The blockbuster second film of The Hunger Games franchise that took the world by storm ignites once again when The Hunger Games: Catching Fire arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD UltraViolet), DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet), Digital HD, Video on Demand and Pay-Per-View Friday, March 7 from Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF). Academy Award® winning Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence (2012’s Silver Linings Playbook) headlines the all-star cast in this action-adventure which became the #1 movie of 2013 and the 12th highest-grossing film of all time at the domestic box office. The first film with a female lead to top the annual box office since 1973, the film has grossed nearly $420 million at the North American box office and over $850 million worldwide to date.
The second installment of the worldwide phenomenon is packed with over two hours of extensive, must-see bonus materials that include a Blu-ray-exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, “Surviving the Game: Making Catching Fire,”deleted scenes, an audio commentary with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson as well as a sneak peek at the highly-anticipated theatrical action film Divergent from Lionsgate’s Summit label. The Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.
Hailed as “a monumental achievement” (The Playlist), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire features a critically-acclaimed cast including Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right), Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2), Academy Award® nominee Woody Harrelson (The People vs Larry Flynt, 1996), Emmy® nominee Elizabeth Banks (TV’s“30 Rock”), Lenny Kravitz (Precious), Academy Award® nominee Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones, 2009) and Golden Globe® winner Donald Sutherland (Path to War), reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games. The impressive line-up is joined by Academy Award® winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote, 2005), Jeffrey Wright (Codeblack Films’ The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete), Jena Malone (Into The Wild), Amanda Plummer (Pulp Fiction) and Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman).
Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael DeBruyn and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.
I grew up watching old cartoons of course Rocky and Bullwinkle was a favorite and somehow those opened up into little shorts of talking dog Mr. Peabody and his little friend Sherman (a little boy) traveling in time using the WABAC machine. Fast forward to today… when Dreamworks Animation releases Mr. Peabody and Sherman on the silver screens across America.
Mr. Peabody (voiced by Ty Burrell, Emmy Award Winner –Modern Family), the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman (Max Charles –The Amazing Spiderman), use their time machine—the WABAC—to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes The WABAC out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history. Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era: figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time traveling trio will make their mark on history.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman stars the voices of Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, Patrick Warburton, Stanley Tucci, Allison Janney, Mel Brooks, Lake Bell, Zach Callison, Dennis Haysbert.
I really loved this movie – it had what I thought was a great spirit of fatherhood in the movie. I think this will be a tv show in no time (Netflix should be all over this) because there is a central theme which is its a great history lesson. My five and a half year old son thought the movie was great… even said he’d like to have an adventure like that one day. Which in the end is all you want from a movie to be transported away for an hour or two into a fun and happy place (at least the movies I take to see with my children).
I attended a screening a couple of weeks ago and was able to sit down with Rob Minkoff, the Director of Mr. Peabody & Sherman. He told us that this movie was 12 years in the making! He knew the characters as a kid and thought it would do well as a movie. You might have heard of another one of Rob’s movie The Lion King… yahhhhhh that his too… I also got to interview Ty Burrell, who mentioned his opinion about the overall message about the movie. “I would say that the core of the movie is the universal idea that love and caring and trying hard as in any real relationship is the most important thing that the externals are irrelevant. In this case, it’s a father-son relationship.” Along with Ty was Max. Max might be the hardest working kid I have ever met (I think he’s 10 years old) and works 5 or 6 days a week between all his different projects. I got to as Max a question that I am sure kids always want to know is how can they can do what Max does. He offered up advice to kids and adults should take note of “Follow their dreams and do what they want to do.”
Connect with Mr. Peabody Online!
Visit the official website
Like Mr. Peabody & Sherman on Facebook
Follow @DWAnimationon Twitter, and hashtag: #MrPeabody
The health benefits of pet ownership are well-documented, including reduced stress, lowered blood pressure and increased self-esteem. Richard Peterson, Vice President of Education for Kiddie Academy (www.KiddieAcademy.com), a national educational child care provider, offers a new perspective — a dog can serve as a living, breathing teaching tool.
“Living with a dog can be extremely beneficial for children’s educational development. In fact, many classrooms include visits from Reading Education Assistance Dogs or therapy dogs to help us teach lessons about community helpers, character education and literacy.”
Kiddie Academy’s Richard Peterson offers five lessons children can learn from the family pooch:
Sequencing:
Learning how to properly sequence is an important literacy skill children need to practice in order to master reading comprehension. Dog ownership offers real world examples. For instance, to take the dog for a walk, I first need to be properly dressed, summon the dog, clip on the leash and walk outside. Parents can reinforce the lesson of sequencing by talking about what happens should you miss a step in the process – i.e., if the dog’s not on a leash before you leave the house, she may run outside and be hurt.
Cause and Effect:
Understanding why things happen the way they do is a life skill every child develops over time. Analysis of cause and effect relationships is a task a child will practice throughout school (and life). Pets offer daily demonstrations of cause and effect in action. For example, I forgot to pick up my toy and as a result, the dog chewed it up.
Empathy:
Dogs excel at teaching the character trait of empathy. Pets often sense our moods, and offer a soothing presence in times of stress – making them great role models for children. Point out these canine behaviors to your child, and encourage them to think and talk about how they can incorporate them into their own lives.
Math and Science:
A family dog is a four-legged science experiment! Whether you explore together how wild animals became domesticated, or the non verbal communication skills they employ, your pet can provide countless science lessons. And something as simple as measuring the proper amount of food to give is an everyday application of math principles.
Listening:
By design, dogs pay close attention and learn about their environment in order to survive. Listening and following directions is also important for school success. Children can test the application of listening skills by teaching simple commands to a dog, such as sit and stay. Fido also makes the perfect audience to keep a child’s secrets and listen to their stories.
On the same day it won two Academy Awards® including Best Animated Feature, “Frozen,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 53rd feature film, crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office. The biggest non-sequel animated film ever released and the second biggest animated film of all time globally, “Frozen” has earned an estimated $388.8 million at the domestic box office and $611.5 million internationally for a global total of $1,000.3 million. It is The Walt Disney Studios’ seventh release to reach the $1 billion mark, joining “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Iron Man 3,” Disney’s second and fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 3,” and Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
“With ‘Frozen,’ we knew we had something truly special on our hands, and it has connected with fans and filmgoers around the world in a way we only dreamed was possible,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “Animation is the cornerstone of our company, and thanks to the vision, dedication, and talent of our tremendous cast and filmmaking team, Disney Animation has come roaring back with a new classic for fans of all ages.”
Universally embraced by audiences and critics alike, “Frozen” is the winner of two Academy Awards®, for Best Animated Feature and Original Song (“Let It Go”). This the first animated feature Oscar® win for Walt Disney Animation Studios in the category’s 13-year history. The film has also won Golden Globe®, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and Producers Guild of America awards for best animated film, five Annie Awards, and four Visual Effects Society Awards, among many other honors. The film is directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and produced by Peter Del Vecho.
“Frozen” opened wide domestically on November 27, 2013, following a five-day exclusive engagement at Disney’s El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. In its record-setting nationwide opening, “Frozen” became the #1 all-time Thanksgiving debut with a $93.6M five-day gross and a $67.4M Friday–Sunday gross over the holiday period. It was Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest opening ever. “Frozen” was the #1 movie in its second weekend of wide release and, after posting stellar numbers throughout the holiday season, returned to the top spot four weeks later in its sixth weekend. Due to popular demand, a special sing-along version of the film opened in theaters nationwide January 31, its 10th weekend of wide release. “Frozen” has remained in the top 10 films at the domestic box office for all 14 weeks of its wide release, the longest run by any film in four years.
Internationally, “Frozen” is the biggest animated film released by The Walt Disney Studios in more than 25 territories, including Russia, China, and Brazil, and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest release in over 50 territories, including UK/Ireland, Australia, Mexico, and Argentina, as well as the Latin America region as a whole. In Korea, “Frozen” was #1 for the first five weeks of release and is now the biggest animated film, the second biggest non-local film, and Disney’s biggest release of all time. It’s also the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Denmark and Venezuela, and the biggest non-sequel animated film in the U.K./Ireland. “Frozen” debuts in one remaining international territory, Japan, on March 14.
As a parent you’re seeking answers about why your kids do the things they do? While we may never understand their choices in clothing or hair color, we do have some insight on why smoking may be on your child’s radar.
Blaming peer pressure is old school. According to Dr. Michael Popkin, published parenting expert and spokesperson for the youth smoking prevention program “Real Parents Real Answers,” kids may choose to smoke for a number of reasons, but six of the most common include: peer conformity, popular media, lack of confidence, self medication, boredom and misinformation.
Peer Conformity – Peer pressure may still exist, but peer conformity is having an even greater influence on kids. Instead of “friends” convincing your kids they should smoke, your child may willingly choose to smoke because of internal pressure they’re putting on themselves to fit in.
Popular Media – Parents may have limited control about the social group their child chooses to hang out with, but a parent can monitor their child’s media intake. Studies show that kids who have seen three or more R-rated movies may be more likely to start smoking than those who had not.
Lack of Confidence – Boosting your child’s self confidence can make them less susceptible to experimenting with cigarettes. A confident child understands that the short-term benefit of fitting in does not outweigh the long-term costs of smoking.
Self Medication – Being a tween and teen is challenging. Turning to cigarettes, drugs or alcohol to help lessen stress or as an escape from reality is an easy and accessible way for kids to make a quick fix.
Boredom – Some children have a tough time being alone or staying occupied, making them a top candidate to experiment with smoking. The social aspect of smoking can create bonds between peers and fills the boredom void.
Misinformation – This is the most preventable reason kids choose to smoke. Peers exert a greater influence on behaviors than a parent, which means it’s critical your child be knowledgeable on the very real dangers of smoking.
As a Wisest Kid Ambassador, my kid picked to make the Mini Macaroni & Cheese Cups. Everyone loves mac and cheese – who doesnt love these its CHEESE and PASTA – that’s like not liking ice cream!
Ok back on point… ARE YOU READY!?
Mini Macaroni & Cheese Cups Recipe
What You’ll Need
Vegetable cooking spray (we used olive oil instead)
3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon butter, melted
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups rotini or medium shell-shaped pasta, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
How to Make It
Heat the oven to 400°F. Spray 8 (2 1/2-inch) muffin-pan cups with the cooking spray and lightly coat with 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Stir the remaining breadcrumbs and the butter in a small bowl.
Stir the soup, milk, black pepper, rotini and 3/4 of the cheese in a medium bowl. Spoon about 1/3 cup rotini mixture into each muffin-pan cup. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the rotini mixture is hot and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before removing the minis from the pan.
Since launching in November 2013, 50ROOTS.com has become the premier source for “made in America” products for women, men, children, pets and the home.
“50ROOTS.com was designed to leverage American innovation while supporting local economies, designers and manufacturers,” said 50ROOTS.com co-founder Christa Gray Page. “We’re applying a cutting-edge approach to the principles of sustainability and strong communities.”
50ROOTS.com’s high-quality products are all manufactured by environmentally and socially responsible businesses located in the United States. A significant proportion of products are created using repurposed or upcycled materials.
The idea behind 50ROOTS.com is to tell the story of the small businesses whose products are featured.
Consumers are driving the demand for “made in America” products. Given a choice between an American-made product and an identical one made abroad, 78 percent of Americans would rather buy the American product, according to a national survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
50ROOTS.com’s products are carefully screened and fully tested in order to ensure only the nation’s finest selection. The company currently sells products created by businesses in more than a third of the U.S. states, with plans to feature at least one item from each of the 50 states.
After more than a decade in merchandising and product development, primarily in the fashion industry, Gray Page became concerned with the repercussions of outsourcing. 50ROOTS.com was born from the co-founders’ desire for high-quality, American-made products developed through responsible business practices.
Join the Autobots’ best rescue team- CHASE, HEATWAVE, BLADES and BOULDER —for more fun-filled adventures!
TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS: Heroes on the Scene, produced by Hasbro Studios, will be released on DVD March 18th, 2014by Shout! Factory Kids. Featuring five exciting episodes that the whole family can enjoy, this DVD is priced to own with a suggested retail price of $14.93.
In this collection, the Rescue Bots go undercover to protect the quiet little town of Griffin Rock from the green ooze known as the Squilsh, recover treasure stolen by pirates and help Griffin Rock recover from an earthquake! Along with their human friends, the Burns family, the Rescue Bots help keep people safe, and along the way they learn what it really means to be a hero!
Executive produced by Jeff Kline (TRANSFORMERS PRIME), TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS features the vocal talents of LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Lacey Chabert (Party of Five), Steve Blum (TRANSFORMERS PRIME), Maurice LaMarche (Emmy® Award winner for Futurama) and the legendary Peter Cullen who voices OPTIMUS PRIME when he makes cameo appearances in the series. The TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS series is currently airing on The HUB TV Network.
2bme, LLC, is pleased to announce the release of their first publication and educational children’s book, Ned & Rosco. This is an entertaining and educational children’s book, where kids and adults alike can learn about the psychology of human personality. It is written and illustrated to reflect the various human personality types, focusing on extroversion and introversion. Ned & Rosco follows the story of a studious, introverted turtle, Ned, and a lively, extroverted puppy, Rosco. Despite their polar opposite personalities, Ned and Rosco become friends when they realize they can help each other, utilizing each other’s differing individual perspectives.
Ned & Rosco teaches readers, children and adults, about human personality and the importance of cooperation. Young readers gain insights into their developing personalities and learn how to interact with others that are different from them. With new knowledge about human personalities, curious readers can find out their personality type by visiting the affiliated 2bme website.
Robin Robinson, author of Ned & Rosco, explains the inspiration behind her story. “In my early career, I worked with young children in the U.S. and Japan as an early childhood literacy teacher. Later, as a medical school student affairs coordinator, I was introduced to the Myers Briggs personality test as a way to build effective teams among medical students. I had long wanted to write a children’s book and when I saw the adorable puppy and turtle characters in the 2bme personality test, I was inspired to write a story that could help parents and teachers nurture the nature in the children they love.”
By imparting personality insights at such an early age, Ned & Rosco helps children become more socially aware and contemplative. Parents and teachers can also build a stronger relationship with their children, as they begin understanding individual personalities and motivations. Accessible and playful, Ned & Rosco provides children with an entertaining fable where they can self-reflect and begin to grasp the qualities that make them each unique. Not only do adults bond with their children as they read together, but both kids and adults obtain a deeper connection when reading Ned & Rosco, as they learn about each other’s particular personality.
Ned & Rosco is currently available in hard cover on Amazon and on NedandRosco.com. In addition, a free, animated video can also be found on the Ned & Rosco website.
There are few medicines that I ever take… I’ve always hated the taste as a kid and I can barely take a pill without a gag reflect (I don’t know) I’m weird like that… so early on I kind of found my way to Robitussin®. Of course it’s always done the job that I have needed it to do… Robitussin has effectively treated cough, cold and flu symptoms for more than 50 years, and is doctor recommended and the #1 pharmacist recommended brand among cough, cold and flu liquid combination products.
Like many this season, I got sick (and not just in terms of the amount of snow)….and I turned to Robitussin to help me feel better. I think the worst part about being sick is when you cough so much at night you can’t sleep—and Robitussincan obviously read my mind. New this season, Robitussin has introduced a maximum strength DM nighttime formula to control cough to help you get the sleep you need to feel better.
Of course once I get a cold I get a cough – fun fact – up to 50% of people who have a cold will develop a cough. The worst is that a prolonged cough could cause some serious issues like chest pan, exhaustion, light-headedness, and well you certainly won’t be popular at work or in social settings. Thankfully, to help families avoid the “COUGHequences” of cold and flu this season, Robitussin has a variety of products tailored to effectively treat different symptom combinations.
Did you know? The common cold is a leading cause of doctor visits, with over 100 million visits paid to the doctor each year. It also causes 22 million missed days from school, as well as 20 million lost work days in the United States annually.
Prevalence: At the peak of the 2012-2013 cold and flu season, nearly 50 million adults and children experienced cold and flu symptoms – that’s six times greater than the population of NYC! Most adults have 2-4 colds per year, while children average 6-10 colds annually. On average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu annually.
Cause: Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the throat, nose and lungs. Common colds can be caused by over 200 different viruses.
Visit www.COUGHequences.com to see the consequences of not treating your symptoms, and the benefits of treating with Robitussin. Watch the COUGHequence videos and you’ll be entered to win one of three sweepstakes – including a $10,000 trip for two!
