best antivirus software doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. You just need to be practical in a lot of aspects and be careful in your purchases.

Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: ,

THE LEGEND OF ZELDATM MANGA CREATORS TO APPEAR AT NEW YORK COMIC CON 2017

July 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, and ReedPOP, the world’s leading producer of pop culture events, announce the appearance of the creative team behind THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series, known as Akira Himekawa, at New York Comic Con this October.

Akira Himekawa is the collaboration of two women, A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair will make their first professional appearance at New York Comic Con for a series of special events and autograph sessions.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) manga series, based on the classic Nintendo® role playing, puzzle-solving, action video game, take place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the TriforceTM. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named LinkTM sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to ZeldaTM, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!

LEGENDARY EDITIONS of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) manga presents the classic 10-volume manga series in a line of five deluxe omnibus 2-in-1 releases featuring new covers and color illustrations.

VIZ Media also publishes the latest ZELDA manga series – THE LEGEND OF ZELDATM: TWILIGHT PRINCESS (rated ‘T’ for Teen) – which picks up the adventure with a new story arc. Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards’ power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light.

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA is widely loved among manga, comic, and gaming fans and we’re very excited to welcome the manga series’ creators on Thursday and Friday of New York Comic Con this year,” says Lance Fensterman, Global Head of ReedPOP. “Our fans won’t want to miss these special appearances and we look forward to announcing additional details very soon.”

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for New York Comic Con attendees of all ages to celebrate the spirit of adventure with this enduring and beloved property,” says Leyla Aker, Executive Vice President, Publishing, VIZ Media. “Fans will be treated to some personal insights from the creators about the classic THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga as well as their bestselling new THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS series. Join the celebration this October!”

New York Comic Con will take place October 5-8, 2017. To attend NYCC, Fans must complete a Fan Verification profile for the opportunity to purchase Tickets. Fan Verification is now open at NewYorkComicCon.com/FanVerification.

Additional exciting details about Akira Himekawa’s schedule and other New York Comic Con events, talent and sponsors will be announced in the coming months. For more information, please visit NewYorkComicCon.com and NYCC’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

For additional information on THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

Filed Under: entertainment

Protect Local Water- Heads Up, NJ

July 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment
On Sunday July 9th movements across NJ will unite to protect water and life from the Pilgrim Pipelines proposal, and call for an end to all forms of unsafe Bakken oil transport through our water sources and our communities.
 
A large coalition of organizations will unite on July 9th to say: 
Water Is Life!                                                             
No Pilgrim Pipelines, No Oil “bomb” Trains, and No Oil Barges through our communities and water sources! 
Just Transition to 100% Renewable Energy!
 
Sign up to join us at either the opening or closing ceremony (along the Ramapo River in Mahwah or at Saint Peter’s University in Englewood Cliffs) or come for the entire Water Is Life Caravan. 
 
Details and register for the Water Is Life Caravan at: http://bit.ly/WaterisLifeCaravan
 
Details and register for the closing ceremony at: http://bit.ly/WaterisLifeClosingCeremony. 
 
Here’s a few ways you can help promote this event.
  • Forward this e-mail and attached flyer to your contacts and to organizations.
  • Share our Facebook even on social media:  http://bit.ly/WaterIsLifeCaravanSocial
  • Make a commitment to arrive at Continental Soldiers Field at the Ramapo River with a vehicle full of people. Let us know how many people will be in your vehicle with you.
  • Make phone calls to help get people to sign up to participate!  Email msm…@fwwatch.org if you need a list of people to call.
  • Hand out and post flyers at libraries, schools, labor unions, farmers markets, meetings, events in your town, at parks, etc.
  • Go door to door to publicize the demonstration and sign people up participate.

All vehicles are welcome in the Caravan. Electric and hybrid cars will lead theway! Help us find people with electric or hybrid vehicles who will join. (If you have a great contact with an electric vehicle company, help us get their participation.) Each vehicle in the Caravan will receive a map of the Caravan route, a Water & Oil Don’t Mix or a No Oil Pipelines, Rails, or Barges window flag for their car, and a caravan brochure. The educational brochure will detail the specific risks of transport of Bakken crude oil and other fossil fuels along the Caravan route, the importance of keeping Bakken crude and other fossil fuels in the ground, and  the urgency of a just and rapid transition to 100% renewable energy.


Water Is Life Caravan Co-sponsors: 350 NJ, Bergen County Green Party, Bronx Climate Justice North, Coalition Against the Pilgrim Pipeline – CAPPCoalition to Ban Unsafe Oil Trains, Environment NJ, Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Food and Water Watch, NJ, Franciscan Response to Fracking, GreenFaith, Green Party of Essex County, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Jersey Justice Action Network, Mom’s Clean AirForce, NJ State Industrial Union Council, North Jersey Green Alliance, Occupy Bergen County, People’s Organization for Progress, Puffin Cultural Forum, Resistance Café, Sane Energy Project, Sierra Club, NJ, Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Peace, Waterspirit.
Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: ,